Post-doc position in Bioref Research Group - BioMINE project Poznan University of Technology in Poland

Postdoctoral researcher opportunity in the Bioref Research Group at Poznan University of Technology, within the National Science Centre, Poland OPUS 22 project BioMINE (Bio-processing based on Microbiome – IN-depth analysis for understanding, cultivation, and Evolutionary improvement of microbial communities).

The project is led by Prof. Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel and focuses on environmental biotechnology, microbiome analysis, and the recovery of valuable compounds from organic waste in line with circular economy principles. The work centres on open-culture fermentation and the biological production of medium-chain carboxylic acids (MCCAs) through chain elongation. A key scientific challenge is the isolation of microorganisms responsible for final and intermediate products, supporting the design and testing of synthetic mixed cultures.

The postdoc will contribute to research conceptualisation and experimental design, isolation of microorganisms from open cultures, analytical and characterisation work, sample preparation for omics, bioinformatic analysis of sequencing data, and integrated data analysis including multivariate and network analyses. Additional responsibilities include preparing scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences. The project continues previously initiated isolations.

This is a temporary, full-time position for 6 months, starting on 1 January 2027. The remuneration is approximately 11,000 PLN gross per month plus half of the 13th salary. The role is based at the Institute of Environmental Engineering and Building Installations, Poznan University of Technology, Poznań, Poland.

Eligibility is targeted at applicants with a PhD in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, microbiology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field awarded between 2014 and 2026, with allowable extensions for approved career breaks. Applicants should have experience in biotechnological, analytical, or fermentation laboratories; omics and bioinformatic data analysis (including metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets); microbiology and isolation techniques; strong communication and organisational skills; teamwork ability; and English proficiency at least at B2 level.

Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] by 20 November 2026. Candidates should include a CV, motivation letter, optional recommendation letter, and the required consent statement for recruitment data processing. The email subject should be: Opus22_Post-doc_Surname, Name. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.