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 Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team for an exciting EU-funded project.

You will join the VirHoX Hop-on project titled "Optimizing molecular tools for VirHo-Seq with smTIRF and Ribo-Seq", funded by the HORIZON-WIDERA programme. This project integrates IIMCB as a widening partner into the VirHoX consortium, strengthening virus-host discovery technology through single-molecule validation and translational profiling.

ABOUT THE PROJECT:

VirHoX addresses a major challenge in virology: linking newly discovered viruses to their host species. The project aims to develop VirHo-seq, a universal method based on the conserved biological interaction between viral mRNA and host ribosomes during translation, enabling direct virus-host assignment across all domains of life.

Your role
will focus on WP9 (RiboTools functional testing), a critical work package that validates the enzymatic toolkit at the single-molecule level: you will use single-molecule TIRF (smTIRF) microscopy to validate the activity and specificity of engineered enzymes (Cas variants, among others) on ribosome-bound RNA substrates. This direct, real-time validation ensures that molecular tools developed for VirHo-seq function reliably across diverse host-virus systems. You will establish ribosome immobilization strategies for multiple species, measure binding and cleavage kinetics at single-ribosome resolution, and ensure the broad applicability of RiboTools across bacterial, archaeal, and eukaryotic ribosomes.

This work provides the mechanistic foundation that transforms VirHo-seq from a promising concept into a broadly deployable platform for virus-host association discovery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Establish single-molecule fluorescence microscopy assays to measure binding, cleavage, and release kinetics of engineered enzymes on individual ribosomes.
2. Develop and optimize ribosome immobilization strategies using both genetic and non-genetic approaches.
3. Purify and prepare ribosomes from diverse species (bacterial, archaeal, eukaryotic) for single-molecule observation.
4. Design and execute FRET-based assays to monitor rRNA cleavage efficiency and detect functional changes using antibiotic-binding probes.
5. Collaborate closely with VirHoX consortium partners. This will include period meetings and research exchange visits.
6. Present findings at international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.
7. Mentor junior researchers and contribute to training activities within the consortium.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

We are looking for a researcher who:

1. Holds (or is about to obtain) a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
2. Fulfills formal criteria outlined in NCN regulations (paragraph 2, point 2.1.1):
3. Has strong expertise in ribosome biochemistry. Experience in studying RNA-protein interactions and microscopy is highly valued.
4. Demonstrates strong experimental skills, independence, and creativity in research.
5. Has a solid publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
6. Communicates fluently in English (written and oral).
7. Is enthusiastic about interdisciplinary collaboration in an international 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 WP9 (16 months total). Further extension for an additional 14-16 months is possible.
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, core 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 the 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: January 11, 2026

Start date: February 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.