Postdoctoral Researcher Laboratory Of Prokaryotic Gene Regulation

International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw

Organisation/Company International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile Established Researcher (R3) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Poland Final date to receive applications 12 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Other EU programme Reference Number 2022/46/E/NZ1/00462 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

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.

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.

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:

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

We are looking for a researcher who:

• Holds (or is about to obtain) a PhD in molecular biology, biochemistry, or biophysics
• Has solid expertise in RNA or protein biochemistry; experience with single-molecule techniques will be a plus
• Is driven by curiosity about RNA regulation mechanisms
• Has a strong publication record and a demonstrated ability to work independently
• Communicates fluently in English (written and oral)
• Is enthusiastic about working in an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative environment

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Education and formal qualifications.
• Technical expertise and relevance of experience to the project.
• Scientific achievements(e.g., publications, awards, grants, international collaborations).
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Clarity and impact of motivation letter.
• Communication and teamwork abilities.
• Organizational and time-management skills.
• Compatibility with the research group’s goals and vision.

• Full-time employment for 6 months with the possibility of extension for the duration of the project.
• Competitive salary of approximately 9700 PLN gross/month.
• 13th…