Postdoctoral Researcher Position at the Structural Biology Laboratory Intercollegiate Faculty o

University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology

Organisation/Company University of Gdańsk, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology Department Structural Biology Laboratory Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Poland Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Final date to receive applications 22 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

The Structural Biology Laboratory ( (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). ) at the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk (IFB UG & MUG), Poland, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the SONATA BIS 12 project funded by the National Science Centre, Poland, entitled “The structural organization of the human mitochondrial replisome.”

The mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) is essential for cellular function, as it encodes critical subunits of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Like nuclear DNA, mtDNA must be faithfully replicated, and errors during this process lead to mutations that cause debilitating mitochondrial diseases. Approximately 1 in 2,000 people are at risk of developing a mitochondrial disorder during their lifetime, making these conditions among the most common metabolic diseases.

Currently, there is no cure or approved treatment.

The stability of mtDNA depends on the accuracy of its replication, which is carried out by a dedicated set of enzymes forming a large macromolecular machine known as the mitochondrial replisome. While the core components of this replisome are known, its overall structure, functional coordination, and spatiotemporal organization remain poorly understood. The goal of this project is to define the structure of the human mitochondrial replisome, uncover how its components work together during DNA replication, and determine the mechanistic basis of human diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

By combining biochemistry, enzymology, structural biology (X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM), and cell biology, this interdisciplinary project aims to provide fundamental insights into the molecular principles of mitochondrial DNA replication and genome stability.

• Full-time employment contract initially for a period of 12 months with the possibility of extension.
• A competitive salary, fully funded for the duration of the project. The final monthly gross remuneration will be calculated individually during the employment process, taking into account the length of service.
• A position 100% focused on scientific research (no teaching commitments).
• Opportunity for scientific development and work in a young, dynamically developing team.
• Technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel.
• International trainings, internships, and conferences. Support from peers, and academic mentoring.
• Supervisory experience through mentoring of junior lab members.
• Flexible working time.

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level PhD or equivalent

• A doctoral degree (PhD) in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, structural biology, or a related field (obtained in 2019 or later).
• Hands-on experience in protein biochemistry and enzymology, as well as in at least one of the following: protein engineering, structural biology (X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM), assay development, or nucleic acid biochemistry.
• Documented research achievements, peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
• Strong motivation to pursue challenging scientific questions and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Very good command of English, both spoken and written.

• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work under…