PHD Student no. 16/2026/ICHB/PSD

EURAXESS Ireland; Poznań; Hybrid; PLN 134,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznań, Poland, seeks a PhD student for the INT2ACT MSCA Doctoral Networks project. The role involves planning and performing experiments, preparing RNA sequencing libraries, and engaging in interdisciplinary training at the Doctoral School of the Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The candidate should hold an MSc in chemistry/biotechnology or related field, have basic RNA sequencing knowledge, and English proficiency for

Qualifications

• MSc degree in chemistry, biotechnology or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of RNA sequencing.
• Basic experience with human cell line culture.
• Proficiency in English is essential.

Responsibilities

• Planning and execution of scientific experiments within the scope of the project.
• Preparation of RNA sequencing libraries using long-read sequencing methods.
• Cell culture and isolation of subcellular fractions.
• Preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts for publication.
• Execution of additional tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.

Skills

English proficiency

Linux command line

Bioinformatics basics

Education

MSc in chemistry, biotechnology or related field

Tools

Linux CLI

Bioinformatics basics

Job description

Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry Polish Academy of Sciences Department Poznań Doctoral School of the Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences Research Field Chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 24 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 16/2026/ICHB/PSD Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

KEY WORDS: MOLECULAR GENETICS, PERSONALIZED MEDICINE; direct RNA sequencing, molecular biology, reverse genetics and RNAi, regenerative medicine, antisense oligonucleotides, biotherapeutic production, liquid biopsies, mitochondrial DNA replication, gene therapy, cell therapy, nucleic acid delivery therapy, nucleic acid detection;

Research topic: DC6: Development of single-molecule RNA sequencing and structural analysis methods for selected genomic regions

In recent years, nucleic acids (NAs) have contributed significantly to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer, infectious and rare diseases. Breakthrough technologies like genome editing tool CRISPR/Cas9, direct RNA sequencing, multi-omics analysis procedure for NAs analysis, bioinformatics and machine learning for data analysis, and targeted delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) prove the increasing interest in NAs applicability. However, the full potential of NAs is yet to be unlocked, and the translation of NAs into clinical practice is still facing many methodological and technological limitations such as low detection sensitivity, limited sequencing capacity, lack of analytical methods for NAs therapeutics, and inadequate in vivo delivery. INT2ACT brings together 6 academic research units and 5 industrial partners to address these limitations by establishing new methods for detecting and analysing NAs in patient liquid biopsies, boosting available procedures for direct RNA sequencing, developing new methods for the synthesis and analysis of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) libraries, identifying new RNA targets, and optimise NA therapeutics delivery systems. The concept of harnessing NAs in the realm of medicine opens doors to an array of possibilities, including the development of therapeutic vaccines for cancer and innovative ASO-based therapies for addressing a multitude of genetic disorders. While advancing NAs’ research and technologies, INT2ACT will also contribute to forming the next generation of highly skilled experts through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral training programme delivered to 15 Doctoral Candidates. The network-wide training programme is designed to ensure that all INT2ACT fellows will have the skills for a successful career in or outside of research in any sector.

Additional information:

• Research and doctoral theses shall be carried out within the project 101226670 entitled “Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment - akronim INT2ACT”, funded by The European Commission under the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 programme


• PhD student shall receive remuneration under a agreement on the admission within the project, amounting to approximately PLN 12800 gross (approximately PLN 9100 net), for a period of 36 months, with no possibility of extension).


• PhD students shall be subject to social insurance, pursuant to article. 6 section 1 passage 1 of the act of October 13th, 1998 on the social insurance system (Journal of Laws of 2026, item 199, as amended).

PhD student shall receive remuneration under a agreement on the admission within the project, amounting to approximately PLN 12800 gross (approximately PLN 9100 net)

II. Requirements for the candidates:

• A prerequisite for applying for admission to the Doctoral School under this call is that the candidate has previously been selected to participate in the INT2ACT research and training project under the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024, following an international recruitment procedure conducted in accordance with the rules of the Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme.


• MSc degree in chemistry, biotechnology or a related field, or fulfilling the conditions stipulated in article 186, section 2 of the act of July 20th, 2018 Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668, as amended).


• Basic knowledge of RNA sequencing.


• Basic experience with human cell line culture.


• Desirable: familiarity with the Linux command line.


• Desirable: basic understanding of bioinformatics


• Proficiency in English is essential, including strong oral and written communication skills

III. Duties in project:

• planning and execution of scientific experiments within the scope of the project;


• preparation of RNA sequencing libraries using long-read sequencing methods;


• cell culture and isolation of subcellular fractions;


• preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts for publication;


• execution of additional tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.

