The competition is open for a POST-DOC position in the NCN SONATA 21 Project (No. UMO-2025/59/D/ST5/01573). The title of the project is “A New Bispecific Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Modified with Boron Cluster for Cancer Treatment – Preclinical Evaluation in an in ovo Model”.
Position: POST-DOC
Responsibilities:
1. Conducting research on the design, synthesis, and modification of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides conjugated with boron clusters and targeting ligands for cancer therapy applications.
2. Development, optimization, and performance of oligonucleotide synthesis using solid-phase synthesis and click chemistry methods (CuAAC, SPAAC), followed by purification and full analytical characterization of the obtained products.
3. Performing physicochemical characterization of the obtained bioconjugates, including HPLC, PAGE, ESI-MS, DLS, zeta potential measurements, and spectroscopic analyses (UV-Vis, fluorescence, and IR spectroscopy).
4. Evaluation of the enzymatic properties and biological activity of the obtained compounds.
5. Analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research results, preparation of scientific reports, manuscripts, and patent applications, as well as presentation of results at national and international scientific conferences.
6. Collaboration with project team members and scientific and industrial partners, active participation in achieving project objectives, and providing scientific support to junior team members.
7. Conducting research according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards, established quality procedures, and laboratory safety regulations.
8. Active involvement in the development of the research project through proposing new experimental approaches, optimizing research methods, and performing other tasks related to the project schedule.
Requirements:
1. A PhD degree in organic chemistry or a related field of chemistry or physics obtained within 12 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. This period may be extended in accordance with the NCN regulations, including long-term sick leave, rehabilitation benefits, parental leave, and for women, by 18 months for each child born or adopted.
2. Experience in the synthesis and modification of DNA and RNA oligonucleotides for cancer-related applications, including solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis, click chemistry reactions (CuAAC, SPAAC) with boron clusters and targeting ligands, as well as purification and analytical characterization using HPLC, PAGE, ICP MS and ESI-MS.
3. Experience in the physicochemical characterization of bioconjugates, including DLS, zeta potential, UV-Vis, fluorescence and IR spectroscopy, and biomolecular interaction studies using MST, BLI, and EMSA.
4. Experience in evaluating the biological activity of oligonucleotides, including RNase H and Ago2/RISC activation assays, serum and exonuclease stability studies, reductive cleavage assays (GSH and DTT), and stability testing under different pH conditions, followed by data analysis.
5. Experience in conducting research according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and previous collaboration with biotechnology companies will be considered an advantage.
6. Documented scientific achievements in bioorganic chemistry, nucleic acid chemistry, and boron cluster chemistry.
7. Proficiency in English (B2-C1 level).
8. Strong teamwork skills, including the ability to work effectively under time pressure, solve problems independently, demonstrate commitment and motivation for continuous learning and scientific development, and actively contribute to an interdisciplinary research team.
The conditions of employment:
Project type: SONATA-21
Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59
Application procedure: Email submission
Employment conditions: Employment based on an employment contract for a period of 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 36 months, subject to a positive evaluation of the progress and completion of assigned research tasks.
Project start date: November 2026
Salary: PLN 13,333.00/month (double-gross), PLN 160,000.00/year
Project location: The project will be carried out at the Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Bioorganic Chemistry. The position offers work in a laboratory focused on the development of therapeutic nucleic acids, with opportunities to gain new skills and learn and implement innovative research techniques. The candidate will also have the opportunity to collaborate with national and international scientific institutions.
Principal Investigator: dr Damian Kaniowski
Application period: Rolling recruitment until September 30, 2026, with the possibility of closing earlier if a suitable candidate is selected. If no suitable candidate is found, the offer may be extended.
Selection procedure:
Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis in the order of submission. Once a suitable candidate is selected, the recruitment process will be considered closed.
Required documents:
– Scientific CV including previous research achievements, such as publications in scientific journals, patents, research projects, awards, scientific experience gained outside the candidate’s home institution in Poland or abroad, participation in research projects, conferences, and workshops;
– Motivation letter explaining the candidate’s interest in joining the project and describing how their skills and experience match the requirements of the position;
– Copy of a PhD diploma or an official document confirming the award of the doctoral degree;
– At least one recommendation letter from a supervisor, scientific mentor, or other experienced researcher who has directly collaborated with the candidate.
Application submission: Complete applications should be submitted electronically to:
with a copy sent to: . All required documents should be attached as PDF files.
Additional information: For further information regarding the project, please contact Damian Kaniowski, PhD, phone: (+48) (42) 68 03 230, email: .
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Information clause: The holder of your personal data is Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Lodz, NIP: 7240004662 (the “Institute”). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded – Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) – depending on the circumstances. You have the right to: request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing.
