Postdoc in thermodynamics and structure of modified RNAs and vaccine mRNAs (call 15/2026/SN)

Postdoctoral position in the Department of Structural Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids at the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Poznań, in the NCN project 2022/45/B/ST4/03586 led by Prof. Ryszard Kierzek. The project determines thermodynamic parameters for RNAs containing pseudouridine, N1-methylpseudouridine, 5-methoxyuridine and 5-methylcytidine, implements them in the RNAstructure folding program, and compares predicted structures with chemical mapping of human 28S rRNA fragments, SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA M and influenza A segment 4 mRNA, complemented by NMR and crystallographic studies of small modified RNA fragments.

Work includes synthesis of modified phosphoramidites and RNA oligonucleotides and duplex stability measurements. The 13-month position pays an estimated PLN 8,150 gross per month and can start immediately after recruitment. Applications (cover letter with two referee contacts, doctoral diploma and CV with publication metrics, patents, projects, internships and awards) are submitted through the eRecruiter form linked from the call; the procedure concludes by 15 December 2026.

PhD in chemistry, biochemistry, structural biology or a related discipline obtained no earlier than 7 years before employment in the project (NCN leave extensions and mobility conditions apply); experience in chemical synthesis of nucleic acids and their components and in their structural studies; documented research papers; independent decision-making and teamwork; good English.