Organisation/Company: Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia
Department: Bioinnovation for Agriculture, Food and Environment Research Group
Research Field: Biological sciences » Biological engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: Master Positions
Application Deadline: 1 December 2027 - 00:00 (Europe/Warsaw)
Country: Poland
Type of Contract: Permanent
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 8
Offer Starting Date: 1 January 2027
EU Research Framework Programme: Horizon Europe
Reference Number: [contact details available in the full listing]
Staff position within a Research Infrastructure: No
Offer Description
Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia is a research organisation conducting applied research and developing innovative technologies in bioeconomy, environmental protection, energy and sustainable development. We carry out national and international research and development projects in cooperation with research institutions and businesses.
Within the Horizon Europe-funded MOBILES project, we investigate the environmental safety of genetically modified organisms used in biological biosensors. Our work covers microbiological, molecular and environmental research as well as risk assessments related to the use of emerging biological technologies.
Since 2018, Pro-Akademia has held the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award, reflecting its commitment to a supportive working environment and attractive research careers.
We offer opportunities to gain experience in an interdisciplinary research environment, develop research skills and gradually increase independence through involvement in research projects and international collaboration.
Your responsibilities
- Contribute to the international MOBILES research project, funded under Horizon Europe, focusing on the development of biological biosensors and the assessment of their environmental safety.
- Conduct microbiological and molecular research involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
- Participate in studies of the genetic stability, survival and potential gene transfer of microorganisms and their impact on the environment.
- Prepare and carry out experiments with plants under controlled laboratory and growth-chamber (phytotron) conditions.
- Document experiments, record and organise research results, and prepare data for further analysis.
- Contribute to environmental risk assessments of GMOs, scientific literature reviews and research data analysis.
- Help prepare project reports and scientific publications, and collaborate with partners in the international consortium.
- Comply with biosafety principles and applicable laboratory procedures.
Requirements
Essential requirements
- A Master’s degree in biotechnology, biology, microbiology, biochemistry or a related discipline.
- Hands-on laboratory experience using microbiological and/or molecular biology techniques.
- Knowledge of aseptic techniques and basic laboratory procedures.
- Ability to carry out assigned experiments independently, following established procedures after appropriate induction.
- Ability to systematically document laboratory work, organise data and prepare summaries of results.
- Ability to work with scientific literature and perform basic analysis and interpretation of research data.
- English proficiency at a minimum of B2 level.
- Good organisational skills, attention to detail, responsibility and the ability to work as part of a team.
Desirable qualifications and experience
- Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR/qPCR and nucleic acid extraction.
- Experience in cultivating microorganisms or working with environmental samples.
- Experience conducting plant experiments under controlled conditions.
- Knowledge of GMOs and biosafety issues.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis, data visualisation tools or basic bioinformatics.
- Experience preparing scientific reports or publications.
Languages: Polish (Good); English (Excellent)
Additional Information
What we offer
- Full-time employment under an employment contract within the MOBILES project, which is scheduled to end on 29 February 2028.
- The possibility of continued employment after MOBILES ends, through future R&D projects at Pro-Akademia, subject to securing funding for those projects.
- Opportunities for scientific and professional development in an international research environment.
- Opportunities to participate in scientific research, contribute to publications and present research findings.
- Access to specialised laboratory infrastructure.
- Work in an interdisciplinary research team and collaboration with Polish and international scientific partners.
- The option to join a group life insurance scheme.
Benefits
- Co-funding for foreign-language courses;
- Co-funding for training and professional courses;
- Flexible working hours;
- Team-building events;
- No dress code, except for laboratory-specific requirements;
- Coffee and tea;
- Staff parking.
Selection process
Recruitment principles and selection criteria (OTM-R): Pro-Akademia recruits researchers in accordance with the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R), which form part of its implementation of the European Charter for Researchers under the HR Excellence in Research initiative.
Eligibility screening: We verify whether applicants meet the requirements listed in the ‘Essential requirements’ section.
Merit-based assessment: The greatest weight is given to hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology and/or molecular biology, the ability to conduct and document experiments, and the relevance of the applicant’s skills to the MOBILES project tasks. We then assess data-analysis skills, work organisation, teamwork and English proficiency. The qualifications listed under ‘Desirable qualifications and experience’ are additional assets, not eligibility requirements.
Applications are assessed against the criteria stated in this advertisement, based on the documents submitted and, if the selection committee considers it necessary, an interview, which may be held remotely. We consider both past achievements and potential for further development; career breaks and experience gained outside academia are not treated as barriers.
Every applicant will receive an acknowledgement of their application and be informed of the recruitment outcome. Applicants invited to an interview will receive feedback on their strengths and areas for development; other applicants may request additional feedback.
Equal opportunities, data protection and complaints: Pro-Akademia is committed to equal treatment and non-discrimination of applicants, regardless of factors including gender, age, origin, disability, beliefs or career history. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. If you need reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please contact the person named in this advertisement.
Under Pro-Akademia’s current OTM-R policy, applicants may lodge a complaint concerning the recruitment process within 14 days of being informed of the outcome. Complaints should be sent to [contact details available in the full listing].
Pro-Akademia’s OTM-R recruitment policy and information on its Gender Equality Plan: https://www.proakademia.eu/en/about-us/hr-excellence-in-research/.
Website for additional job details: https://www.proakademia.eu/en/about-us/
Work Location
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Research and Innovation Centre Pro-Akademia
Country: Poland
City: Konstantynów Łódzki
Postal Code: 95-050
Street: Innowacyjna 9/11
Contact
City: Konstantynów Łódzki
Website: http://www.proakademia.eu
Street: Innowacyjna 9/11
Postal Code: 95050
