The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences
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PhD Student in Prof. Philipp Sondermann Group (09/2026) The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Sep 30, 2026
Country
Poland
University
The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences

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About this position
PhD opportunity in the Laboratory for Drug Evolution led by Dr. Philipp Sondermann at the International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, Polish Academy of Sciences (IMol), with a dual PhD appointment involving the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (IOCB) in Prague. The position is based in Warsaw, Poland, and starts on 1 October 2026.
The project sits at the interface of organic chemistry, synthetic biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry. The research aims to investigate and establish systems for continuous hypermutation in drug discovery, with a focus on using in vivo hypermutation for the continuous evolution of proteases. A central goal is to reprogram sequence-specific proteases so they can degrade intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which are implicated in diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
The laboratory’s broader research program combines Darwinian evolution with strategies from organic chemistry and molecular biology to generate novel drug structures and expand the range of currently “undruggable” protein targets. This makes the position especially attractive for candidates interested in innovative therapeutic modalities, protein engineering, and advanced experimental approaches to drug evolution.
The successful PhD student will design and run experiments, analyze data, interpret findings, write scientific manuscripts, and prepare the doctoral thesis. The role offers extensive training in synthetic biology, chemistry, and molecular biology, plus access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and opportunities to attend courses and conferences.
Eligibility highlights include an MSc degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related natural/life science discipline; hands-on experience with laboratory techniques in organic chemistry, synthetic biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry; very good English; and strong motivation for experimental research. The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term scholarship contract with a salary range of PLN 4,800–5,500 net per month and admission to doctoral school after the probation period.
Applications require a cover letter summarizing research experience/projects, a CV, a publication list, and two reference contacts. Apply via the online form supplied in the advert before the deadline of 30 September 2026.
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field in the natural sciences or life sciences. Candidates should have familiarity with laboratory techniques in at least one of the following areas: organic chemistry, synthetic biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. A very good command of English is required, along with motivation and passion for experimental work.
How to apply
Prepare a cover letter with short descriptions of your research experience/projects, a CV, a list of publications, and contact details for two referees. Submit the application through the online form provided by the host institution.
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