@ Bionanoscience and Biochemistry laboratory, Małopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University
AVAILABLE POSITION
We are looking for motivated PhD/master students, highly qualified postdocs, as well as admin staff to promote our research progress. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact yusuke.azuma[at]uj.edu.pl ([at] = @) with your motivation letter and CV. We also encourage and support you to apply for student scholarships or postdoc fellowships. You can find more specific open positions below;
Technician
We currently have a part-time technician position available through the NCN OPUS-30 grant. If you are interested in joining our group, please contact us.
Postdoctoral Researcher
July 31, 2026
We are now recruiting a highly qualified postdoc researcher. The successful candidate will be involved in a project that takes a synthetic biology approach to understanding how viruses package nucleic acids into confined spaces, using non-viral engineered protein cages as programmable model systems. By rationally designing these nanostructures and interrogating their behavior through protein engineering, chemical biology, RNA chemistry, and cryo-EM, we aim to uncover the general principles governing nucleic acid packaging, and apply that knowledge to develop tailorable sampling and delivery tools that go beyond natural viral systems.
The application deadline is September 5th, 2026. [Official announcement]
Application requirements:
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holding a doctoral degree or equivalent at the starting time
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having relevant scientific achievements
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taking active part in scientific life.
Specific requirements:
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Experience in nucleic acid handling and analysis techniques (e.g., extraction, purification, RT-qPCR, and sequencing)
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Experience in gene manipulation and expression in bacterial, yeast, and mammalian systems, including cloning, transformation, and stable/transient transfection
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Good communication skills, including scientific presentation and fluency in written and spoken English
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Genuine interest in synthetic biology and bionanotechnology
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Experience in supervising or teaching junior researchers
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Publication record in relevant fields
Application documents:
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CV, with particular emphasis on scientific achievements
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Personal questionnaire [download form]
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Photoscan of your doctoral diploma, if applicable
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Scientific, teaching, and organizational achievements
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Workplace statement [download form for 5, 6, and 7]
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Statement of the law on higher education and science
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Intellectual property statement
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Motivation letter explaining your interest in joining our research group.
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List of publications, if applicable
How to apply:
Please send all the required documents as PDF files, written in English and using at least 11 pt font size, by E-mail to (job.mcb[at]uj.edu.pl ([at] = @)) with the title "203.2026_post-doc ‒ Name and Last Name"
Timeline:
Competition start date: July 31, 2026
Application deadline: September 05, 2026
Decision of the competition shall be made by September 19, 2026
The project starting date: IV quarter in 2026
PhD students (x2)
July 27, 2026
Fully funded 4-year PhD positions (x2) with exceptional remuneration available now. How do viruses package nucleic acids into a confined space? This project takes a synthetic biology approach to address this fundamental question, using non-viral, engineered protein cages as programmable model systems. By rationally designing these nanostructures and interrogating their behavior through protein engineering, chemical biology, RNA chemistry, and cryo-EM, we aim to uncover the general principles governing nucleic acid packaging, and apply that knowledge to develop tailorable sampling and delivery tools that go beyond natural viral systems.
In order to start your PhD student life in the Azuma group, you must send your application to two different units: (1) the Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences at Jagiellonian University for your position and (2) Scholarship supported by the National Science Center (NCN) for your financial support. Note that selection processes in these units are independent. Please visit the application guidelines page for the details.
[Official announcement for the doctoral school] application deadline: September 7, 2026
[Official announcement for the NCN scholarship] application deadline: August 23, 2026
Master's student
July 27, 2026
Fully funded 2-year Master’s student position available. How do viruses package nucleic acids into a confined space? This project takes a synthetic biology approach to address this fundamental question, using non-viral, engineered protein cages as programmable model systems. By rationally designing these nanostructures and interrogating their behavior through protein engineering, chemical biology, RNA chemistry, and cryo-EM, we aim to uncover the general principles governing nucleic acid packaging, and apply that knowledge to develop tailorable sampling and delivery tools that go beyond natural viral systems.
The application deadline is August 23rd, 2026. [Official announcement]
Application requirement:
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holding a bachelor's degree or equivalent
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enrolled in a Master’s study program in Poland at the starting time
Specific requirements:
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Strong motivation for hypothesis-driven research
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Genuine interest in synthetic biology and bionanotechnology
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Background study in molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or related fields
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Good communication skills, including scientific presentation and fluency in written and spoken English
Application documents:
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Cover letter explaining why you are interested in joining our research group
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Curriculum vitae
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Statement with information on the processing of personal data
How to apply:
Please send all the required documents as PDF files, written in English and using at least 11 pt font size, by E-mail to Yusuke Azuma (yusuke.azuma[at]uj.edu.pl ([at] = @)) with the title "Opus30_MSc_YourName"