Job Information
- 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; Chemistry
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 30 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
- Country: Poland
- 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: 20/2026/ICHB/PSD
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
KEY WORDS: G-quadruplex, DNA aptamer, hairpin, thrombin
Research topic: Modified nucleotide residues as potential tool to increase aptamer - target protein interaction
Principal Investigator: dr Weronika Kotkowiak
1. Project description:
Aptamers are short, single strands of DNA or RNA that act like custom-made molecular keys. Their specific sequence tells them exactly how to fold into complex 3D shapes – some look like hairpins (such as Toggle-25t), while others form G-quadruplexes (like RE31 or RV66). It is this unique shape that allows them to bind to a target protein and switch its activity on or off.
While aptamers are incredibly versatile, they face a natural limitation. They are built from only four basic building blocks (nucleotides), whereas the proteins they target are made of 20 different amino acids. This lack of chemical variety means that aptamers sometimes struggle to bind their targets tightly enough. To overcome this, scientists have begun altering these building blocks. A major leap forward involved adding modifications that mimic amino acids (like SOMA-DNA), which significantly boosted how strongly aptamers could bind to proteins through hydrophobic interactions.
Inspired by these advancements, we have developed novel chemical compounds called SUNAs (Slow Off-Rate Unlocked Nucleic Acids). These modifications make the aptamer backbone more flexible, allowing it to bind to protein more effectively and stay attached for much longer. We are also exploring other ways to strengthen these connections, such as: replacement of oxygen with sulfur in the aptamer bonds or using modified sugar moieties (like 2’-fluoroarabinose) to stabilize the structure.
In this project, we propose to expand knowledge regarding the usefulness of these modifications for developing variants of RE31, RV66, and Toggle-25t aptamers with enhanced affinity for target proteins. A detailed understanding of these processes and mechanisms at the molecular level could enable the design of new versions of known inhibitors, which, in turn, could contribute to the improvement of therapeutic methods
Additional information:
- Research and doctoral theses shall be carried out within the project 2024/55/D/NZ7/02686, entitled “Modified nucleotide residues as potential tool to increase aptamer - target protein interaction”, funded by National Science Center
- PhD students shall receive a stipend in the gross amount of ca 4 900 PLN (4 300 PLN net) for the period of 22 months with possible extention up to 48 months. After the positive mid-term evaluation there is an increase of the amount of the stipend to at least 5 750 PLN gross (according to current rates).
- 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).
Where to apply
Requirements
- Research Field: Biological sciences » Biology — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Chemistry — Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Additional Information
Benefits
PhD students shall receive a stipend in the gross amount of ca 4 900 PLN (4 300 PLN net)
II. Requirements for the candidates:
- MSc degree in chemistry/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 biology and biochemistry
- Experience in the field of oligonucleotides and experience in spectroscopic techniques is welcome.
- Ability to independently solve research problems, search the literature related to the project topic, communicate effectively, organize work efficiently, demonstrate enthusiasm for experimental work, and work well both in a team and under time pressure.
- Good knowledge of the fundamental concepts in molecular biology and/ or biochemistry.
- Very good spoken and written English
- Documented involvement in scientific activities and reference letters from previous research supervisors are welcome.
III. Duties in project:
- Planning and conducting experiments, as well as analyzing, interpreting, and documenting results related to the determination of physicochemical and biological properties of modified aptamers with potential anticoagulant activity. The project involves the use of the following techniques: UV/VIS spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, coagulometry, vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.
- Preparing presentations and reports on the progress of research tasks.
- Participating in the writing of scientific publications and presenting results at seminars as well as at national and international scientific conferences.
- Reviewing and analyzing scientific articles related to the project topic.
IV. Required documents:
- 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 Application for 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: https://nawa.gov.pl/en/recognition/recognition-for-academic-purposes/applying-for-admission-to-doctoral-studies. If a document that raises doubts is submitted, the application will not be considered because the time required for its verification would make it impossible to complete the competition within the set deadline. We recommend a submission of the Individual Recognition Statement, obtained from the SYRENA system or another government institution, such as the Regional Authentication Center, which can significantly speed up the recruitment process.
- The candidate will be obliged to present the originals of the aforementioned documents before or on the day of commencement of the education at the doctoral school PDS IPAS.
- Scientific CV encompassing track record of previous education and employment, information on involvement in scientific activities (participation in student research groups, attendance at scientific conferences, accomplished internships and training, awarded prizes and distinction) and list of publications.
- Cover letter featuring a short description of research interests, achievements and justification for the intention to commence education at the doctoral school.
- Certificates or other documents confirming the degree of proficiency in English, if the candidate is in possession of such materials.
- Contact details of at least one, previous scientific supervisor or another researcher who is entitled to issue an opinion on the candidate.
V. Applications should be submitted via the eRecruiter portal at: https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=a713cc8bfc024803abf938bf937f43a7
VI. Submission deadline is [contact details available in the full listing]
Eligibility criteria
VII. Criteria for evaluation of candidates:
- Candidate’s research achievements, pursuant to the grades obtained in the course of studies, scientific publications, awarded scholarships and distinctions resulting from conducting scientific research or student activities or other achievements.
- Candidate’s scientific and professional experience, pursuant to participation in conferences, workshops, training sessions and internships, implementation of research and commercial projects, involvement in scientific trusts and societies, international and professional mobility, experience in other sectors, including industry.
- Candidate’s knowledge on the following discipline: biological/chemical sciences.
- Knowledge of the subject matter described in the recruitment advertisement.
VIII. The recruitment procedure shall be concluded no later than [contact details available in the full listing]. The results of recruitment will be announced at the PDS IPAS website: https://psd-ipan.ichb.pl/index.php/en/home/
Selection process
IX. The description of the recruitment process is stipulated in the Regulations of Recruitment for PDS IPAS, to be found on the PDS IPAS website. Following the recruitment procedure, the unadmitted candidates will be informed on the number of points obtained at both stages.
For additional information please contact the Principal Investigator:
dr Weronika Kotkowiak
e-mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, PAS
- Country: Poland
- State/Province: wielkopolska
- City: Poznan
- Postal Code: 61-704
- Street: Zygmunta Noskowskiego 12
Contact
- State/Province: wielkopolska
- City: Poznan
- Website: http://www.ibch.poznan.pl
- Street: Noskowskiego 12/14
- Postal Code: 61-704
- E-Mail: [contact details available in the full listing]
