Postdoctoral Researcher

The Dioscuri Centre for RNA-Protein Interactions in Human Health and Disease at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) headed by Prof. Gracjan Michlewski is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher you will join the Dioscuri Centre supported by the Max Planck Society, and the National Science Centre 2019/02/H/NZ1/00002. Dioscuri Centre of Scientific Excellence provides generous funding and mentoring to establish future-oriented research with international standards of scientific quality. It is linked to an internationally recognized researcher Prof. Juri Rappsilber from Berlin Technical University.

RNA viruses have caused several epidemics and one major pandemic in the 21st century. Thus, a detailed molecular understanding of host-virus interactions is imperative in order to know how best to inactivate the virus and prevent major societal disruptions. The successful candidate will be uncovering the functional and structural roles of the novel RNA-protein interactions in the antiviral response to viral infections. One of the main goals will be to solve the structure and function of E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM25, a central player in innate immune response to RNA viruses. We and others have shown that TRIM25 is an RNA-binding protein (Choudhury NR et al. BMC Biology 2017 https://bit.ly/3lGm57W, Choudhury NR et al. BioRxiv 2021 https://bit.ly/30knHMg), however not much is known about its RNA-binding related roles in innate immune pathways. The outcome of this research will reveal how TRIM25 uses its RNA-binding activity for anti-viral functions. Overall, the project has the potential to make crucial contributions to understanding the innate immune response to RNA viruses and provide a platform for the development of novel, RNA-based antiviral therapeutics.

Crucially, the Centre offers a degree of flexibility to experienced applicants to pursue their own projects if they are broadly aligned with the Centre’s focus.

Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to 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. 

Requirements for the candidate:

1. Holds PhD (or will defend before the start date of employment or in the first months of employments) in biological sciences or related fields

2. Has solid knowledge and documented laboratory experience in at least two of the following disciplines: RNA biology, RNA-binding protein purification and structure determination, virology, innate immunity

3. Has excellent interpersonal skills, initiative and ability to work independently and in a high-performance team

4. Has the ability to draft (in English) scientific papers for academic journals

5. Has the ability to communicate (in English) complex information clearly, orally and in writing

6. Has good presentation skills (ideally having presented during at least one international conference)

7. Has published at least one publication as the first author in an international peer-reviewed journal

Selection criteria

1. Scientific track record

2. Evidence of esteem

3. Suitability for the project

4. Motivation letter

5. References

6. Interview

We offer:

1. Full employment contract initially for 6 months and extending to maximum of 5 years after initial period

2. Gross monthly salary* between 7600 PLN and 11500 PLN (approximately 1600 – 2400 EUR/month), depending on the experience of the candidate (* Additional bonuses such as the 13th salary (after working for the institute for six months in a given calendar year) or Christmas bonus may supplement this salary)

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

4. Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual private medical care package and membership in MultiSport programme

5. Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel

6. Participation in courses, scientific training, support from peers, and academic mentoring

Deadline for applications is November 5^th, 2021. Job starting date is December 1^st, 2021 or later.

How to apply:

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

2. In the subject include "Postdoc DIOSCURI"and your first and last name

3. Your application must be submitted in English and should contain a CV including a full list of publications, a motivation letter with description of your key achievements, and contact details (e-mail and telephone number) of least two potential referees, including one of your direct supervisor.

4. Please include the following statement in your CV: “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/2QWu83X. 
   
   The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements is found. The Dioscuri Centre of Excellence Program was initiated by the Max Planck Society (MPG), managed jointly with the National Science Centre and mutually funded by the Ministry of  Education and Science (MEiN) and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).