DSMBBC​/2026​/IMOL​/05 Interactions of the TOM complex for protein transport in human mitochondria

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Final date to receive applications 11 Aug 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Mitochondrial proteostasis is essential for cellular health, and its impairment results in proteotoxic stress, implicated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. The majority of mitochondrial proteins is imported from the cytosol via the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM), a crucial entry point and quality control machinery located in the outer mitochondrial membrane. The mechanisms that regulate the TOM translocase and decide the fate of precursor proteins have been studied in yeast, while the human TOM remains poorly understood.

Our research has identified novel human TOM interactors, including BAG2, a component of the cytosolic chaperone system associated with neurodegeneration and cancer, and a poorly characterized mitochondrial protein TRABD.

In this project, we want to verify whether BAG2 and TRABD regulate the TOM complex-mediated protein import and quality control. We will investigate the impact of BAG2 and TRABD on the interactome of the TOM translocase. To this end, we will purify TOM and its interactome from cells depleted of TRABD and BAG2, and analyze it by quantitative mass spectrometry. We aim at mapping the dynamic rearrangements of the human translocase and its partners.

We anticipate that this project will exert a substantial scientific impact, deepening our understanding of mitochondrial biology and its implications for human health. Firstly, it will offer critical insights into the regulation of the human TOM complex, thereby filling a significant knowledge gap. Secondly, the novel association of BAG2 with mitochondria via TRABD is expected to unveil new mechanisms of chaperone-mitochondria interaction, potentially revealing novel regulatory pathways at the cytosol-outer membrane interface.

Thirdly, by investigating proteostatic mechanisms at the mitochondria-cytosol interface, this project will contribute to a greater understanding of the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases, which are frequently associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and proteostasis imbalance.

Hold a degree of Master of Science [ Magister ], Master of Engineering [ Magister Inżynier ], medical doctor or equivalent in the field of: exact sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences or related disciplines, granted by a Polish or foreign university; a person who does not possess the qualifications described above may take part in the competition, but must obtain the qualifications in question and provide the relevant documents before the start of the programme at the Doctoral School (i.e., 1st October 2026).

Education at the Doctoral School begins on 1st October 2026 ;

• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team,
• Very good command of English,
• Ability to plan, organize, set priorities, work as a team member and effectively complete assignments,
• Strong motivation and passion for experimental work,
• Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent
• Research Field Biological sciences

• 1st year: 5500; 2nd year: 5500; 3rd year: 5500; 4th year: 5500

The recruitment process consists of three stages:

• The Committee analyzes the application documents in terms of the candidate’s competencies and their alignment with the requirements specified in the recruitment program. Candidates who obtain at least 40% of the maximum number of points in the first stage qualify for the second stage.
• Evaluation criteria:
• education in the subject areas listed in the application guidelines; (scoring scale: 0.0 – 2.0…