PhD student position in the Laboratory of Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics

Laboratory of Laboratory of Single-Molecule Biophysics https://shorturl.at/lUIuS at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, headed by Ewelina Małecka, PhD, 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, Poland led by Dr Ewelina Malecka.

The project aims to uncover the mechanisms governing the interplay of molecular complexes involved in mRNA targeting and degradation in bacterial cells. By employing advanced single-molecule TIRF microscopy and biochemical approaches, the research seeks to observe, in real time, the assembly and interactions of key components such as sRNAs, mRNA, chaperone protein Hfq, and the degradosome. This work will provide critical insights into how these elements coordinate to regulate mRNA stability and degradation, enhancing our understanding of bacterial stress responses and virulence regulation.

As a PhD student you will be responsible for designing and conducting experiments using single-molecule TIRF microscopy and biochemical techniques, analyzing and interpreting data, and collaborating closely with other team members. Your role will also include conducting literature reviews to contextualize your findings, actively participating in lab meetings, presenting your work at national and international conferences, and contributing to the writing of research publications and your PhD thesis.

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 19^th of December 2024; deadline for sending application is 6^th January, 2025). 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:

• Master's degree in biology, biochemistry, or related fields.
• Solid knowledge of fundamental molecular biology and biochemistry.
• Hands-on laboratory experience and familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques.
• Previous experience in recombinant protein purification and microscopy is a plus.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong interpersonal skills, initiative, and good organizational abilities.
• Willingness to learn and take on new challenges, ability to work independently, and analytical thinking skills. 

We offer: 

1. Full-time PhD scholarship 4 years (8 semesters) in amount:
2. a) before the mid-term evaluation 4800 pln net/month;
3. b) after mid-term evaluation 5300 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 6^th of January, 2025. The summer semester at the Doctoral School shall begin on 24^th of February, 2025.

How to apply:

• Apply via website https://shorturl.at/cJKQY (the application system will be activated from 19^th of December, 2024; deadline for sending application is 6^th of January, 2025). 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
• Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: https://shorturl.at/u2mww