PhD Student position in the Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics

The Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics ( https://bit.ly/3SZlc9l ) at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw headed by Dr Ewelina Malecka – Grajek is looking for a PhD student.

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.

Aim of the project: The primary aim of this project is to investigate the intricate interplay between the sRNA-targeting and degradosome machineries. In order to accomplish this goal, we will reconstitute the targeting and degradation systems and employ single-molecule TIRF microscopy and biochemical methods to study their assembly in real time. By examining the coordination and dynamics among these molecular components, this project aims to obtain valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that govern timely mRNA regulation. Moreover, this project also endeavors to visualize the dynamics of RNA targeting and degradation within the context of actively translating ribosomes. This includes exploring potential competition between the ribosome and the sRNA-Hfq complex, as well as examining how degradosomes synchronize their activities with ribosomes in mRNA coding regions.

As a PhD student you will be responsible for performing experiments, analyzing data, collaborating with other team members, preforming literature search, participating in lab meetings, participating in national and international conferences as well as writing thesis and publications.

The admissions process is conducted through the Doctoral School website system. The PhD student can apply to this specific project carried out as part of the Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral school via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY  (the application system will be activated from 29^th July, 2023; deadline for sending application is 11^th August, 2023). For more information, please follow the link https://shorturl.at/mvxOR

Candidates will be selected according to the procedure complying the rules for granting scholarships for young scientists in research projects funded by the National Science Centre (NCN Council Resolution No. 25/2019 dated March 14, 2019 r.), recruitment procedure for the Warsaw-4-PhD and 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://bit.ly/3U0dydP

Requirements for the candidate: 

• MSc degree in biology, biochemistry or related field
• Solid knowledge of the principles of molecular biology and biochemistry
• Hands-on experience in laboratory work and knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques
• Prior experience in recombinant protein purification or microscopy will be an advantage
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Excellent interpersonal skills, initiative, good work organization 

We offer:

1. Full-time PhD scholarship 4 years (8 semesters) in amount:
2. a) before the mid-term evaluation 4500 pln net/month;
3. b) after mid-term evaluation 5000 pln net/month
4. Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations)
5. Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual private medical care package and membership in MultiSport programme
6. Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel
7. Participation in courses, scientific training, support from peers, and academic mentoring

Deadline for applications is 11^th August, 2023. The winter semester at the Doctoral School shall begin on 1^st October, 2023.

How to apply:

• Apply via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY (the application system will be activated from 29^th July, 2023; deadline for sending application is 11^th August, 2023). If you have any enquiries about the recruitment process or the project, please send your request to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Please include the following statement in your email: “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

We would like to inform that the competition for the PhD Student position has been resolved, the selected candidate is Maksim Serdakov.