POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER in the Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis

The Laboratory of Cellular Proteostasis (https://wrobel-lab.iimcb.gov.pl/) at the International Institute of Molecular  and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw led by Dr. Lidia Wrobel is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team.

You will join the project entitled “Subcellular localization and function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in aging and neurodegeneration” carried  out as the SONATA BIS grant no 2025/58/E/NZ3/00511  of the National Science Centre, Poland led  by Dr. Lidia Wrobel.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher in our group, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of state-of-the-art human neuronal models of ageing and neurodegeneration, using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and patient-derived fibroblasts. Your research will focus on understanding how the Ubiquitin–Proteasome System changes during neuronal ageing and in neurodegenerative diseases.

You will apply genome-wide CRISPR‑Cas9 screening approaches to identify novel regulators of proteasome activity and investigate how modulation of these factors can restore proteasome function in ageing and diseased neurons. The ultimate goal of this work is to uncover new therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative disorders.

The position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of stem cell biology, functional genomics, and neurodegeneration research, within a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.

 

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

We are looking for a researcher who:

1. PhD degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related field (completed or expected soon).
2. Fulfil the formal criteria of the competition https://ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala84_2024-zal1_ang.pdf  (in particular point 1.1)
3. Motivation and background knowledge in protein quality control and neurodegenerative diseases will be considered a strong advantage.
4. Hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture, preferably including stem cells (e.g., iPSCs) or primary cells.
5. Practical experience with biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
6. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate and well-documented experimental records.
7. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.
8. Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Education and formal qualifications, including a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.
2. Technical expertise and relevance of prior research experience to the project, particularly in areas such as cell biology, neurobiology, proteostasis, stem cell models, or functional genomics.
3. Scientific achievements, including peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, awards, grants, and evidence of international research collaboration.
4. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, sufficient for effective scientific communication and publication.
5. Soft skills, including:
   • Clarity, motivation, and scientific vision expressed in the motivation letter.
   • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative research environment.
   • Good organizational and time-management skills.
   • Compatibility with the research group’s scientific goals and working culture.

WE OFFER:

1. Full-time employment contract initially for 6 months, with the possibility of extension until the end of the project.
2. Competitive salary of approximately 9700 PLN gross/month.
3. Additional benefits: 13th salary (after at least 6 months of employment in a given year), private medical care, and Multisport card.
4. 100% research position with no teaching obligations.
5. Technical support from a lab manager and research assistant.
6. Access to state-of-the-art equipment and core facilities (IN-MOL-CELL).
7. Mentorship and support in applying for independent funding (e.g., NCN, EMBO, MSCA).
8. Opportunities for international training, courses, and conference participation.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Education and other formal credentials.

2. Technical competence, experience and fit of the expertise to the position.

3. Scientific achievements - publications, awards, grants, foreign internships, courses etc.

4. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

5. Soft skills – motivation letter, communication and cooperation skills, ability for effective teamwork, likelihood to fit an add value to the group, effective work organization, compatibility of plans for individual development with the goals of the group.

The deadline for applications is April  10^th, 2026. Job starting date is July 1^st, 2026, or as soon as possible after this date.

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Apply via recruitment system: erecruiter
2. Your application must be submitted in English and should contain: 

• CV (including list of publications and list of skills)
• motivation letter (max one page)
• description of your key achievements
  • contact details at least two referees, including one of your supervisor 

3. 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 https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ

Candidates will be selected 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/

Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww.

The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements is found