Master’s Student Stipend at MRSLab

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 Master’s student 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:

• A stipend of 2,000 PLN/month for up to 10 months. Preferred starting date: November 2025 (negotiable).
• Opportunity to work on a cutting-edge project with strong translational potential in molecular diagnostics.
• A supportive environment with strong mentoring and the possibility to realize ambitious research goals.

Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree in biotechnology, biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, or a related field.
2. Hands-on experience in protein biochemistry and standard molecular biology techniques.
3. Strong motivation to pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.
4. Passion, ambition, and motivation for scientific development.
5. Good command of English.

Responsibilities:

1. Carrying out experimental research and data analysis under the supervision of senior lab members.
2. Contributing to the design of experiments and interpretation of data.
3. Actively participating in lab meetings, seminars, and scientific discussions.
4. Taking part in daily laboratory routines and supporting the smooth functioning of the lab. >

How to apply:

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

1. CV documenting experience and scientific achievements.
2. Document confirming Bachelor’s degree.
3. Document confirming current student status.

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: 31 October 2025.
• Interviews for selected candidates: 4-5 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 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
For more information: https://mrslab.ug.edu.pl/