International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB)

The IIMCB invites applicants for a Junior Group Leader position. The IIMCB is an internationally recognized research institute in Poland with cutting‑edge expertise in RNA and cell biology. In line with the IIMCBs mission, we support ambitious scientists of all nationalities to pursue frontier research that responds to health‑related societal challenges.

We are looking for talented, dynamic, and motivated scientists to establish their first independent research group in our vibrant research environment. Successful candidates will join the ambitious research program supported by the IIMCBs strategic projects.

Through RACE and RACE‑PRIME, and in partnership with the Medical Research Council, Human Genetics Unit of the University of Edinburgh and Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), the IIMCB has established itself as a highly recognized international research center where excellent science is complemented by professional technology transfer in biomedical applications. The Institutes state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and the prospect of a larger building provide new groups with exceptional opportunities for scientific and personal development. The IIMCB hosts a vibrant, multinational community of scientists from eighteen countries and is well connected internationally, as exemplified by the composition of the IIMCBs International Advisory Board and the IIMCBs active membership in the EU‑LIFE, an alliance of seventeen top independent European research institutes. Our sixteen group leaders have an established international standing – five of them are EMBO members and three are ERC laureates. Being a member of an interdisciplinary doctoral (GU1) program, Warsaw‑4‑PhD, the IIMCB facilitates participation in the education of doctoral students, without having teaching duties as such. Within this environment you will develop your own research program, build your independent research group and establish a network with other researchers within the IIMCB.

Candidates Profile

Successful candidates must have an outstanding record of scientific accomplishments and be able to develop an independent competitive research program within broad fields of cell biology and RNA biology that will fit with the focus of the RACE-PRIME. Specifically, such a program should address molecular mechanisms of human diseases, especially viral and rare diseases, towards proposing new therapeutic approaches. We especially encourage applications of candidates with expertise in one of the following areas: tissue, organoid, and animal models of human diseases; modification of patient‑derived cells for development of cell‑based therapies as well as drug development, including chemical biology and formulations for RNA therapeutics. The proposed program is expected to broaden the scope of and synergize with research performed at the IIMCB.

The IIMCB Offers To Junior Group Leaders

• Professor position with an initial appointment of 5 years; a rolling tenure track upon positive evaluations; a full‑time salary with social benefits.
• Start‑up funds and core funding after the start‑up funds have been used.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art equipment and services provided by IN‑MOL‑CELL infrastructure.
• Benefits of the IIMCBs participation in the interdisciplinary Warsaw‑4‑PhD doctoral program (physics, chemistry, biology, medical sciences).
• Participation in decision‑making through membership in the Laboratory Leaders Council.
• Support from an experienced team of professionals in applying for competitive national and international grants.
• Comprehensive organizational and administrative support from expert English‑speaking staff.
• Assistance in relocating and starting life in Poland, including applying for a visa (if necessary), obtaining temporary residency and finding housing.
• Friendly, inclusive, and international English‑speaking working environment.
• Immersion in the vibrant city of Warsaw, where speaking Polish is not essential.

Applications Should Include

• Cover letter explaining motivation for application.
• Curriculum Vitae with a publication list.
• Concise statement of 1–3 scientific achievements (obtained in the last 10 years).
• Two‑page summary of research plans.
• Contact information for two references.

Selection Criteria

• Quality of scientific achievements: proven ability to generate breakthroughs and contribute significantly to advancing knowledge.
• Excitement about research plans: the clarity, innovativeness, and feasibility of the candidates research proposals.
• Fit to the IIMCB: compatibility of the proposed research with IIMCBs strategic objectives, and potential for fostering in‑house collaborations.
• Leadership and team‑building skills: potential to lead, build, and inspire an effective research team.
• Willingness to apply for competitive grants; track record of applying for and managing grant‑funded research projects would be a plus.
• Aptitude for mentoring masters and doctoral students; experience in supervising students would be a plus.
• Readiness to translate research outcomes into commercial opportunities and engage with industry partners.

Deadlines

• November 30, 2025 – submission of the applications (late applications may be considered).
• February 2–20, 2026 – online lectures by shortlisted candidates.
• April 21‑23, 2026 – onsite interviews in Warsaw during the International Advisory Board meeting.

The position is available from September 2026 with the formal appointment date set on a case‑by‑case basis.

How To Apply

• Applications should be sent via this link: e‑recruiter. Please include the following statement in your CV: "I hereby agree to the processing of my personal data, included in the application documents by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 4 Księcia Trojdena Street, 02‑109 Warsaw, for the purpose of carrying out the current recruitment process." Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of the recruitment procedure by the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw. Full information is available under the link https://bit.ly/3UFWpY2. Procedure for whistleblowing, follow‑up, and whistleblower protection: https://shorturl.at/u2mww.

Inquiries about the offer, research environment, and science in Poland are welcome and should be sent to inquiries@iimcb.gov.pl.

All applications will be handled in strict confidence.

The IIMCB is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in science.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.