Postdoctoral Researcher (role in the project Junior Postdoctoral Researcher) in the Laboratory of RNA Viruses

Postdoctoral Researcher (role in the project Junior Postdoctoral Researcher)
in  the Laboratory of RNA Viruses

Recruitment for the project “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine (RACE-PRIME)” (grant agreement no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T003/23) implemented within the framework of the International Research Agendas funded by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme, for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher (role in the project: Junior Postdoctoral Researcher) to carry out research work under the direction of Dr. Stefan Bresson, head of the Laboratory of RNA Viruses.

The main objective of RACE-PRIME is to transform the IIMCB into a world-class center of excellence in RNA and cell biology. Researchers would like to use the results of core research to develop therapies and diagnostic methods, discover new therapeutic objectives, and identify molecules with desirable properties so that they can be developed into medications.

Project description:

Upon gaining access to a suitable host cell, viruses will hijack the cell's protein synthesis machinery and use it to assemble new viral proteins. One common strategy involves the use of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES), which directly recruits host ribosomes to the viral RNA, bypassing conventional cap-dependent translation initiation. In order to function effectively, IRESs require the assistance of various cellular RNA-binding proteins. These accessory factors, termed ITAFs (IRES trans-acting factors), help the IRES fold into its final, active conformation. One particularly important ITAF is the RNA-binding protein PTBP1, which is required by a diverse range of pathogenic viruses. In this project, you will systematically identify human viruses which require PTBP1 for efficient viral translation. In parallel, you will evaluate the antiviral efficacy of a recently-developed small molecule inhibitor of PTBP1. For more information about our laboratory and research, please visit our lab website.

Requirements for the candidate:

1. Possesses a Ph.D. in biological sciences or related field obtained within the past 5 years; however, the 5-year period is calculated from the year of obtaining the Ph.D., or plans to defend his/her dissertation prior to the start of employment (planned date is 004.2025 or later).
2. Has solid knowledge and documented laboratory experience in RNA biology.
3. Experience with ribosome profiling, bioinformatics, human tissue culture, and/or virology methods will be a plus.
4. Has excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, and ability to work independently
   and in a high-performance team.
5. Has the ability to draft (in English) scientific papers for academic journals.
6. Has the ability to communicate (in English) complex information clearly, orally and in writing.
7. Has good presentation skills (ideally having presented during at least one international conference).
8. At least one publication in an international peer-reviewed journal.

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.

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://shorturl.at/fjot2  

  We offer:

1. Full employment contract initially for 6 months with further extension.
2. Competitive salary from 8 740 pln gross/month to 10 280 pln gross/month  (depending on experience).
3. The full-time salary is supplemented by an additional 13th salary after working a minimum of 6 months in a given calendar year.
4. Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual private medical care package and membership in the MultiSport programme.
5. Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel.
6. Participation in courses, scientific trainings and support from peers.

 The deadline for applications is 07.03.2025. Job starting date is 01.04.2025 or later.

How to apply:

1. Applications should be sent via recruitment platform: erecruiter
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 link https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2
4. 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.