Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Laboratory of Prokaryotic Gene Regulation 

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

 

You will join the project entitled “Dynamics of RNA degrading complexes in bacteria” carried
out as the SONATA BIS grant (2022/46/E/NZ1/00462) of the National Science Centre, Poland, led
by Dr. Ewelina Małecka.

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Inside every bacterial cell, RNA molecules lead remarkably busy lives. From the moment one is made, it is read, bound, protected, silenced - and, sooner or later, destroyed. The timing of these events decides which genes are actually expressed. Why do some RNAs survive for minutes while others vanish in seconds? And how do the machineries that silence, translate and degrade RNA communicate with one another?

 

This project follows individual molecules as those decisions are made. Combining single-molecule fluorescence microscopy (TIRF), biochemical reconstitution and fluorescent labelling, we watch RNAs, ribosomes and RNA-degrading machines interact in real time - on the millisecond scale that conventional, population-averaged methods wash out.

 

We want to reveal:

• how small RNAs and their chaperone Hfq direct the degradation machinery to specific messages
• what tips the balance between an RNA being preserved or destroyed
• whether translation and decay compete or cooperate on the same transcript

 

These are fundamental questions about how cells control gene expression, with implications that reach from bacterial stress responses and antibiotic resistance to the design of RNA-based technologies.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will investigate the molecular logic by which bacteria decide the fate of their RNAs - whether to translate, store or destroy them - and you will see it happen one molecule at a time.

Day to day, this means:

• Designing and running experiments across biochemistry, molecular biology and single-molecule imaging
• Analyzing rich datasets: kinetics, FRET trajectories, colocalization
• Initiating and driving your own subprojects within the project's scope
• Mentoring PhD students and working closely with the group and with our partners abroad
• Presenting at international conferences and preparing high-impact publications

Candidate profile:

1. Holds (or is about to obtain)  PhD in biology, biophysics, biochemistry.
2. More information can be found via this link: Fulfills the formal criteria for the competition
3. The candidate must meet the eligibility conditions set by the National Science Centre (NCN) for persons employed in a post-doc type position. In particular, the person employed in this position obtained their PhD degree in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. This period may be extended by the time spent during that period on long-term (over 90 days) documented sick leave or rehabilitation benefits related to incapacity for work. Additionally, this period may be extended by the number of months spent on child-care and child-rearing leave granted under the rules specified in the Labour Code, and in the case of women—by 18 months for each child born or adopted, if this method of indicating breaks in a scientific career is more advantageous.
4. Has solid expertise in RNA or protein biochemistry; experience with single-molecule techniques will be a plus
5. Is driven by curiosity about RNA regulation mechanisms
6. Has a strong publication record and a demonstrated ability to work independently
7. Communicates fluently in English (written and oral)
8. Is enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment

Selection criteria

1. Technical competence, experience and fit of the expertise to the position.
2. Scientific achievements - publications, awards, grants, etc.
3. Soft skills – command of English language, motivation letter, communication skills, teamwork, likelihood to fit to the group, compatibility of plans for individual development with the goals of the group.

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.

We offer

1. Full employment contract initially for 6 months with a possible extension.
2. Full-time salary 9 700 gross per month.
3. Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations).
4. 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.
5. Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations).
6. Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual private medical care package and membership in the MultiSport programme.
7. Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel.
8. Participation in courses, scientific training, support from peers, and academic mentoring.

Deadline for applications is September 18th, 2026. Job starting date is October 1st, 2026 or later.

How to apply

1. Apply now via system eRecruiter: eRecruiter application form
2. Your application must be submitted in English and should contain a CV including a full list of publications, a motivation letter with description of your key achievements, and contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of least two potential referees, including one of your direct 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 under the personal data processing information link.
4. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: whistleblowing procedure

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