SENIOR GROUP LEADER IN RNA/CELL THERAPY Professor position

SENIOR GROUP LEADER IN RNA/CELL THERAPY
Professor position
 

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland, invites applications for the position of Senior Lab Leader in RNA/Cell Therapy.

IIMCB is an internationally recognized research institute focused on RNA and cell biology, combining excellent fundamental science with growing translational ambitions in biomedicine. We seek an outstanding scientist with an internationally competitive track record and the vision to lead an independent research program at the interface of RNA biology or cell engineering and therapy, with relevance to human disease and therapeutic innovation.

The successful candidate will join IIMCB during a period of dynamic scientific and institutional growth supported by two major strategic initiatives: RACE (“RNA and Cell Biology – from Fundamental Research to Therapies”), funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe and RACE-PRIME (“RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine”), carried out within the International Research Agenda Program of the Foundation for Polish Science. Together with our strategic partners, the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh and VIB Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, we build a world-class center of excellence where discovery science is complemented by professional technology transfer and translational development.

Research at IIMCB is supported by advanced core facilities within IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure, including bioinformatics, genomics, mass spectrometry, biophysics, microscopy, cytometry, genome engineering, preclinical drug development, rodent and zebrafish facilities, as well as a dedicated Technology Transfer Office supporting IP protection, valorisation, commercialization, and industry collaboration.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists from eighteen countries and is well connected internationally, as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board and the IIMCB’s active membership in the EU-LIFE, an alliance of seventeen top independent European research institutes. Our sixteen group leaders have an established international standing - six of them are EMBO members and four are ERC laureates. Being a member of an interdisciplinary doctoral program, Warsaw-4--PhD, the IIMCB facilitates participation in the education of doctoral students, without having teaching duties as such. Within this environment, you will develop your own research program, build your independent research group, and establish a network with other researchers within the IIMCB.

The IIMCB offers:

• Professor position with an initial appointment of 5 years
• A rolling tenure track upon positive evaluations
• A full-time salary with social benefits
• Start-up funds and core funding after the start-up funds thereafter
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and services provided by IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure Infrastructure
• Benefits of the IIMCB's participation in the interdisciplinary Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral program (physics, chemistry, biology, medical sciences)
• Participation in decision-making through membership in the Laboratory Leaders Council
• Support from an experienced team of professionals in applying for competitive national and international grants
• Comprehensive organizational and administrative support from expert English-speaking staff
• Assistance in relocating and starting life in Poland, including applying for a visa (if necessary), obtaining temporary residency and finding housing
• Friendly, inclusive, and international English-speaking working environment
• Immersion in the vibrant city of Warsaw, where speaking Polish is not essential

Applications should include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation for application
• Concise Curriculum Vitae with a publication list
• One-page statement of 1-3 scientific or translational achievements (obtained in the last 10 years)
• Two-page summary of research plans
• Contact information for two references

Selection criteria

• Quality of scientific achievements: proven ability to generate breakthroughs and contribute significantly
• to advancing knowledge
• Excitement about research plans: the clarity, innovativeness, and feasibility of the candidate's research proposals
• Fit to the IIMCB: compatibility of the proposed research with IIMCB's strategic objectives, and potential
• for fostering in-house collaborations
• Leadership and team-building skills: potential to lead, build, and inspire an effective research team
• Track record of applying for and managing competitive, grant-funded research projects and willingness
• to apply for competitive grants  
• Aptitude for mentoring master’s and doctoral students, experience in supervising students would be a plus
• Experience in commercialization of research results and/or readiness to translate research outcomes into commercial opportunities and engage with industry partners

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 - IIMCB

How to apply:

Applications should be sent via this link: e-recruiter

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 Information clause for recruitment processes

Procedure for whistleblowing, follow-up, and whistleblower protection:  procedure for whistleblowing

The deadline for applications is August 12, 2026. Chosen applicants will be invited to an on-line interview August 18 – September 8, 2026. The position is available from January 2027 with the formal appointment date set on a case-by-case basis.

Inquiries about the offer, research environment, and science in Poland are welcome and should be sent to inquiries@iimcb.gov.pl.

All applications will be handled with strict confidence.The IIMCB is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in science.