"Postdoc position in human mitochondrial RNA biology"

Laboratory of RNA Biology IBB PAS seeks a highly motivated Postdoc candidate who would like to join a mitochondrial research group working under the supervision of Dr Roman Szczesny.

Mitochondria are essential organelles found in almost all eukaryotic cells. Due to the organization of human mitochondrial DNA, the regulation of individual gene expression at the transcription level is limited. Despite the fact that most protein-coding mitochondrial genes are transcribed at the same rate, the levels of mature transcripts are different. Therefore, posttranscriptional processes appear to play a significant role in tuning mitochondrial mRNA (mt-mRNA) levels. Our research, as well as others, have identified the only known RNA degradation pathway in human mitochondria, which depends on a complex called degradosome. This complex comprises the RNA helicase SUV3 and polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) (Borowski et al. NAR, 2013). The degradosome pathway is primarily responsible for the decay of mitochondrial antisense RNA (Pietras et al., Nat Commun, 2018, Dhir et al., Nature, 2018). The mechanism of the human mitochondrial sense transcripts degradation is far from being understood.

The main objective of our proposed research is to identify regulators of human mitochondrial mRNA levels, particularly nuclear-encoded proteins involved in mt-mRNA decay. We will also investigate the potential role of posttranscriptional processing and translation in regulating mt-mRNA levels.

To achieve these goals, we have conducted a high-throughput siRNA-based screening of the human genome, allowing us to silence the expression of 6,395 selected nuclear genes. Human cells were transfected with the siRNA library and subsequently examined for mitochondrial mRNA levels and degradation using a fluorescent microscopy-based approach. The proteins identified in this screening will be further characterized through various molecular, biochemical, and transcriptomic methods.

The selected candidate will contribute to the part of the project focused on the functional studies of the identified proteins and pathways. Depending on their experience and research interests, the candidate may also participate in the further exploration of the siRNA screening results.

Visit our web to learn more about us: https://ibb.edu.pl/en/laboratory/roman-szczesny/

What we offer:

• Interesting and important research project.
• Supportive and inspiring work environment.
• Possibility to develop skills to supervise young researchers (doctoral and master students).
• Possibility to participate in specific international courses, workshops and conferences.
• Up to 18-months position and possibility to extend for another 24 months.
• Position with 100% focus on research (no teaching obligations).
• Remuneration: 7500-8500 PLN/month/gross, depending on experience.
• Additional annual remuneration (provided that the formal criteria are met).
• Motivation allowance (depending on research achievements affiliated with IBB PAS).
• Benefits including reduced-rate for private healthcare program and membership in MultiSport program.
• Support from the IBB Welcome Center with moving to a new place (https://welcome.ibb.edu.pl/).
• Delicious coffee and fruity Wednesdays.

Position starts on: April 2026, but can be discussed.

Profile of a candidate:

• PhD degree (or equivalent) in biology, biochemistry, genetics or other related life science discipline at the time of starting the position (you don't need to have the degree when applying). The PhD degree cannot have been obtained earlier than 2019.
• Passion for science, love of experimental research, and creativity.
• Ability to survey literature, analyze data and draw conclusions.
• Strong background in molecular biology techniques.
• Independent thinking, structured work organization, and a good team spirit are expected.
• Any experience in in vitro cell culture, RNA biology techniques, next-generation sequencing, fluorescent microscopy imaging, and involvement in studies on mitochondrial biology will be an advantage but is not mandatory. Don't worry; we will be happy to support and teach you.

Deadline for application: The application deadline is 28-02-2026. Selected candidates will be invited for interview (online option is available). The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements is found.

Required documents:

• CV including scientific achievements, a short description of the research project(s) conducted so far, a list of known/used methods by the applicant, any other relevant information (prizes, honours, IT skills, organization of scientific meetings, experience in supervision of students/teaching).
• A copy of the PhD diploma or any other document that confirms PhD promotion or equivalent title.
• List of publications, if applicable.
• Contact information for at least one professional reference.
• Optional documents: reference letter(s), motivation letter - summary and relevance of your current research. Why you are interested in the position?

How to apply:

• All documents (written in English or Polish) should be merged into one pdf file. The file should be named as follows: Last name_First name_CV.pdf.
• The application must be sent via recruitment platform: https://system.erecruiter.pl/FormTemplates/RecruitmentForm.aspx?WebID=455eb6e4278841b597ceaf0cda760527

In case of any difficulties with submitting your application please contact: recruitment@ibb.waw.pl

Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, 5A Pawińskiego Street, 02-106 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.”

Contact: Any questions should be addressed to Roman Szczesny, rszczesny@ibb.waw.pl, and the "Postdoc mtRNA position" should be added to the message's subject.

Funding: National Science Center, Project number 2021/42/E/NZ2/00442, Project name: Identification and analysis of mechanisms controlling steady-state levels and quality of mitochondrial mRNA.