About this position
The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines (IMol) Polish Academy of Sciences, was constituted in December 2020, in partnership with the University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany and the University of Warsaw, Poland. 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 PhD student in Warsaw, Poland, for the implementation of the project
SONATABIS11KS
no
UMO-2021/42/E/NZ3/00242
financed by the National Science Center.
PhD Student in Cell and Molecular Biology
Located: Warsaw, Poland
Job start date: as soon as possible
Deadline for applying: 15.11.2026
The work will be conducted in the Laboratory of Metabolic Quality Control under the supervision of Dr Karolina Szczepanowska. We aim to reveal and understand the mechanisms that shape cellular metabolism in response to disease-associated stress, with particular focus on mitochondrial dysfunction. Your Ph.D. project will explore the role of boosted proline biosynthesis in mammalian cells with impaired mitochondrial function.
Mitochondrial defects underlie a range of life-threatening diseases for which effective treatments are still missing. Your research will shed light on fundamental mechanisms implemented in the cellular response to metabolic stress and help design new therapeutical strategies to combat mitochondrial diseases. Using a set of cutting-edge proteomic, biochemistry and molecular biology approaches combined with tailored cell culture models relevant to neuronal and muscle biology, you will investigate the consequences of metabolic reprogramming stimulated by failing mitochondrial function.
Joining us will allow you to develop an exciting research project with possible translational application and master numerous advanced experimental techniques. Furthermore, you will benefit from a young, collaborative and dynamic scientific environment.
Key responsibilities:
Planning and performing experiments
Keeping a record of experimental details
Data analysis, interpretation and discussion
Presenting results at internal and external meetings/conferences
Preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
Writing thesis and defending PhD
We offer:
PhD fellowship for up to 4 years, take home ca. 4800-5500NET k PLN per month
Private medical care package
Social benefits
Flexible working hours
Collaborative and supportive work culture
Participation in an ambitious interdisciplinary project
Working with state-of-the-art research equipment
Opportunity to gain unique professional experience
Profile of candidates/requirements:
MSc project in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields
Well-structured knowledge in cell biology and biochemistry
Previous hands-on training in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry lab, or related
Good command of English is essential
Good communication skills
Previous exposure to mammalian cell culture techniques would be advantageous
Required documents (in English):
Cover letter
CV
Contact details for 2 senior scientists who can vouch for you (please do not submit previously obtained reference letters)
The academic achievements and research experience of the candidates will be evaluated on the basis of documents provided (only complete submissions will be evaluated). Top scoring candidates will be invited for remote interviews, during which fluency in English, communication skills and motivation will be assessed. The committee will then select the candidate who obtained the highest score.
The successful candidate will be invited to join a Doctoral School. A complete set of documents (including a copy of the M.Sc. diploma, academic transcript, reference letter from the M.Sc. supervisor) will need to be submitted after the successful candidate receives the result.
If you think you are the person who we are looking for, please apply by the
15.11.2025
by filling in this form:
https://forms.gle/Exoy7iw4U8cYLL9C6
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