Join our team! Postdoctoral opening in the Structural Biology Laboratory

The Structural Biology Laboratory at the Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of the University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk (IFB UG & MUG), Poland, is recruiting a motivated Postdocs to join the FIRST TEAM FENG project entitled “Superpolimeraza: development and application of a novel method for isothermal DNA amplification.” The project is led by Prof. Michał R. Szymański (Główny Wykonawca) and is funded by the Foundation for Polish Science within the FIRST TEAM programme and co-financed by the European Union under the FENG Programme (European Funds for Smart Economy 2021–2027).

Project description:

DNA polymerases are among the most fascinating enzymes in biology, responsible for copying and safeguarding genetic information. Our laboratory has recently discovered that a DNA polymerase encoded by a bacteriophage infecting Enterococcus faecalis is capable of efficient DNA synthesis at low temperatures. This unusual property makes it a powerful candidate for next-generation molecular diagnostics. The aim of this project is to engineer and characterize this “superpolymerase” to develop a novel isothermal DNA amplification method. Unlike conventional PCR, this approach will enable rapid, robust, and highly sensitive nucleic acid detection without thermal cycling, opening new opportunities for diagnostics in both clinical and point-of-care settings.

We offer:

• Full-time employment for up to 4 years (with a probationary period). Preferred starting date: November 2025 (negotiable).
• Competitive gross salary of ~ 13 000 PLN/month.
• A position fully dedicated to research (no teaching duties).
• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge project with strong translational potential in molecular diagnostics.
• The opportunity to contribute to an exciting research project in collaboration with world-leading scientists (QIAGEN and Washington University in St. Louis).
• Opportunity to work in one of the best research institutions in Poland.
• A supportive environment with strong mentoring and the possibility to realize ambitious research goals.
• Supervisory experience through mentoring of junior lab members.
• Flexible working time.

Requirements:

1. A doctoral degree (PhD) in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, chemistry, structural biology, or a related field (awarded or to be awarded before the starting date) obtained no earlier than seven years before the start date of employment.
2. Hands-on experience in protein biochemistry and enzymology, as well as in at least one of the following: protein engineering, structural biology (X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM), assay development, or nucleic acid biochemistry.
3. Documented research achievements, peer-reviewed publications and/or conference presentations.
4. Strong motivation to pursue challenging scientific questions and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
5. Very good command of English, both spoken and written.

Responsibilities:

1. Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
2. Documenting all experimental work by maintaining regular, accurate, and complete research notes in accordance with good scientific practice.
3. Applying protein biochemistry, enzymology, structural biology (X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM), and protein engineering to study and optimize the phage DNA polymerase for isothermal DNA amplification.
4. Analyzing and interpreting results, preparing reports and manuscripts, and presenting findings at group meetings and at national and international conferences.
5. Collaborating closely with project partners, including QIAGEN and the laboratory of Prof. Roberto Galletto (Washington University in St. Louis).
6. Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group (PhD and MSc students).
7. Contributing to the efficient functioning of the lab, including administrative and organizational tasks.

How to apply:

Please submit your application electronically to michal.szymanski@ug.edu.pl, specifying “FENG_Postdoc” in the email subject line. Applications must be submitted in English and should contain:

1. CV, documenting experience and scientific achievements (publications, awards, distinctions, participation in conferences and internships, etc.).
2. A cover letter outlining your motivation to join the project.
3. Contact details of at least two referees, including one of your supervisors.
4. Copy of the PhD degree diploma.

Please include the following statement in your application: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed for the purposes of the recruitment process in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation).”

Recruitment timeline:

• Application deadline: 15 November 2025.
• Interviews for selected candidates: 20–25 November 2025.
• Only selected candidates will be invited to an interview, which will be conducted in English. Interview details will be sent by email.
• The successful candidate will be selected by a committee chaired by Prof. Michał R. Szymański (Główny Wykonawca)
• The competition may close early if no suitable candidate who fulfills the requirements is found.

Informal enquiries can be directed via email to: michal.szymanski@ug.edu.pl