Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism

The Laboratory of Protein Metabolism  at the International Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, led by Prof. Wojciech Pokrzywa, is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team. The position is funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) under the SONATA BIS project no. 2021/42/E/NZ1/00190, titled: “Adaptation of Proteins to Evade Premature Degradation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System.”.

 

The ideal candidate should be able to pursue challenging tasks and achieve objectives and collaborate with other researchers. 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  HR Excellence in Research .

 

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

The successful candidate will continue and expand an ongoing research project investigating the regulation of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligase (CRL) substrate receptors by the SUMO-ubiquitin system, with a particular focus on the role of these pathways in chromatin regulation and genome-associated processes. Building on the foundation established by previous members of the laboratory, the project aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that coordinate SUMO and ubiquitin signaling to control protein stability and chromatin dynamics. The project combines molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, proteomics, advanced microscopy, and functional genomics, offering the opportunity to develop expertise in state-of-the-art experimental approaches while contributing to fundamental discoveries in protein quality control and ubiquitin biology.

The position is funded for two years through the NCN SONATA BIS project. Beyond the funded period, we are strongly committed to supporting the successful candidate's scientific independence. The postdoctoral researcher will receive active mentoring and assistance in preparing competitive fellowship applications, including EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF), and individual funding schemes offered by the National Science Centre (NCN) and other international funding agencies. Our goal is to help the candidate establish an independent research profile and secure further research funding.

 

For more information about our laboratory and research, please visit: pokrzywalab.com

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, perform, and optimize experiments in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and proteomics to investigate ubiquitin and SUMO signaling pathways.
• Drive the project forward by developing, testing, and refining original research hypotheses.
• Analyze, interpret, and present experimental data at laboratory meetings, conferences, and in high-impact scientific publications.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and the development of new research directions.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and provide scientific guidance to PhD students and junior researchers.

 

Candidate profile:

The ideal candidate enjoys tackling challenging biological questions, thinks creatively about experimental design, and is eager to develop novel research directions in the fields of ubiquitin and SUMO signaling, chromatin regulation, and proteostasis. Strong communication skills, enthusiasm for collaborative science, and a willingness to mentor junior laboratory members are highly valued.

Requirements:

1. Ph.D. in Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Biophysics, or a related field.
2. Fulfillment of formal criteria outlined in paragraph 2, point 2.1.1 of the NCN regulations : Fulfills the formal criteria for the competition
3. A strong publication record demonstrating scientific productivity and expertise relevant to the project.
4. Hands-on experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or cell biology.
5. Experience with mammalian cell culture, advanced microscopy, proteomics, protein biochemistry, or genome editing will be considered an advantage.
6. Experience with computational analysis of omics datasets or bioinformatics is desirable but not required.
7. Ability to independently design experiments, analyse data critically, and solve scientific problems.
8. Excellent organizational skills, scientific creativity, and a proactive attitude.
9. Excellent written and spoken English.

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.

We offer

• A full-time employment contract for 6 months (with the possibility of extension until the end of the project).
• Competitive salary of approximately 9 700 PLN gross/month.
• An opportunity to work in an internationally recognized research institute with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• A collaborative, supportive, and international research environment.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies, including advanced microscopy, proteomics, and genome engineering.
• Opportunities to attend international conferences, workshops, and specialized training courses.
• Individual mentoring focused on career development and support in preparing competitive fellowship and grant applications.
• Scientific freedom to develop novel research ideas aligned with the laboratory's interests.

Deadline for applications is October 31st, 2026. Job starting date is January 1st, 2027.

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

 

If you have questions about further details, please email wpokrzywa@iimcb.gov.pl