Offer Description
KEY WORDS:MOLECULAR GENETICS, PERSONALIZED MEDICINE; direct RNA sequencing, molecular biology, reverse genetics and RNAi, regenerative medicine, antisense oligonucleotides, biotherapeutic production, liquid biopsies, mitochondrial DNA replication, gene therapy, cell therapy, nucleic acid delivery therapy, nucleic acid detection;
Research topic: DC6: Development of single-molecule RNA sequencing and structural analysis methods for selected genomic regions
Principal Investigator: Dr. hab. Barbara Uszczyńska-Ratajczak.
I. Project description:
In recent years, nucleic acids (NAs) have contributed significantly to advancing the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer, infectious and rare diseases. Breakthrough technologies like genome editing tool CRISPR/Cas9, direct RNA sequencing, multi-omics analysis procedure for NAs analysis, bioinformatics and machine learning for data analysis, and targeted delivery systems based on lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) prove the increasing interest in NAs applicability. However, the full potential of NAs is yet to be unlocked, and the translation of NAs into clinical practice is still facing many methodological and technological limitations such as low detection sensitivity, limited sequencing capacity, lack of analytical methods for NAs therapeutics, and inadequate in vivo delivery. INT2ACT brings together 6 academic research units and 5 industrial partners to address these limitations by establishing new methods for detecting and analysing NAs in patient liquid biopsies, boosting available procedures for direct RNA sequencing, developing new methods for the synthesis and analysis of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) libraries, identifying new RNA targets, and optimise NA therapeutics delivery systems. The concept of harnessing NAs in the realm of medicine opens doors to an array of possibilities, including the development of therapeutic vaccines for cancer and innovative ASO-based therapies for addressing a multitude of genetic disorders. While advancing NAs’ research and technologies, INT2ACT will also contribute to forming the next generation of highly skilled experts through an interdisciplinary and intersectoral training programme delivered to 15 Doctoral Candidates. The network-wide training programme is designed to ensure that all INT2ACT fellows will have the skills for a successful career in or outside of research in any sector.
Additional information:
- Research and doctoral theses shall be carried out within the project 101226670 entitled “Innovative Nucleic Acids Technologies for Analysis, Detection and Treatment - akronim INT2ACT”, funded by The European Commission under the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 programme
- PhD student shall receive remuneration under a agreement on the admission within the project, amounting to approximately PLN 12800 gross (approximately PLN 9100 net), for a period of 36 months, with no possibility of extension).
- PhD students shall be subject to social insurance, pursuant to article. 6 section 1 passage 1 of the act of October 13th, 1998 on the social insurance system (Journal of Laws of 2026, item 199, as amended).
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Additional Information
Benefits
PhD student shall receive remuneration under a agreement on the admission within the project, amounting to approximately PLN 12800 gross (approximately PLN 9100 net)
II. Requirements for the candidates:
- A prerequisite for applying for admission to the Doctoral School under this call is that the candidate has previously been selected to participate in the INT2ACT research and training project under the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024, following an international recruitment procedure conducted in accordance with the rules of the Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme.
- MSc degree in chemistry, biotechnology 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).
- Basic knowledge of RNA sequencing.
- Basic experience with human cell line culture.
- Desirable: familiarity with the Linux command line.
- Desirable: basic understanding of bioinformatics
- Proficiency in English is essential, including strong oral and written communication skills
III. Duties in project:
- planning and execution of scientific experiments within the scope of the project;
- preparation of RNA sequencing libraries using long-read sequencing methods;
- cell culture and isolation of subcellular fractions;
- preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts for publication;
- execution of additional tasks as assigned by the direct supervisor.
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
- 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=2129d9fb89244338ad8da0eaee890a03
VI. Submission deadline is 24.09.2026.
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: chemistry, biotechnology, or related sciences.
- Knowledge of the subject matter described in the recruitment advertisement.
VIII. The recruitment procedure shall be concluded no later than 22.10.2026
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. hab. Barbara Uszczyńska-Ratajczak.
e-mail: buszczynska@ibch.poznan.pl.
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: buszczynska@ibch.poznan.pl