JUNIOR GROUP LEADER

The International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB), Poland

invites applicants for Junior Group Leader positions

The IIMCB is an internationally recognized research institute in Poland with cutting-edge expertise in RNA and cell biology. In line with the IIMCB’s mission, we support ambitious scientists of any nationality to pursue frontier research that responds to health-related societal challenges.

We are looking for talented, dynamic, and motivated scientists to establish their first independent research groups. Successful candidates will be supported by the IIMCB’s institutional project entitled “RNA and Cell Biology – from Fundamental Research to Therapies” (RACE) funded in the Teaming for Excellence programme under Horizon Europe. In partnership with our RACE Advanced Partners: Medical Research Council, Human Genetics Unit of the University of Edinburgh (UoE-MRC HGU) and Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), we aim to become a unique Polish center where excellent science is combined with professional technology transfer towards biomedical applications. The prospect of a new, larger building equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure offers the new groups an unprecedented opportunity for scientific and personal development.

The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists and is well connected internationally,
as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board and the IIMCB’s membership in the EU-LIFE, an alliance of 15 top independent European research institutes. The IIMCB has an excellent record of attracting funding on national and international levels, and a high proportion of EMBO members among its group leaders.

Candidates’ profile:

Successful candidates must have an outstanding record of scientific accomplishments and be able to develop an independent competitive research program within broad fields of RNA biology and cell biology. Such program should address molecular mechanisms of human diseases, especially viral and rare diseases, towards proposing new therapeutic approaches. We especially encourage applications of candidates with expertise in one of the following areas: drug development, including chemical biology and formulations for RNA therapeutics; tissue, organoid, and animal models of human diseases; modification of patient-derived cells for development of cell-based therapies; AI/machine learning approaches, big data analysis, and advanced bioinformatics. The proposed program is expected to broaden the scope of and synergize with research performed at the IIMCB (see more at www.iimcb.gov.pl).

The IIMCB offers:

• Junior Group Leader positions (a full-time salary with social benefits), with an initial appointment
  of 5 years and possible subsequent promotion to a position with rolling tenure upon positive evaluation
• Start-up funds and core funding after the start-up funds have been used
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and services provided by core facilities
• Support in applying for national and international grants
• Access to the interdisciplinary PhD program of the IIMCB (Warsaw-4-PhD)
• Full organizational and administrative support by professional English-speaking staff
• Friendly, inclusive, international working environment

Applications should include:

• Cover letter explaining motivation for application
• Curriculum Vitae including a publication list
• Concise statement of 1-3 scientific achievements
• Two-page summary of research plans
• Contact information for two references

How to apply:

• Applications should be sent to recruitment@iimcb.gov.pl
• In the subject of the message include “JGL” and your first and last name
• Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
  in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out thecurrent recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2.

The deadline for applications is January 31, 2024. Chosen applicants will be asked to give on-line lectures on
March 4-15, 2024. Short-listed applicants will be invited for on-site interviews during the IIMCB’s International Advisory Board meeting on April 24-26, 2024. The positions are available from September 2024 with the formal appointment date set on a case-by-case basis.

Inquiries about the offer, research environment, and science in Poland are welcome and should be sent
to inquiries@iimcb.gov.pl.

All information provided by applicants will remain strictly confidential and will be reviewed only by authorized officials of the selection committee.