Postdoctoral Researcher

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN THE Laboratory of Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

The Laboratory of Prokaryotic Gene Regulation (website) at the International Institute of Molecular

and Cell Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw led by Dr. Ewelina Małecka is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and independent Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team.

You will join the project entitled "Dynamics of RNA degrading complexes in bacteria" carried

out as the SONATA BIS grant (2022/46/E/NZ1/00462) of the National Science Centre, Poland led

by Dr. Ewelina Małecka.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

Every RNA molecule in a bacterial cell lives a dynamic life - engaged in constant interactions with proteins, other RNAs, and the ribosome - until its inevitable degradation. How do these events coordinate in time and space? Why do some RNAs survive while others are rapidly destroyed? This project tackles one of the most fundamental questions in molecular biology: how do RNA silencing, translation, and degradation communicate with each other in real time?

Using single-molecule TIRF microscopy, biochemical reconstitution, and fluorescent labeling, we will watch individual RNA molecules and degradosome complexes at work, capturing millisecond-scale dynamics that shape gene expression.

Our goal is to reveal:

• How sRNAs and Hfq recruit the degradosome to specific mRNAs
• What determines whether an RNA is preserved or degraded
• How translation and decay compete or cooperate on the same transcript

The project will deliver a first mechanistic "movie" of RNA fate decisions in bacteria, information with broad implications for synthetic biology, RNA therapeutics, and gene regulation engineering.

More about the project:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

You will explore the molecular logic by which bacteria decide the fate of their RNAs - whether to translate, store, or degrade them. Using biochemical reconstitution, fluorescent labeling, and single-molecule imaging, you will explore how molecular machines like Hfq, small RNAs, ribosomes and the degradosome coordinate to control gene expression.

In addition, you will:

1. Design and conduct experiments using biochemistry, molecular biology, and single-molecule imaging
2. Analyze complex datasets (kinetics, FRET traces, colocalization)
3. Initiate and drive new subprojects
4. Mentor PhD students and collaborate closely within the group and with partners abroad
5. Present results at international conferences and prepare high-impact publications

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

We are looking for a researcher who:

1. Holds (or is about to obtain) a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics
2. Fulfills the formal criteria outlined in paragraph 2, point 2.1.1 of the NCN regulations
3. Has solid expertise in RNA or protein biochemistry; experience with single-molecule techniques will be a plus
4. Is driven by curiosity about RNA regulation mechanisms
5. Has a strong publication record and a demonstrated ability to work independently
6. Communicates fluently in English (written and oral)
7. Is enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment

SELECTION CRITERIA:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Education and formal qualifications.
2. Technical expertise and relevance of experience to the project.
3. Scientific achievements (e.g., publications, awards, grants, international collaborations).
4. Proficiency in English (written and spoken).

5. Soft skills, including:

6. Clarity and impact of motivation letter.

7. Communication and teamwork abilities.
8. Organizational and time-management skills.
9. Compatibility with the research group's goals and vision.

WE OFFER:

1. Full-time employment for 6 months with the possibility of extension for the duration of the project.
2. Competitive salary of approximately 9700 PLN gross/month.
3. 13th salary after working for at least 6 calendar months in a given year, private medical care, and Multisport benefit
4. 100% research focus - no teaching duties
5. Support from a lab manager and technical assistant
6. Access to cutting-edge equipment (custom-built TIRF microscope, biochemistry facilities)
7. Strong mentorship toward independent funding applications (e.g., NCN, EMBO, MSCA)
8. Opportunities for international training, courses, and conferences

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Apply via recruitment system: erecruiter

2. Your application must be submitted in English and should contain:

3. CV (including list of publications and list of skills),

4. motivation letter,
5. description of your key achievements,

6. contact details at least two referees, including one of your supervisors

7. Please include the following statement in your application:
   "I hereby agree to the processing

8. of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute
9. of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 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:
10. Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers:

Deadline: December 12, 2025

Start date: January 2026 (flexible)

For inquiries, contact

Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the European Charter for Researchers rules and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy

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