Fully funded PhD studentship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Polish Academy of Sciences Institute of Medical Biology

PhD Fellowship in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Pelliciari Lab, Institute of Medical Biology, Łódź, Poland

The Pelliciari Lab at the Institute of Medical Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team for a 4-year fully funded PhD. Our lab focuses of biochemical reconstitution of macromolecular complexes, with a particular focus on DNA replication and replisome progression.

What do we offer:

Generous scholarship and outstanding quality of life
This position comes with a highly competitive stipend, enabling a high standard of living in Łódź. Cost of living in Łódź is tipically significantly cheaper that other big cities in Poland, so the salary will guarantee independence and a high standard of life. Candidates of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Cutting-edge research
Defects in DNA replication are a hallmark of virtually all cancers. The proposed PhD project addresses a fundamental and unresolved problem in human DNA replication:

The human genome is densely bound by proteins, creating persistent obstacles to replisome progression. In particular, at so-called “dormant origins”, large numbers of inactive replicative helicase precursors are loaded onto chromatin, although only a small fraction is activated during genome duplication. While these dormant origins are essential for genome stability under stress, they also represent ubiquitous barriers to replisome movement—creating a biological double-edged sword.

How does the human replisome cope with these constant proteinaceous barriers during DNA replication? This project aims to answer this question through biochemical reconstitution, uncovering fundamental mechanisms that safeguard genome stability.

Develop an unmatched skillset
In our lab, we work with cutting edge technique at the forefront of the DNA replication field. The project foreseen for the candidate to learn:

• Human protein purification expressed in heterologous system like cerevisiae and Insect cells
• In vitro biochemical assay reconstitution, like in vitro human DNA replication performed with purified proteins
• CryoEM sample preparation and analysis
• Refined structural analysis of the CryoEM maps obtained from microscope data collection.

This combination of expertise will prepare you for an independent academic career as well as leadership roles in biotechnology, pharma, or interdisciplinary research institutes. Protein purification skills are always in high demand in private companies, such as ability to manage and develop complex in vitro assays, because they represent the necessary proof of principle and the first level of screening for every new compound that needs to be tested.

Career development
All the members of our lab will:

• Attend international conferences
• Network with top researchers across Europe
• Receive mentoring and guidance in future career steps from leading scientists with many years of research experience.

Our lab offers a supportive and inclusive environment, where professional growth, creativity, and collaboration are strongly encouraged.

Who we are looking for
We seek a highly motivated candidate with:

• A Masters (MSc, MRes, MBioSci, etc) in Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
• Strong experimental skills in structural and molecular biology, or biochemistry
• Focus, resilience and passion, with a curious attitude and a collaborative spirit
• We cannot accept candidates who already hold a PhD

Prior experience in Biochemistry and/ or Structural Biology is a plus but not required. Anything can be learned with the right mindset, if given the chance.

Join us

Join our recently established lab to participate to a dynamic environment with cutting-edge science and an outstanding quality of life. If you are willing to learn how to reconstitute fundamental mechanism of life from purified building blocks and follow your research interest in a supportive, high-impact research environment, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now to become part of the Pelliciari Lab! Email your CV and cover letter to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

Tagged as: Life Sciences