PhD Student in Cell and Molecular Biology

The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMol) Polish Academy of Sciences, was constituted in December 2020, in partnership with University Medical Centre Göttingen, Germany and University of Warsaw, Poland. IMol has been established to conduct scientific research and provide training in the fields of biological, chemical, medical, biotechnological, bioinformatics, biophysical, pharmacological, and similar sciences, in the international environment conducive to collaborative efforts, research and development interactions with biotechnological industry, and wide dissemination of our results. We aim at the development of solutions that will help everyone on this planet live a safer life.

Currently IMol is seeking highly motivated candidates for a position of:

PhD Student in Cell and Molecular Biology

Located: Warsaw, Poland

Job start date: as soon as possible

Deadline for applying: 31.05.2022

The work will be conducted in the Laboratory of Metabolic Quality Control under the supervision of Dr Karolina Szczepanowska. We are a newly established and vigorously developing group of science enthusiasts aiming to discover the mechanisms that shape cellular metabolism in response to disease-associated stress. Your postdoctoral project will focus on dissecting the role of boosted proline biosynthesis in mammalian cells suffering from dysfunctional mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction underlies a range of life-threatening diseases for which effective treatments are still missing. Your research will shed light on fundamental mechanisms implemented in the cellular response to metabolic stress and help design new therapeutical strategies to combat mitochondrial diseases. Using a set of state-of-the-art proteomics, cell imaging, biochemistry and molecular biology approaches combined with 3D cell culture, you will investigate the consequences of metabolic reprogramming stimulated by failing mitochondrial function. Joining us will allow you to develop an exciting research project with possible translational application and master numerous advanced experimental techniques.

Furthermore, you will benefit from a young, collaborative and dynamic scientific environment.

We offer:

● PhD fellowship for 4 years, take home ca. 3.8k PLN per month

● Private medical care package

● Social benefits

● Flexible working hours

● Collaborative and supportive work culture

● Participation in an ambitious interdisciplinary project

● Working with state-of-the-art research equipment

● Opportunity to gain unique professional experience

Key responsibilities:

● Planning and performing experiments

● Keeping a record of experimental details

● Data analysis, interpretation and discussion

● Presenting results at internal and external meetings/conferences

● Preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals

● Writing thesis and defending PhD

Profile of candidates/requirements:

● MSc project in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields

● Well-structured knowledge in cell biology and biochemistry

● Previous hands-on training in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry lab, or related

● Good command of English is essential

● Good communication skills

● Previous exposure to mammalian cell culture techniques would be advantageous

Please apply by filling in this form: https://forms.gle/c6dJDKYmkYytDM7b9

You will be asked to attach the following documents – please combine them into 1 pdf document

● Cover letter

● CV

● Contact details for 2 senior scientists who can offer you reference (please do not submit previously obtained reference letters)