Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Laboratory of Structural Biology

Laboratory of Structural Biology at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, headed by Prof. Matthias Bochtler is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher.

The candidate will join the project entitled ““Stealth” asparaginases as improved protein drugs for the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia” funded by the Opus grant (2024/53/B/NZ1/01841) of the National Science Centre, Poland led by prof. Matthias Bochtler.

The project aims to develop 'stealth' asparaginases for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Asparaginases are currently used in ALL therapy. This treatment is based on the observation that malignant clones tend to lose the ability to synthesize asparagine in a cell-autonomous manner, becoming dependent on asparagine from the serum. Currently, the preferred choice of asparaginase is Oncaspar, a pegylated form of Escherichia coli asparaginase. In children, Oncaspar treatment triggers immune hypersensitivity in approximately half of cases. Genetic association studies show that the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction is dependent on the haplotype and is significantly higher for certain MHC-II haplotypes.

The postdoctoral researcher will work in a team that compares the immune responses to Oncaspar and to various other natural and designed asparaginases, in ex-vivo models (based on donor PBMCs) and in a knock-in mouse model of asparaginase hypersensitivity (already under construction by the IIMCB Genome Engineering Unit). The work will cover handling and immunization of mice
(in collaboration with the IIMCB Rodent Facility), and the characterization of the immune response. The methods will include cytokine assays, ELISA, purification of immune complexes, MHC-II epitope pulldown, and scRNA-Seq and TCR-Seq.

The ideal candidate should be able to pursue challenging tasks, achieve objectives, collaborate with other researchers, and cleanly document the work. Candidates will be selected in an open competition, according to the procedure complying with the rules of the European Charter
for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers as a part of HR Excellence in Research Strategy.

The deadline for applications is 15.06.2026. Start of employment is 01.08.2026 or a later date that works for the successful applicant.

Requirements for the candidate:

• PhD in biological sciences (or medicine, with a commitment for full-time laboratory work)
• Obtaining a PhD degree in the year of employment in the project or within the 7-year period preceding January 1 of the year of employment on the project
• Fulfillment of formal criteria outlined in paragraph 2, point 2.1.1 of the NCN regulations
• Solid knowledge in immunology
• Hands on experience with mouse models and immunological assays
• POlLASA license for work with mice (or the prospect of getting licensed within a few months)
• Written and spoken fluency in English
• Willingness to learn and take new challenges, ability to work independently, analytical thinking
• Good interpersonal skills and a collaborative attitude

What we offer:

• Full-time employment contract, initially for 6 months, with the possibility of extension until the end of the project.
• Competitive salary of 9700 PLN gross/month.
• The full-time salary is supplemented by an additional 13th salary after working for a minimum of 6 months in a given calendar year.
• Benefits including reduced-rate for an individual private medical care package and membership in the MultiSport program.
• Full technical, administrative and organizational support from professional English-speaking personnel.
• Participation in courses, scientific trainings and support from peers.

Selection criteria:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Education and formal qualifications.
2. Technical expertise and relevance of experience to the project.
3. Scientific achievements (e.g., publications, awards, grants, international collaborations).
4. Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
5. Soft skills, including:
   • Clarity and impact of motivation letter.
   • Communication and teamwork abilities.
   • Organizational and time-management skills.
   • Compatibility with the research group goals and vision.

How to apply:

• Apply now via erecruiter system
• Your application must be submitted in English and should contain a CV, a motivation letter,
  a description of your key achievements and contacts to at least two potential referees, including one of your supervisors.
• Please include the following statement in your CV: “I hereby agree to the processing
  of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02-109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process.” Your personal data will be processed
  for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular
  and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link the personal data processing information link
• Procedure for reporting irregularities, taking follow-up actions, and protecting whistleblowers: whistleblowing procedure
• The competition may be extended until a suitable candidate who fulfils all requirements
  is found.

If you have questions about further details, please email mbochtler@iimcb.gov.pl and
lbs-office@iimcb.gov.pl