IMol has been established to conduct scientific research and provide training in the fields of biological, chemical, medical, biotechnological, bioinformatics, biophysical, pharmacological, and similar sciences, in the international environment conducive to collaborative efforts, research and development interactions with the biotechnological industry, and wide dissemination of our results. We aim at the development of solutions that will help everyone on this planet live a safer life.

At the moment, IMol is looking for a candidate for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Warsaw, Poland, for the implementation of the project OPUS25 financed by the National Science Center.

Group Leader: Prof. Magda Konarska

Project title: “Quality control at the catalytic phase of splicing: defective introns and their effects of global splicing in the cell”

Download the description of the project: https://projekty.ncn.gov.pl/opisy/590812-en.pdf

Short description of the group and/or the project: https://imol.institute/leaders/konarska-group/

As a part of our long-term goal to understand the function of the spliceosome, this project will study the consequences of defects in the processing of introns with suboptimal 3’SS signals. Whereas wild type (wt) introns complete the 1st step and progress efficiently to the 2nd step, introns defective in the 2nd step accumulate 1st step products (lariat intermediates) or are discarded, preventing unsuitable substrates from generating spliced mRNA products. Analysis of the mechanistic basis underlying these events is critical for our ability to predict and modulate the fidelity of splicing, in particular, the selection of alternative 3’SS. The high complexity of splice site selection mechanisms in alternative splicing is well documented, however, what happens when suboptimal intron substrates, specifically mutant 3' splice site (3'SS) introns, reach the catalytic center of the spliceosome? What elements in the spliceosomal RNA core recognize and position them for catalysis? What are the quality control systems preventing the catalysis of incorrect substrates? Similarly, the existence of discard pathways for the release of lariat intermediates that cannot complete the 2nd step of splicing has been described, but the underlying mechanisms controlling this process are not known.

We are looking for a highly motivated person to:

- Perform experiments using biochemical, molecular biology or genetic techniques (independently and in collaboration with other team members),

- Participate in experimental design and data analysis,

- Participate in the data preparation and writing of manuscripts, 

- Actively participate in lab meetings, scientific seminars and conferences.

Profile of candidates/requirements:

- PhD degree in molecular biology, biophysics, biochemistry or related fields of life sciences,

- Solid knowledge and familiarity with laboratory techniques in at least one of the following disciplines: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, transcriptomics,

- Very good command of English, 

- Motivation and passion for experimental work.

We offer:

- Job type: full-time position, fixed-term contract, up to 48 months with a possibility of extension,

- Remuneration/month: ~6.900 PLN net/month,

- Work in a young, active team in an excellent scientific environment,

- Comprehensive training in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology,

- Access to the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities,

- Participation in courses and conferences.

Required documents (in English):

- Cover letter

- CV

- List of publications

- Reference contacts (please do not send generic letters, contact details only)

If you think you are the person we are looking for, please apply by filling in this form: https://forms.gle/Exoy7iw4U8cYLL9C6