PhD Position – Polish Academy: Embark on a transformative journey in molecular biology and biological chemistry at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences. We invite applications for a PhD position in the Laboratory of Metalloprotein Biology, under the supervision of Dr. hab. Agata Starosta. The research program focuses on gaining an atomic-resolution understanding of how critical metalloenzymes function and evolve, with a particular emphasis on iron- or manganese-dependent superoxide dismutases.
PhD Position – Doctoral School of Molecular Biology and Biological Chemistry
- 🎓 Supervisor: Dr. hab. Agata Starosta
- 📧 Supervisor’s Email: agata.starosta@ibb.waw.pl
- 🤝 Auxiliary Supervisor: Dr. Kevin Waldron
- 🧪 Research Unit: Laboratory of Metalloprotein Biology
- 🔗 Research Unit Website: Lab Website
- 📚 Programme Title (English): An atomic-resolution understanding of how a critical metalloenzyme functions and evolves
- 📚 Programme Title (Polish): Zrozumienie w rozdzielczości atomowej, jak funkcjonuje i ewoluuje krytyczny metaloenzym
- 🧪 Discipline of Science: Biological Sciences
- 📝 PhD Programme Description: Study on metalloproteins, exploring their specificity, evolution, and role in adaptation. Focus on iron/manganese-dependent superoxide dismutases.
- 📖 Literature References:
- ‘An ancient metalloenzyme evolves through metal preference modulation,’ 2023, Sendra KM, Barwinska-Sendra A, et al.
- ‘An evolutionary path to altered cofactor specificity in a metalloenzyme,’ 2020, Barwinska-Sendra A, Garcia YM, et al.
- ‘A Superoxide Dismutase Capable of Functioning with Iron or Manganese Promotes the Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus to Calprotectin and Nutritional Immunity,’ 2017, Garcia YM, Barwinska-Sendra A, et al.
- 📚 Requirements for the Candidate: Hold a Master’s degree in exact/natural/medical sciences, or related disciplines. Education starts on March 1, 2024.
- 💰 Scholarship Amount (PLN):
- 1st year: 4000.00 PLN/month
- 2nd year: 4000.00 PLN/month
- 3rd year: 4500.00 PLN/month
- 4th year: 4500.00 PLN/month
- 📆 Deadline for Submission: January 19, 2024
- 📅 Interview Dates: January 22-26, 2024
- 🏁 Recruitment Completion Deadline: January 31, 2024
- 📝 Required Documents: Application form, diploma copy, CV, list of courses, motivation letter, contact details for academic adviser, disability certificate if applicable.
- 🗣️ Language of Documents: English
- 📄 How to Apply: Use the [Application Form](link to the website), merge all documents into a single PDF, send it to PhDschool-recruitment@ibb.waw.pl or post it to the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
- 📧 Email Subject: Include “Procedure no. DSMBB C/2023/23” and your first and last name.
- 📋 Recruitment Process Overview
- First stage:
- Evaluation of candidates based on achievements and academic results.
- Up to 5 candidates with the highest scores (minimum 60%) proceed to the next stage.
- Second stage (interview):
- Presentation by the candidate (max 10 minutes) on research outcomes.
- Committee questions on the presented project, methods, proposed PhD program, and motivation for scientific work.
- 🌐 Language of Interview: English
- First stage:
- 🎓 Criteria for Candidate Evaluation
- Stage One:
- Learning outcomes (0.0 – 6.0 points).
- Participation in scientific projects or conferences (0.0 – 1.0 points).
- Co-authorship of research paper (0.0 – 1.0 points).
- Involvement in science clubs (0.0 or 0.5 points).
- Other achievements (awards, scholarships, etc.) (0.0 – 1.5 points).
- Stage Two:
- Understanding of the project, methods, and interpretation of results (0 – 10 points).
- Knowledge related to the proposed PhD program (0 – 10 points).
- Presentation of candidate’s results (0 – 3 points).
- Stage One:
- 📊 Additional Information
- Contact:
- Formal issues: PhDschool – recruitment@ibb.waw.pl (Research Management Unit IBB PAS).
- PhD program-related issues: Contact the supervisor at IBB PAS before submitting your application.
- Legal Basis: Link to legal basis
- Scholarship Source: Maestro grant UMO-2021/42/A/NZ1/00214 + IBB PAS Scholarship Fund Link to source
- Contact:
Designation: PhD Researcher
Research Area: Metalloprotein Biology
Location: Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master’s degree in exact sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences, or related disciplines
- Strong background in biochemistry, biophysics, or bioinformatics
- Proficiency in English
- Motivated individuals with an interest in molecular biology
Job Description: The successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing research on metalloenzymes, specifically superoxide dismutases. The project involves utilizing cutting-edge methodologies in biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology to understand the atomic-level mechanisms governing metalloenzyme function and evolution. The candidate will collaborate with experts in the field, gaining expertise in molecular biology, protein expression, purification, and advanced biophysical techniques.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following documents in English as a single PDF file to PhDschool-recruitment@ibb.waw.pl or by post to the address below:
- Application form for admission to the Doctoral School
- Copy of university diploma or estimated graduation date
- Scientific curriculum vitae
- List of completed university courses with marks
- Motivation letter
- Contact details for at least one academic adviser
- Other relevant documents, if any
Include “Procedure no. DSMBBC/2023/23” and your first and last name as the subject of the email.
Last Date for Apply: 19 January 2024
Disclaimer: This job post is based on information obtained from a reliable source. However, applicants are encouraged to verify details and check for any updates or additional information on the official website of the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences.
