Research specialist position (role in the project: Technician)

Research specialist position (role in the project: Technician)

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  Research specialist to carry out research work in the RNA area under the direction of Prof. Gracjan Michlewski, head of the RNA-Protein Interactions - Dioscuri Centre at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), in collaboration with Prof. Marcin Nowotny (Laboratory of Protein Structure).

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

Description of the project area: RNA-dependent RNA polymerases (RdRPs) are present in all RNA viruses and are therefore important targets for developing substances with potential antiviral activity. The goal of the project is to study RdRPs from a number of RNA viruses that are human pathogens. They will be used to study the mechanism of action of polymerases and their inhibitors. The approaches used will be structural biology (protein crystallography and cryo-EM) and biochemical methods.

Job description: Preparation of expression constructs, expression of viral proteins in bacterial
and eukaryotic systems, protein purification and characterization of protein-nucleic acid interactions, structural studies of viral proteins.

Requirements:

1. MSc degree in biological sciences or related field.
2. Strong understanding of the principles of cell and molecular biology, genetics, and/or developmental biology.
3. Basic hands-on laboratory work experience in molecular biology and/or protein biochemistry.
4. Prior experience or knowledge in protein purification would be an advantage.
5. Independence, commitment, initiative, teamwork skills.
6. Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Selection criteria:

1. Technical competencies, experience and alignment of specialized knowledge with the position.
2. Scientific achievements.
3. Soft skills - proficiency in English, motivation letter, communication skills, teamwork ability, alignment of individual development plans with project goals.

Candidates will be selected through an open competition, in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which are part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy. https://shorturl.at/fjot2

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract, initially for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension.
2. Competitive salary in the amount of 6000 PLN gross/month.
3. Attractive benefits package including subsidization for MultiSport card and medical insurance.
4. Full technical, administrative, and organizational support in Polish and English from professional staff.
5. Opportunity to participate in courses, conferences, scientific training, and substantive support from colleagues.
6. Opportunity to do a PhD in an extramural form.

Deadline for applications is August 31^st, 2024. Job starting date is October 1^st, 2024 or as soon
as possible after this date.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications to the email address: recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl
2. In the email subject line, please include the following information: "RNA 3 Technician MAB" followed by your first and last name.
3. Applications should be submitted in English. The application should include a CV, list of achievements, a motivation letter describing key scientific achievements, and contact details (email and phone number) of at least two potential referees, including your direct supervisor.
4. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process." Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ.

The competition may be extended until a candidate meeting all requirements is found.