POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE LABORATORY OF PROKARYOTIC GENE REGULATION

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE LABORATORY OF PROKARYOTIC GENE REGULATION

 

The Laboratory of Prokaryotic Gene Regulation (website) at the International Institute of Molecular
and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw led by Dr. Ewelina Małecka is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team.

You will join the project entitled “RNA biology at the phage–bacteria interface” carried out as the OPUS grant (2025/57/B/NZ1/03589) of the National Science Centre, Poland led by Dr. Ewelina Małecka.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Antibiotic resistance in pathogens such as Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical global health challenge. Bacteriophages - the natural predators of bacteria - offer promising solutions, but whole-phage therapy carries risks of spreading resistance genes. Our project takes a different approach: mining phage genomes for molecular effectors that disrupt bacterial physiology.

 

We hypothesize that phages encode novel RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that hijack host RNA metabolism. Using time-resolved transcriptomics, interactome mapping, and single-molecule biophysics, we will dissect the molecular arms race between phages and A. baumannii. This integrated strategy combines RNA-Seq, CRAC, RIL-Seq, and smTIRF microscopy to reveal new mechanisms of RNA regulation and identify targets for next-generation antimicrobials.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Design and execute experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, and single-molecule imaging.
2. Perform RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analysis of phage-infected bacterial transcriptomes.
3. Map RNA-protein and RNA-RNA interaction networks using CRAC, RIL-Seq, and co-IP/MS.
4. Reconstitute key interactions in vitro and analyze them using smTIRF microscopy.
5. Collaborate with international partners and mentor junior researchers.
6. Present results at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.
7. Initiate and drive new subprojects

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We are looking for a researcher who:

1. Holds (or is about to obtain) a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics.
2. Fulfills the formal criteria outlined in paragraph 2, point 2.1.1 of the NCN regulations https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala84_2024-zal1_ang.pdf
3. Has strong expertise in RNA biology, protein biochemistry, or phage biology; experience with single-molecule techniques is a plus.
4. Is curious about RNA regulation and antimicrobial strategies.
5. Has a solid publication record and can work independently.
6. Communicates fluently in English (written and oral)
7. Is enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Education and formal qualifications.
2. Technical expertise and relevance of experience to the project.
3. Scientific achievements (e.g., publications, awards, grants, international collaborations).
4. Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
5. Soft skills, including:

o Clarity and impact of motivation letter.

o Communication and teamwork abilities.

o Organizational and time-management skills.

o Compatibility with the research group’s goals and vision.

WE OFFER:

1. Full-time employment for 6 months with the possibility of extension for the whole duration of the project (4 year in total).
2. Competitive salary of approximately 9700 PLN gross/month.
3. 13th salary after working for at least 6 calendar months in a given year, private medical care, and Multisport benefit.
4. 100% research focus - no teaching duties.
5. Support from a lab manager and technical assistant.
6. Access to cutting-edge equipment (custom-built TIRF microscope, core facilities).
7. Strong mentorship toward independent funding applications (e.g., NCN, EMBO, MSCA).
8. Opportunities for international training, courses, and conferences.

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,
• description of your key achievements,
  • contact details at least two referees, including one of your supervisors

3. Please include the following statement in your application: “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://bit.ly/3UFWpY2.
4. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww.

Deadline: January 5, 2026

Start date: February 2026 (flexible)

For inquiries, contact emalecka@iimcb.gov.pl

Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the European Charter for Researchers rules and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy https://cutt.ly/A8Zo28b

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