PhD Student – Computational Genomics Group – (R_20/2026_ICTER)

ICTER; Warszawa; Hybrid; PLN 78,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) in Warsaw invites applications for a PhD Student in the Computational Genomics Group. The role focuses on multi-omics profiling of intraocular tumours, combining wet-lab work with state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial genomics in an international setting.

You will contribute to experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation under supervision of Marcin Tabaka, PhD, collaborating with IC PAS and UCL, and will prepare scientific

Qualifications

• MSc in biology, biotechnology, molecular biology or related field.
• Hands-on wet-lab research experience.
• Familiarity with single-cell and/or spatial genomics methods.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform in vivo animal work and precise tissue dissection.
• Prepare tissues for spatial transcriptomic studies.
• Optimise protocols for multimodal single-cell analyses (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq).
• Execute, analyse, and interpret high-throughput single-cell multimodal profiling.
• Present progress at group meetings and contribute to scientific papers.
• Present findings at scientific conferences.

Skills

Wet-lab experience

Single-cell genomics

Spatial genomics

English proficiency

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

MSc in biology or related field

Job description

Join the Computational Genomics Group at the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) and contribute to the development of advanced multi-omics approaches for studying intraocular tumours.

This PhD position combines wet-lab research, spatial transcriptomics, single-cell genomics, and in vivo experimental work in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

At a Glance

Position: PhD Student
Research group: Computational Genomics Group
Location: International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER), Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences
Number of positions: 1
Employment type: Employment contract
Working time: Full-time, 1.0 FTE
Salary: PLN 7,700 gross/month at 1.0 FTE
Planned start date: 19 October 2026 or later, depending on availability
Planned contract duration: Until 31 December 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding
Application deadline: 7 October 2026
Reference number: MCBO_R_20/2026_ICTER

Your Role

As a PhD Student in the Computational Genomics Group, you will contribute to research focused on the multi-omics profiling of intraocular tumours.

Your work will combine experimental biology with state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial genomics methods. You will participate in the preparation, execution, analysis, and interpretation of experiments designed to better understand ocular tumours at the molecular and cellular level.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team led by Marcin Tabaka, PhD, combining experimental and computational approaches to high-throughput single-cell transcriptome and genome profiling.

What You Will Work On

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Performing in vivo animal work and precise tissue dissection
• Preparing tissues for spatial transcriptomic studies
• Optimising protocols for multimodal single-cell analyses, including RNA-seq and ATAC-seq
• Executing, analysing, and interpreting experiments involving high-throughput single-cell multimodal profiling of intraocular tumours
• Reporting research progress during group meetings
• Preparing scientific papers for leading journals
• Presenting research findings at scientific conferences

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for a candidate who has:

• An MSc diploma in biology, biotechnology, molecular biology, or a related field
• Practical experience in histological techniques, molecular methods, and genetic engineering
• Hands‑on experience in wet‑lab research
• Familiarity with single‑cell and/or spatial methods in genomics
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English

Scientific profile: R1 researcher

How Candidates Will Be Assessed

Applications will be assessed based on:

• Competences relevant to the specific tasks of the research project
• Documented experience in wet‑lab research
• Evidence of initiative in research projects

What We Offer

You will join an international research environment focused on developing new approaches to understanding and treating eye diseases.

We offer:

• PLN 7,700 gross/month at 1.0 FTE
• Opportunity to work in an innovative scientific environment
• International cooperation with experienced researchers
• Participation in advanced research combining experimental and computational approaches
• Planned employment until 31 December 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to available funding

If a lower FTE is agreed, remuneration will be calculated proportionally.

About the Computational Genomics Group

The Computational Genomics Group, led by Marcin Tabaka, PhD, combines experimental and computational approaches in high-throughput single-cell transcriptome and genome profiling.

The group investigates fundamental questions in biomedical research, with a particular focus on eye diseases, including ocular tumours.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of multi-omics methods for profiling intraocular tumours using approaches including single-cell and spatial genomics.

About ICTER

The International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) is a multi-investigator research centre dedicated to eye research.

ICTER combines imaging and biochemical approaches to advance understanding of the causes and treatment of human blinding diseases.

Its current research agenda aims to develop:

• New tools for safer and more effective surgical interventions
• New therapies for eye diseases
• Diagnostic methods that improve prognosis and support vision restoration

One of the main technologies developed within the programme is a novel robotic system for drug delivery to the eye and tissue biopsy, combining robotic micromanipulation with 3D-localised imaging.

The project FENG.02.01-IP.05-T005/23 is funded within the International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science and is conducted in collaboration between the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences and University College London, UK.

Recruitment Process

The recruitment process is planned as follows:

• 8-9 October 2026 – Expected interview date for shortlisted candidates
• By 16 October 2026 – Expected announcement of competition results
• 19 October 2026 or later – Planned start date, depending on the successful candidate’s availability

Candidates who meet the selection criteria and required qualifications will be invited to an interview.

The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate fulfilling all requirements is selected.

The International Centre for Translational Eye Research, Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, is committed to equal employment opportunities, in accordance with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

Applications are welcomed from all qualified candidates who fulfil the requirements specified in this announcement.