Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering http://iimcb.genesilico.pl at the International Institute
of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Prof. Janusz M. Bujnicki, offers a position for a
Postdoctoral Researcher
in the computational design of RNA-protein complexes
Deadline for applications: May 20th, 2026. Preferred job starting date: June 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will be involved in interdisciplinary studies of RNA-protein complex structures, combining computational design with experimental validation of specific RNA–protein complexes. Your work will focus on understanding how proteins recognize RNA sequence and three-dimensional structure.
This position is suited to candidates with strong experience in RNA and protein structural bioinformatics. In particular, we are interested in expertise in simulating RNA folding and RNA–protein interactions in 3D using coarse-grained models, as well as in developing statistical potentials for protein–nucleic acid interactions. We especially encourage applications from candidates whose background aligns with our research program on the design of RNA–protein complexes. An interest in applying for external funding, such as fellowships or research grants, is highly desirable.
Our laboratory studies the structures and mechanisms of biological macromolecules, in particular RNA and macromolecular complexes involving nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. We use experimental approaches such as chemical probing, crystallography, cryo-EM, circular dichroism, and SAXS to characterize the structures and functions of RNAs and their complexes. We also develop and use computer programs for data analyses, in particular for macromolecular modeling and design based on experimental data.
We offer:
• Full-time contract (“umowa o pracę”) for 36 months, including the first fixed-term contract of 6 months and an intended extension depending on performance.
• Gross monthly remuneration of 9 700 PLN. Additional bonuses such as the 13th salary after working for the Institute for six months in a given calendar year, or Christmas bonus may supplement this salary.
• Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual medical care package and membership in the MultiSport program
• Work in a multidisciplinary, international team, in a dynamic organization, with multiple opportunities for professional development, participation in courses, scientific training and academic mentoring
• Administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel
We require:
• Ph.D. in any relevant area (e.g., biology, computer science, etc.), defended no more than 12 years before the start of the contract (according to the rules of the funding agency).
• Fulfillment of formal criteria of the competition in particular section 2.1.1: https://shorturl.at/iog2V
• Experience in all the following areas: 1. RNA and protein structural bioinformatics, in particular molecular modeling, 2. computational simulations of RNA-protein interactions, and prediction of RNA-protein complex 3D structures, 3. programming in C/C++ and/or Python, and 4. development of potentials for scoring inter- and intra-molecular interactions in molecular models of protein-nucleic acid interactions.
• Proactive approach to achieving objectives, good interpersonal skills, collaborative and adaptive attitude
• Very good organizational skills, especially project and time management skills
• Very good command of English (written and oral communication) and presentation skills
Selection criteria:
How to apply:
• Apply via system erecruiter: erecruiter
• Your application must be submitted in English and should contain: 1) a CV including a publication list, 2) a cover letter including a short description of your key achievements and expertise in the four areas listed in this advertisement, 3) contacts to at least two potential referees, including your Ph.D. supervisor. At this stage, please do not attach copies of diplomas, etc.
• Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link https://tinyurl.com/2eawcm2x.
• We will contact only selected best candidates, who may be given additional questions and tasks as a part of the recruitment process
Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be selected from candidates in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the rules of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as a part of HR Excellence in Research strategy https://career.iimcb.gov.pl/hr-excellence-in-research/ The competition may be extended or repeated until suitable candidates who fulfill all requirements are found.
This position is offered within a project entitled “Unraveling the influence of posttranscriptional modifications on RNA 3D structure formation and its dynamics, with the integrated use of theoretical and experimental approaches” carried out as the OPUS grant of the Polish National Science Centre (2025/57/B/NZ1/03556).
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