Research Specialist

Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, headed by Prof. Janusz M. Bujnicki, offers a position for a Research Specialist Position lab technician for high-throughput studies of RNA structure and interactions.

Deadline for applications: November 22^nd, 2021. Preferred job starting date: January 1^st, 2022 or as soon as possible.

The position is ideal for you if you love molecular biology of RNA, if you are interested in both high-throughput and in-depth analyses, if you are interested in research in collaboration with the industry, if you are organized and adaptive, and if you enjoy teamwork. We want you at this position if you have the drive to learn and implement new experimental methods, and if you are comfortable being involved in multiple tasks in parallel.

As a Research Specialist, you will support the team in research activities, from experiment design to the interpretation of results. You will be expected to master a wide range of techniques including RNA production and purification, various types of high-throughput analyses such as RNA-seq, and analyses of molecular interactions with various biochemical and biophysical techniques. You will be also involved in the support of processes in the experimental part of our lab, including house-keeping, ordering supplies, maintaining stocks, taking care of documentation, organizing lab protocols, etc. You will have an opportunity to contribute to and co-author scientific inventions and publications.

Our laboratory http://iimcb.genesilico.pl studies the structures and mechanisms of biological macromolecules, in particular RNA and macromolecular complexes involving nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. We use experimental approaches such as chemical probing, crystallography, cryo-EM, and SAXS to characterize the structures and functions of RNAs and their complexes. We also develop and use computer programs for data analyses, in particular for modeling based on experimental data. Examples of our methods include SimRNA, ModeRNA and the MODOMICS database.  A combination of experimental and theoretical approaches allowed us to propose the 3D structure model of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus RNA. Currently, we focus on developing methods to find new drugs that target RNA molecules.

We offer:

• Full-time contract (“umowa o pracę”) initially for a trial period (three months), with an intended long-term extension

• Gross salary starting at ~6100 PLN/month, expected net salary at ~4300 PLN/month, with social security.

• Additional 13th salary after working a minimum of six months in a given calendar year

• Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual medical care package and membership in the MultiSport program

• Scientific training, support from peers

• Administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel

We require:

• M.Sc. or Ph.D. in molecular biology, or related discipline

• Expertise and technical competence in designing and conducting scientific experiments and in interpreting their results

• Very good organizational skills, proactive approach to achieving objectives and solving problems, collaborative and adaptive attitude

• Very good command of English (written and oral communication)

• Documented hands-on experience in high-throughput analyses (particularly RNA sequencing) and data interpretation

• Experience in biophysical studies of macromolecule-ligand interactions will be advantageous, but is not essential

• Experience in lab management will be advantageous, but is not essential

• Good command of Polish will be advantageous, but is not essential

How to apply:

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

• In the subject of the message include "IIMCB-technician-RNA-HTS" and 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 related to requirements of the position offered? 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 M.Sc. (or Ph.D.) supervisor. At this stage, please do not attach copies of diplomas, etc. Applications that do not match all of these requirements may be rejected formally.

• 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/3guEMJ7

• We will contact only selected best candidates, who provide complete and specific response to our questions in the cover letter. The shortlisted candidates 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

The Research Specialist will be selected from candidates 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 https://bit.ly/35tXdaq.