Genesilico

We are currently recruiting PhD students and postdocs

to work on a new project:

Modeling of RNA and protein-RNA complexes:
from sequence to structure to function

The main goal of this project is to develop and apply computational and experimental techniques for modeling and characterization of RNA and RNP 3D structures and functions. It will involve software development (by computer programmers), application of methods to model particular RNAs, proteins and their complexes (by experienced “power users”), and experimental analyses (by biochemists). You will join a well-equipped laboratory run by a group of scientists whose research bridges the fields of experiment and theory in molecular and structural biology. The project will be carried out in collaboration with multiple international research groups, e.g. in the USA, Germany, and France.

The research is funded as a TEAM project within the Innovative Economy Operational Programme (project period: May 2010 – Apr 2014).

5 positions for PhD students

All PhD positions: start in October 2010, Application deadline: May 31^st 2010

Fellowship 3000 PLN/month (not subject to income tax),

Candidates must successfully get into official PhD studies by October 2010

bioinformaticists/programmers:

- essential: programming in Python and/or C++

- preferred: knowledge of molecular biology and biophysics, database development, bioinformatics of RNA, structural biology

experimentalists:

- essential: experience in biochemistry of proteins and/or RNA

- preferred: experience in enzymology and/or protein engineering

3 positions for postdoctoral researchers
Funding: about 6000 PLN/month, where 5000 is a fellowship (not subject to income tax)

Candidates must hold a PhD title at the start of the employment contract.

bioinformaticist/programmer (start: July 2010, Application deadline: May 31^st 2010):

- essential: strong programming skills (Python and C++), bioinformatics of nucleic acids

- preferred: experience in database development, biological ontologies, metabolic pathways

experimental biochemist (start: January 2011, Application deadline: November 30^th 2010):

- essential: experience in biochemistry of proteins and RNA

- preferred: experience in mass spectrometry of nucleic acids

bioinformaticist/modeler (start: May 2011, Application deadline: November 30^th 2010):

- essential: experience in protein and/or RNA structure prediction and modeling

- preferred: programming skills and experience in molecular phylogenetics

Good command of English (written and spoken) is absolutely essential in all cases.

Applications in English (pdf format) should be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Include a CV, a motivation letter and contacts of at least two potential referees (including at least one former supervisor). Suitable candidates will be initially interviewed by phone (in English) and top candidates will be invited for an interview within 1 week after the application deadline.

If you are interested in joining the Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Protein Engineering as an undergraduate (BSc or Msc) or graduate (PhD) student or a postdoc, please send a brief letter of introduction and your CV to Janusz Bujnicki.

The condition for employment of PhD students is a free (i.e. no pay) one-month trial period (volunteership).

We are interested in candidates for MSc theses (III/IV-year students) and PhD studentships (V-year students):

1. For theoretical projects (methods development): students of Biology, Physics, or Chemistry with interest (and some practical knowledge) in programming (Python most desirable).

2. For experimental projects (protein engineering): students of Biology or Biotechnology with at least basic knowledge of techniques in biochemistry of proteins and nucleic acids.

In case all funded positions are filled, candidates will be encouraged to apply for extramural fellowships to EMBO, FEBS, HFSP, Schering Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds, FNP or other grants-funding agencies.