PhD student in Prof. Nishit Goradia group (SONATA Bis-15 project) The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

PhD student position in the newly established Goradia Lab at the International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, Polish Academy of Sciences (IMol PAS), Warsaw, Poland.

The project is part of the NCN-funded SONATA Bis-15 programme and focuses on a fundamental question in molecular biology: how the transcriptional corepressor CtBP is regulated by RAI2-induced polymerization. The work builds on recent findings from Nature Communications and aims to uncover how higher-order protein assemblies reorganize transcriptional repression, influence nuclear organization, and affect chromatin regulation and gene expression in mammalian cells.

The PhD student will develop an independent research project within the broader programme, working closely with the principal investigator and a postdoctoral researcher. The project will combine mammalian cell biology, molecular biology, quantitative fluorescence imaging, biochemistry, proteomics, and functional genomics. Typical tasks include generating and characterizing engineered mammalian cell models, analysing CtBP assemblies with advanced fluorescence microscopy, and testing how perturbing CtBP polymerization changes transcriptional outputs.

IMol PAS is an international research institute in Warsaw working at the interface of biology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biophysics, and medicine. The Goradia Lab studies how higher-order protein assemblies regulate transcription, chromatin organization, and cell fate, with a strong interest in gene regulation and its dysregulation in cancer. The successful candidate will receive close scientific mentoring, interdisciplinary training, access to state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opportunities to collaborate with experts in advanced microscopy in Heidelberg and Hamburg.

Funding includes a full-time employment contract for up to 48 months and a gross salary of about 6,300 PLN per month. Additional benefits include medical package and social benefits, paid holiday, and a collaborative international research environment. The expected start date is 1 October 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Eligibility highlights include an MSc or equivalent in a relevant life science field, strong molecular and cell biology skills, experience with techniques such as PCR, cloning, mammalian cell culture, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and fluorescence microscopy, plus very good English and strong research motivation.

To apply, prepare a cover letter, CV, publication list if applicable, and referee contact details, then submit the application using the online form. The deadline is 30 September 2026.