Two PhD Student positions in the Laboratory of Protein Structure

• The Laboratory of Protein Structure https://bit.ly/3iHLCi6 at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw headed by Professor Marcin Nowotny is looking for two PhD students.

  You will join the project entitled “Structural studies of herpesvirus proteins involved in DNA replication” carried out as the OPUS grant (2022/45/B/NZ1/02456) of the National Science Centre, Poland led by Małgorzata Figiel, PhD.

  Aim of the project: In this project, we aim to improve our understanding of the process of DNA replication in herpesviruses. We plan to achieve this by determining atomic structures of herpesvirus proteins involved in DNA replication and their complexes with relevant nucleic acid substrates using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and X-ray crystallography. These structural studies will be complemented by biochemical experiments. Based on the structures and the biochemical data we will reveal how the herpesvirus replisome works and how the activity of its components is regulated and coordinated. The results of this project will be a valuable resource for future efforts that seek to produce new anti-herpesvirus drugs.

  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 22^nd  May, 2023; deadline for sending application is 4^th June, 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:

  1. MSc degree in biology, biochemistry or related field
  2. Solid knowledge of the principles of molecular biology and biochemistry
  3. Hands-on experience in laboratory work and knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques
  4. Prior experience in recombinant protein expression, protein purification, X-ray crystallography or electron microscopy will be an advantage
  5. Proficiency in written and spoken English
  6. 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 04^th June, 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
    22^nd May, 2023; deadline for sending application is 04^th June, 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