Researcher (role in the project: Senior postdoctoral researcher)

Recruitment for the project “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine (RACE-PRIME)” (grant agreement no. FENG.02.01-IP.05-T003/23) implemented within the framework of the International Research Agendas funded by the European Funds for Smart Economy programme, for the position Researcher (role in the project: Senior postdoctoral researcher) to carry out research work in the cell biology area under the direction of Prof. Marta Miączyńska, head of the Laboratory of Cell Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), in collaboration with Prof. Matthias Bochtler (Laboratory of Structural Biology).

The aim of RACE-PRIME is to establish IIMCB as a world-class Center of Excellence in RNA and Cell Biology. The goal of RACE-PRIME is to translate basic research findings, e.g., for developing new therapies, diagnostic methods, discovering new therapeutic targets, or identifying molecules with desired properties to be developed into drugs.

Description of the project area:  KMT2/MLL proteins meditate positive epigenetic memory, by keeping H3K4 tri- and mono-methylation at promoters and enhancers. Germ-line loss of the enhancer directed KMT2D causes a developmental disorder, Kabuki syndrome. Somatic loss of KMT2C and KMT2D is a common occurrence in a broad spectrum of cancers, presumably because functional plasticity favors malignancy.

Job description: The successful candidate will work on KMT2/MLL proteins and their role in positive epigenetic memory. The candidate will participate in (a) tests of a little-studied chromatin mark as the possible anchor for KMT2 proteins, (b) test developmental consequences of a loss of chromatin reader function of KMT2s in WT and mutant embryoid bodies using single cell transcriptomics, and (c) participate in a planned collaboration with the Canadian Structural Biology consortium on a small molecule screen for compounds that stabilize positive epigenetic memory for KMT2 proteins that have fold-destabilizing loss-of-function mutations.

Requirements:

1. PhD in biological sciences or related field.
2. Minimum of 5 years of experience in research and development. At the same time, the period of 5 years is counted from the year of obtaining the doctoral degree.
3. Minimum 5 years of documented laboratory experience in molecular and cellular biology after Ph.D.
4. Experience with cell culture, embryoid bodies and chromatin-mapping techniques (CHIP-Seq, CUT&RUN, greenCUT&RUN).
5. Experience with zebrafish would be an asset.
6. Independence, commitment, initiative, teamwork skills.
7. Proficiency in spoken and written English.
8. Ability to write and edit publications in English.
9. Scientific track record documented by publications in international journals.

Selection criteria:

1. Education and other formal credentials.
2. Technical competence, experience and fit of the expertise to the position.
3. Scientific achievements - publications, awards, grants, foreign internships, courses etc.
4. Proficiency in spoken and written English.
5. Soft skills – motivation letter, communication and cooperation skills, ability for effective teamwork, likelihood to fit an add value to the group, effective work organization, compatibility of plans for individual development with the goals of the group.

Candidates will be selected through an open competition, in accordance with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, which are part of the HR Excellence in Research strategy. https://shorturl.at/fjot2

We offer:

1. Full-time employment contract, initially for a period of 6 months with the possibility of extension.
2. Competitive salary ranging from 9 800 PLN gross/month to 11 400 PLN gross/month (depending on experience).
3. Attractive benefits package including subsidization for MultiSport card and medical insurance.
4. Full technical, administrative, and organizational support in Polish and English from professional staff.
5. Opportunity to participate in courses, conferences, scientific training, and substantive support from colleagues.

Applications can be submitted until October 15^st, 2024. The proposed start date of employment
is December 1^st, 2024, or later.

How to apply:

1. Please send your applications to the email address: recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl
2. In the email subject line, please include the following information: "CELL 6 Researcher MAB" followed by your first and last name.
3. Applications should be submitted in English. The application should include a CV, list of publications, a motivation letter describing key scientific achievements, and contact details (email and phone number) of at least two potential referees, including your direct supervisor.
4. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby give consent for my personal data included in the application documents to be processed by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, ul. Ks. Trojdena 4, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the recruitment process." Full information is available at https://bit.ly/3ObTUdJ.

The competition may be extended until a candidate meeting all requirements is found.