"JUNIOR GROUP LEADER in COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY Professor position"

Job Details

JUNIOR GROUP LEADER in COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY

Professor position

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland

invites applications for Junior Group Leader in Computational Biology

Opportunity Overview

The IIMCB, invites applications for a Junior Group Leader in Computational Biology. This is a professor-level position with an initial five-year appointment on a rolling tenure-track, offering a full-time salary, comprehensive benefits, and a competitive start-up package. We seek a talented, dynamic, and motivated early-career computational biologist to establish their first independent research group within our vibrant scientific environment. The ideal candidate will leverage computational approaches to drive new fundamental discoveries in RNA and cell biology. This may include, but is not limited to, the development of new methods for multiomics or image analysis, approaches using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), or advanced numerical simulations. Your expertise will enrich IIMCB’s research and foster collaborations by using computational insights to unravel molecular mechanisms from single molecules to complex cellular systems, in line with IIMCB’s mission to address fundamental questions in biology and respond to health-related societal challenges.

Major Research Initiatives and Collaborations

Successful candidates will join the ambitious initiatives funded by the prominent EU projects focused on:

• institutional development - RACE: “RNA and Cell Biology - from Fundamental Research to Therapies” (Teaming for Excellence under Horizon Europe)
• scientific development - RACE-PRIME: “RNA and Cell Biology Platform for Research and Innovation in Medicine” (International Research Agendas program co-financed by the EU under the European Funds for Smart Economy 2021-2027)

Through RACE and RACE-PRIME, and in partnership with The University of Edinburgh and the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), IIMCB is establishing itself as a highly recognized international research center where excellent fundamental science is complemented by professional technology transfer to biomedical applications. The Institute’s state-of-the-art facilities – and the prospect of a larger, new research building – provide new group leaders with exceptional opportunities for scientific and personal development.

Cutting-Edge Infrastructure

Research at IIMCB is supported by advanced core facilities (IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure) developed under the European Recovery and Resilience Plan “Research Infrastructure for Molecules and Cells”. All group leaders have access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert services. For computational biology, IIMCB offers dedicated high-performance computing resources designed for data-intensive and AI-driven research:

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Cluster: ~4000 CPU cores with 5 TB RAM, suitable for high I/O and large memory workloads.
• Mass Data Storage: 2.5 PB of networked storage, plus an additional 150 TB high-speed SSD storage for fast data access.
• GPU Supercomputing: A GPU server with 8 × NVIDIA RTX A5000 GPUs and 1 TB RAM for machine learning and simulation tasks.
• External HPC Access: Professional support to obtain access to national and international supercomputing centres (e.g., the PLGrid), extending your computational capabilities.

Vibrant International Environment

IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational scientific community and is actively embedded in international networks, as exemplified by the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board and membership in the EU-LIFE, an alliance of Europe’s leading life science research institutes. Our faculty of sixteen group leaders includes internationally recognized scientists – including EMBO Members and ERC grant laureates – who foster a culture of high-impact research. As part of the Warsaw-4-PhD doctoral school consortium, IIMCB group leaders can supervise PhD students across disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, medical sciences) without formal teaching duties, allowing you to focus fully on research and mentorship. Within this supportive environment you will develop your own research program, build your team, and establish collaborations both within IIMCB and with external partners worldwide. English is the working language of the institute, and international newcomers are welcome – fluency in Polish is not required to live and work in Warsaw. Importantly, Poland is recognized as safe, friendly and prosperous country https://travelmaps.state.gov/TSGMap/

What We Offer

Joining IIMCB as a Junior Group Leader comes with a comprehensive support package to ensure your research success and career development:

• Faculty Appointment: Professor-level position with an initial 5-year appointment, with rolling tenure-track extension subject to positive periodic evaluations by the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board.
• Salary & Benefits: Full-time employment with a competitive salary and extensive social benefits (health insurance, pension, etc.).
• Start-Up & Core Funding: A generous start-up funding package to establish your lab, followed by sustained core funding to support your research after the start-up period.
• Facilities Access: Full access to IIMCB’s state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, including all IN‑MOL‑CELL core facilities and services.
• PhD Programme Engagement: Opportunity to co-supervise doctoral students through the Warsaw-4-PhD programme, with no teaching obligations.
• Institutional Voice: Participation in IIMCB’s decision-making as a member of the Laboratory Leaders’ Council, allowing you to contribute to institute-wide scientific strategy and operations.
• Grant Application Support: Extensive support from an experienced team to strengthen your applications for national and international grants – including identifying funding opportunities, budget preparation, data management plans, ethical compliance, and ensuring all submission requirements are met.
• Administrative Support: Comprehensive organizational and administrative assistance from professional, English-speaking staff (including IT support), reducing bureaucratic burdens on your research.
• Relocation Assistance: Personalised help for you (and your partner/family) in relocating to Poland – support with visa processes, obtaining residency permits, and finding housing in Warsaw.
• Collaborative Atmosphere: A friendly, inclusive, and international working environment that values diversity and promotes collegiality and well-being. (Living in Warsaw is convenient for English speakers, and the city offers a high quality of life with rich cultural experiences.)

Application Process

Complete applications should be submitted through the IIMCB online recruitment platform: erecruiter.

Please prepare the following documents in English:

• Cover Letter – outlining your motivation for applying and your fit for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – including your education, research experience, and full publication list.
• Summary of Achievements – a concise description (1–3 paragraphs) of 1–3 major scientific achievements from the last 10 years.
• Research Plan – a two-page summary of your future research plans and objectives.
• References – contact information for two academic or professional referees who can evaluate your work.