TEAM program of the Foundation for Polish Science
Molecular biology of bacterial RNA
Two positions for postdocs in Poznań, Poland *
starting July 2012

The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań is looking for talented individuals to join a group focused on the molecular biology of bacterial RNAs under the supervision of Dr. Mikołaj Olejniczak.
Bacteria use a wide spectrum of noncoding RNAs for the regulation of cellular metabolism, adaptation to the environment, virulence of pathogenic species, and the defense against bacteriophages or mobile genetic elements. A large group of them controls the translation of selected mRNAs, in a process that frequently involves a chaperone protein Hfq. The focus of this project are molecular mechanisms used by small RNAs to control the translation in pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella. It will involve the study of RNA -protein interactions, as well as in vitro and in vivo studies of translation regulation.
The project involves international collaboration with groups of Prof. Olke Uhlenbeck (Northwestern University, USA ) and Prof. Jörg Vogel (University of Würzburg, Germany).

Qualifications . The candidates should have research experience, supported by publications, in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, or related fields, preferably concerning RNA or proteins. International research experience and a good command of English will be important assets. Besides research they will be expected to participate in grant and publication writing. The candidates should have received their PhD degree no earlier than January 1, 2008.

How to apply . Applications should be sent to Dr. Mikołaj Olejniczak at mol@amu.edu.pl by May 6th and should include a cover letter and a professional CV, including a list of publications. Two or three names and contact information of potential referees should be provided. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, which may be in person or by Skype. The language of the interview will be English. Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to give a presentation concerning their previous research experience.

Salary . The postdoctoral salary is 6 000 PLN monthly (net pay). Relocation assistance for this position is not available.

Additional information can be found at http://ibmib.amu.edu.pl/index.php/en/news/156-team-olejniczak . In case of further inquiries contact Dr. Mikołaj Olejniczak at mol@amu.edu.pl or Ph. +48 61 829 5906.