PhD Student no. 20/2026/ICHB/PSD: Modified nucleotide residues to increase aptamer–target protein interaction Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

PhD position no. 20/2026/ICHB/PSD is offered by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, within the Poznań Doctoral School of the Institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań, Poland.

The project, led by Dr Weronika Kotkowiak, focuses on modified nucleotide residues as a tool to increase aptamer–target protein interaction. The research is centered on DNA and RNA aptamers, including G-quadruplex and hairpin structures such as RE31, RV66, and Toggle-25t, with thrombin as an important model target. The work aims to develop aptamer variants with enhanced affinity and stability by introducing chemical modifications such as amino acid-mimicking residues, sulfur substitutions, flexible backbone modifications, and altered sugar moieties.

The project combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and nucleic acid chemistry with experimental techniques including UV/VIS spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, coagulometry, vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and surface plasmon resonance. The doctoral researcher will plan and carry out experiments, analyze and document results, prepare presentations and reports, contribute to scientific publications, and present findings at seminars and conferences.

Funding is available through project 2024/55/D/NZ7/02686 funded by the National Science Centre. The PhD student will receive a stipend of approximately 4,900 PLN gross per month (4,300 PLN net) for 22 months, with a possible extension up to 48 months. After a positive mid-term evaluation, the stipend increases to at least 5,750 PLN gross per month. Additional benefits include social insurance and access to selected employee benefits such as a Multisport card, group insurance, and social support.

Applicants should hold an MSc degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field, or otherwise satisfy the legal conditions for admission to doctoral studies in Poland. Strong laboratory experience in biology and biochemistry, good knowledge of molecular biology and/or biochemistry, and very good English are required. Experience with oligonucleotides and spectroscopic methods is desirable. The recruitment also values scientific activity, conference participation, internships, scholarships, awards, and recommendation letters from previous supervisors.

The application deadline is 30 November 2026. Applications must be submitted via the eRecruiter portal together with the required documents, including the consent form, diploma or graduation certificate, CV, cover letter, English certificates if available, and referee contact details. Recruitment results are expected by 14 January 2027.