Postdoc (Cell and Molecular Biology)SonataBis – Dr Karolina Szczepanowska Group 10/2026

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.

Postdoc in Cell Biology / Biochemistry

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.

We offer:

• Start date: as soon as possible

• Full-time position with 6 months trial period

• Salary of approximately ca. 6.000 net/month

• Medical care package and 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

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

• Active participation in the research conducted in the lab.

Profile of candidates/requirements:

• Ph.D. project in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related fields

• Very well-structured knowledge in cell biology and biochemistry

• Previous hands-on training in molecular biology, cell biology or biochemistry lab

• Good command of English is essential

• Good communication skills

• Previous experience with mammalian cell culture and cell imaging techniques would be advantageous but is not obligatory

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 who we are looking for, please apply by the end of 15.11.2026 by filling in this form:

https://forms.gle/Exoy7iw4U8cYLL9C6