Fully funded PhD studentship in cancer cell biology Full-time

PhD Fellowship in Cancer Biology & Meiosis – McClurg Lab, Institute of Medical Biology, Łódź, Poland

The McClurg 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 is part of the prestigious EMBO Young Investigator Labs network, giving you access to exclusive international collaborations, cutting-edge training, and closed EMBO events.

Benefits:

💸 Generous scholarship and outstanding quality of life
This position offers a very competitive stipend. Accounting for living costs in Łódź—including a comfortable two-bedroom apartment, utilities, and food—you will retain over 50% of your income for leisure and personal pursuits, offering a truly high standard of living in one of Poland’s most vibrant cities. This position is open to candidates of all nationalities.

🧬 Cutting-edge research at the interface of cancer biology and meiosis
The project focuses on a fascinating and medically relevant question: Why are meiotic proteins re-expressed in cancer cells, and how does this influence therapy resistance? Our team has shown that common chemotherapy treatments can induce meiotic proteins, potentially promoting genomic instability. As a PhD student in this project, you will:

• Investigate the mechanisms driving reactivation of meiotic genes in cancer
• Assess their impact on cell physiology, genome stability, and chemotherapy response
• Explore potential therapeutic vulnerabilities that could improve cancer treatment outcomes

This project is funded by the NCN Sonata Bis grant and offers the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in a field with high clinical relevance.

🛠️ Develop an unmatched skillset
You will gain hands-on experience in advanced and multidisciplinary techniques, including:

• CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing and functional genomics
• Proteomics, DNA pull-downs, and molecular assays
• High-resolution cell imaging and microscopy
• Data analysis and integrative computational approaches

This combination of expertise will prepare you for an independent academic career or leadership roles in biotechnology, pharma, or interdisciplinary research institutes.

🌍 Career development and EMBO network benefits
Being part of the EMBO Young Investigator Labs network provides unique opportunities, including:

• Attendance at exclusive EMBO workshops, conferences, and training courses
• Networking with top researchers across Europe
• Career development guidance and mentoring from leading scientists

In addition, 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 biomedical sciences, molecular biology, genetics, or a related field
• Strong experimental skills in cell biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry
• Curiosity, independence, and a collaborative spirit

Prior experience in cancer biology, meiosis, or proteomics is a plus but not required—enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are highly valued.

📝 Join us
This is a unique opportunity to combine cutting-edge science with an outstanding quality of life, within a lab recognized for scientific excellence and international collaboration. If you are passionate about understanding cancer biology at a fundamental level and want to thrive in a supportive, high-impact research environment, we would love to hear from you.

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

Tagged as: Life Sciences