PHD Student no​/ICHB​/PSD

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 Biological sciences › Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Poland Final date to receive applications 28 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) 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 26/2025/ICHB/PSD Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

KEY WORDS:RNA structure, RNA-driven human diseases, p53 mRNA, carcinogenesis, RNA structure-function relationship, cryogenic electron microscopy, RNA mutations, therapies against RNA-driven disorders

Research topic:

Structural and functional studies of human p53 mRNA

The aim of this project is comprehensive analysis of the known and uncharacterized RNA structures present in mRNA molecule encoding one of the most important proteins, tumor suppressor p53. These structures are directly related to human health, disease pathogenesis, and development of new therapeutic approaches. These mechanisms are regulated by the RNA structures located in the p53 mRNA, thus representing a critical gap.

Understanding how these structures influence p53 function will advance personalized mRNA vaccine and other therapies.

As a PhD student in our team, you will be involved in pioneering studies aimed at the identification and characterization (in vitro and in vivo) of unknown RNA structures present in the 3′ untranslated region of p53 mRNA, important in the regulation of p53 protein expression under normal and stress conditions and in the development of human diseases.

• Research and doctoral theses shall be carried out within the project OPUS 27 /53/B/NZ5/01942 entitled “ Comprehensive structural and functional analysis of p53 mRNA to identify secondary and tertiary RNA structures important in physiology, carcinogenesis, and development of therapies against human diseases ”, funded by the National Science Centre.
• PhD students shall receive a stipend in the gross amount of ca 4300 PLN ( 3800 PLN net) for the period of 24 months with the possibility of extending up to 48 months, and with the possibility of increasing the amount of the stipend after the mid‑term evaluation (in accordance with the current regulation of the Minister - 5340.90 PLN gross).
• PhD students shall be subject to social insurance, pursuant to article. 6 section 1 passage 7b of the act of October 13th, 1998 on the social insurance system (Journal of Laws of 2019, item 300, 303 and 730).
• Possibility of using the Multisport card, group insurance, social benefits (co‑financing of holiday leave, refund of tickets for cultural events).

PhD students shall receive a stipend in the gross amount of ca 4300 PLN ( 3800 PLN net)

• MSc degree in biology 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).
• Experience in laboratory work in the field of RNA and/or protein biology and biochemistry.
• Ability to solve research problems independently, good communication skills, enthusiasm for work and adaptation to teamwork.
• Proficiency in English to communicate efficiently, read professional literature, prepare publications and present results at national and international conferences.
• Experience in the field of RNA structure mapping, protein over-expression and purification, and/or experience in protein-RNA, RNA-RNA interaction analysis will be considered as an asset but is not a prerequisite.

• Design, synthesis and purification of RNAs and proteins.
• Analysis of p53 mRNA structure and interactions between p53 mRNA and proteins and non‑coding RNAs in vitro and in cell systems.
• RNA tertiary structure analysis using cryogenic electron microscopy (CryoEM).
• Analyzing data, interpreting results and participating in the preparation of manuscripts.

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  admission

Applications without the aforementioned consent will not be considered.

• 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:…