PhD Student

PhD Student position in Laboratory of RNA Biology


Laboratory of RNA Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski is looking for PhD student.

You will join the project entitled "The impact of cytoplasmic polyadenylation on local translation in neurons” and carried out as the GRIEG (UMO-2019/34/H/NZ3/00733) grant of the Polish National Science Centre. 

Background: Neurons communicate with each other through synapses, specialized contact sites that enable electrical impulses to be transmitted between cells. Synapses are small, but partly independent compartments of the neuron because they contain the molecular machinery indispensable for protein synthesis. This process of protein production on the basis of mRNAs transported to distant synapses from the cell body is called local translation. Local protein synthesis is essential for the proper functioning of the synapse, and its dysregulation is the cause of severe neurodevelopmental disorders. In recent years, thanks to the development of new technologies, we have learned more about these essential processes taking place in synapses. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which synaptic translation is regulated is still far from being understood. 

The ends of mRNA molecules are specifically modified in order to enhance their stability and ability to serve as a template for proteins synthesis at ribosomes: at the 5’ end so-called cap structure is positione, while at the end, there is a poly(A) tail. Nearly all mRNAs in the cell are polyadenylated in the nucleus right after being transcribed from DNA and before their transport to the cytoplasm. However, there is growing evidence that the process of polyadenylation can also take place in the cytoplasm and is therefore called cytoplasmic polyadenylation. In neurons, cytoplasmic polyadenylation of synaptic mRNAs plays a significant role in the regulation of protein synthesis. However, until now, it was studied only for a few mRNAs, and the global impact of this phenomenon and the specific enzymes carrying out the reactions are unknown. 

This research project will be performed in cooperation with Prof. Clive Bramham from the University of Bergen and Prof. Magdalena Dziembowski from CENT UW.

Aim: We aim to elucidate the function and mechanism of cytoplasmic polyadenylation of neurons. To achieve our goals, unique animal models constructed using the CRISPR/Cas9 method, combined with advanced transcriptomic and proteomic approaches, will be used. 

The exact project will depend on the specific skills and preferences of the student.

As a PhD student you will be responsible for learning new techniques, planning and conducting experiments, keeping lab records, data analyses, attendance at scientific meetings in the institute, keeping up to date with the literature in the field, presenting the project at internal and external meetings, participation in scientific courses, participating in writing scientific papers and reports.

The PhD student will be selected from candidates in an open competition, 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://www.iimcb.gov.pl/en/institute/hr-excellence

Requirements for the candidate:

1. Holds a Master's degree in biology, biochemistry or related field

2. Eligibility for PhD studies in Poland

3. Experience in working with animal models, RNA biology or bioinformatics Has solid knowledge and be familiarity with laboratory techniques as western blot and RT-PCR

4. Is proficient in written and spoken English

5. Shows interest in neurobiology research, motivation, and passion for experimental work

6. Has excellent interpersonal skills

7. Shows willingness to learn and take new challenges, ability to work independently, analytical thinking

The PhD scholarship will be awarded to a person who successfully passes the recruitment process to the indicated doctoral school http://www.warsaw4phd.eu 

We offer:

1. Full-time PhD scholarship for 48 months (including 36 months from GRIEG grant) in amount:

2. before the mid-term evaluation 3700 pln net/month

3. after mid-term evaluation 4500 pln net/month

4. Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations).

5. Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual 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 September 20th, 2020. Job starting date is October 1st 2020.

How to apply:

• Apply now to Ten adres pocztowy jest chroniony przed spamowaniem. Aby go zobaczyć, konieczne jest włączenie w przeglądarce obsługi JavaScript.

• In the subject include your first and last name.

• Your application must be submitted in English and should contain: 1) a CV, 2) a cover letter including a short description of your key achievements and explicit responses to the following questions: What are your scientific interests and how do they relate to requirements of the position offered? What are your key strengths? What do you know about our laboratory and why do you want to work with us?, 3) contacts to at least two potential referees, including your MSc (or PhD) supervisor. At this stage, please do not attach copies of diplomas, etc.

• Please include the following statement in your application: “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://www.iimcb.gov.pl/pl/information-clause

• Best candidate(s) may be given additional questions and tasks as a part of the recruitment process.

• The competition may be extended or repeated until a suitable candidate who fulfills all requirements is found.

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