The competition is open for PhD student in the NCN SONATA 21 Project (No. UMO-2025/59/D/ST5/01573): “A New Bispecific Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Modified with Boron Cluster for Cancer Treatment – Preclinical Evaluation in an in ovo Model”
Position: PhD student
Responsibilities:
1. Conducting in vitro biological studies using human cancer cell lines and control cells to evaluate the anticancer activity of therapeutic nucleic acids;
2. Evaluation of the effects of compounds on cancer cell viability, proliferation, and cell death using various cellular and molecular biology methods;
3. Analysis of cancer stem cell markers using flow cytometry;
4. Conducting molecular studies to evaluate the efficiency of target gene silencing and changes in cancer cell signaling pathways;
5. Performing epigenetic analyses, including evaluation of global DNA methylation levels and specific methylation changes in selected genes;
6. Conducting preclinical studies using the in ovo CAM (chorioallantoic membrane) model with implanted human cancer cells and evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of chemical compounds;
7. Analysis and interpretation of experimental results, preparation of research reports and scientific manuscripts, and presentation of research findings at national and international conferences;
8. Collaboration with project team members and scientific and industrial partners, active participation in achieving project objectives, and providing scientific support to junior team members;
9. Active participation in the development of the research project by proposing new experimental approaches, optimizing research methods, and performing other tasks resulting from the project schedule.
Requirements:
1. A completed Master’s degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field;
2. Experience in the culture of cancer cells, normal cells, bacteria, or phage therapy, as well as in the evaluation of cell survival after treatment with chemical compounds;
3. Laboratory practice and the ability to design and plan experiments;
4. Experience in conducting research according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards and previous collaboration with biotechnology companies will be considered an advantage;
5. Experience with in vivo animal models or other biological models will be an advantage;
6. Documented scientific achievements in the field of biology or related disciplines;
7. Fluent English skills;
8. Strong teamwork skills, including the ability to work effectively under time pressure, solve problems independently, demonstrate commitment and motivation for continuous learning and development of scientific skills, as well as the ability to take initiative and actively contribute to an interdisciplinary research team;
9. The candidate will be obligated to join the BioMedChem Doctoral School and fulfill the duties resulting from being its participant.
The conditions of employment:
Project type: SONATA-21
Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 23:59
Application procedure: Email submission
Employment conditions: Start of the project, November 2026 with a possibility to start at a later date.
The scholarship will be awarded contingent upon PhD student status or admission to the BioMedChem doctoral school.
Project start date: November 2026
Salary: PLN 6 500.00/month (gross), PLN 78,000.00/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 the diploma or official document confirming holding a MSc degree
– At least one letter of recommendation from the previous academic supervisor.
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: . Please attach the statement: „I agree for the processing of personal data necessary to carry out the recruitment process (in accordance with Law on the Protection of Personal Data of 29.08.1997, Journal of Laws No. 133, item 833).
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.