IV. Required documents :

• Application for admission to PDS IPAS along with the consent for processing personal data upon the recruitment procedure and a statement on having acknowledged the regulations of recruitment for PDS IPAS, using form downloaded from: IBCH Application_for admission


• Certified copy of the diploma confirming graduation or a certificate confirming graduation (in the case of diplomas issued by foreign higher education schools - the diploma entitling to apply for conferment of a doctoral degree in the state of origin). Additional information on foreign school diplomas are available at: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-academic-purposes/applying-for-admission-to-doctoral-studies .If a document that raises doubts is submitted, the application will not be considered because the time required for its verification would make it impossible to complete the competition within the set deadline. We recommend a submission ofthe Individual Recognition Statement, obtained from the SYRENA system or another government institution, such as the Regional Authentication Center, which can significantly speed up the recruitment process.


• The candidate will be obliged to present the originals of the aforementioned documents before or on the day of commencement of the education at the doctoral school PDS IPAS.


• Scientific CV encompassing track record of previous education and employment, information on involvement in scientific activities (participation in student research groups, attendance at scientific conferences, accomplished internships and training, awarded prizes and distinction) and list of publications.


• Cover letter featuring a short description of research interests, achievements and justification for the intention to commence education at the doctoral school.


• Certificates or other documents confirming the degree of proficiency in English, if the candidate is in possession of such materials.


• Contact details of at least one, previous scientific supervisor or another researcher who is entitled to issue an opinion on the candidate.

VII. Criteria for evaluation of candidates:

• Candidate’s research achievements, pursuant to the grades obtained in the course of studies, scientific publications, awarded scholarships and distinctions resulting from conducting scientific research or student activities or other achievements.


• Candidate’s scientific and professional experience, pursuant to participation in conferences, workshops, training sessions and internships, implementation of research and commercial projects, involvement in scientific trusts and societies, international and professional mobility, experience in other sectors, including industry.


• Candidate’s knowledge on the following discipline: chemistry, biotechnology, or related sciences.


• Knowledge of the subject matter described in the recruitment advertisement.

VIII. The recruitment procedure shall be concluded no later than 22.10.2026

IX. The description of the recruitment process is stipulated in the Regulations of Recruitment for PDS IPAS, to be found on the PDS IPAS website. Following the recruitment procedure, the unadmitted candidates will be informed on the number of points obtained at both stages.

For additional information please contact the Principal Investigator:

Pursuant to the stipulations of the regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), further referred to as GDPR, we hereby inform that:

• The Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, seated in Noskowskiego St. 12/14, 61-704 Poznan; REGON 000849327, NIP 777-00-02-062 is the administrator of the collected personal data (further referred to as the Institute).


• The Administrator appointed a Data Protection Officer, who can be contacted in writing, via traditional mail, by sending a letter to the following address: Z. Noskowskiego St. 12/14, 61-704 Poznan, or by sending an e-mail to: [e-mail] .


• The personal data of the candidates is processed for the purposes of fulfilling the tasks of the administrator, associated with conducting the recruitment procedure for a vacant position.


• The legal basis for processing personal data is the Act of 26 June 1974 – The Labor Code, Act of 30 April 2010 on the Polish Academy of Sciences or the consent of the person whose data shall be subjected to processing.


• Your personal data shall be subjected to processing for period of 3 months upon the date of decision of the recruitment committee. Following this period, the data will be irretrievably and effectively destroyed.


• The personal data of the candidates shall not be transferred to any third country.


• The person whose data shall be subjected to processing has the right to:
  
  
  
  • request access to his/her personal data, and to amend it or delete it, pursuant to articles 15-17 of GDPR;
  
  
  • limit data processing, in the events stipulated in article 18 of GDPR;
  
  
  • data transferring, pursuant to article 20 of GDPR;
  
  
  • withdraw consent at any moment, without influencing compliance with the law of the processing that was executed prior to consent withdrawal;
  
  
  • you have the right to lodge a complaint with the President of the Office for Personal Data Protection.
  
  
  
  

Providing personal data in the scope stipulated in article 22 (1) of the Act of 26 June 1974 – The Labor Code is mandatory, whereas providing data in a broader scope is voluntary and requires consent for its processing.

Protection for whistleblowers

In the case of reporting violations using a dedicated system for whistleblowers, the reporting person's data will be processed in accordance with applicable provisions on the protection of personal data, including the above-mentioned Regulation (EU 2016/679 of 27 April 2016). We ensure confidentiality and protection of the identity of reporting persons, and that their data will not be disclosed without their consent, unless the law provides otherwise.

Detailed rules regarding the protection of personal data and procedures for reporting violations of the law can be found in our Regulations on internal reporting at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, available at the link: