Procedure no. DSMBBC/2027/05: Umbelopsis as a potent decomposer with a compact genome in Katowice

Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences Research Field Biological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 23 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description Fungi shape the fate of food chains and crops, their impact on the global economy is hard to overestimate. In our previous projects, we have linked the distribution of diverse gene classes to the ecology of fungi [1] and predicted the presence of traits that were considered absent from fungi [2]. The main idea of the project is to explore the properties of Umbelopsidales, a fungal genus that has broad biotechnological potential [3] as potent decomposer of plant matter, plant growth factors, oil producers, and displays several puzzling ecological features (inhabiting harsh environments, hosting associated bacteria). We will use a comparative genomic approach to aid the experimental design and our expertise in fungal genetics in the manipulation of selected traits. One of the properties of Umbelopsidales we find extraordinary is their high fucose content and the abundance of polysaccharide degrading enzymes (i.a. hemicelluloses and pectin). One of the aims of this project is to maximize the usage of available protein sequences and fragmented experimental knowledge on the biology of Umbelopsidales to decipher the role of selected hydrolases. We will re-annotate the proteins to comprehend the underpinnings of fungal ecology and adaptability. The project will integrate information on the evolution of Umbelopsidales compared to Mortierellomycota and other fungal groups, their characteristic structures, and ecological properties identified in the course of this project. We will try to answer questions about their genome organization, tendency to keep a compact genome and punctuated gene family proliferation.

hold a degree of Master of Science [Magister], Master of Engineering [Magister Inżynier], medical doctor or equivalent in the field of: exact sciences, natural sciences, medical sciences or related disciplines, granted by a Polish or foreign university; a person who does not possess the qualifications described above may take part in the competition, but must obtain the qualifications in question and provide the relevant documents before the start of the programme at the Doctoral School (i.e., 1st March 2027). Education at the Doctoral School begins on 1st March 2027

Specific Requirements

Expected knowledge of methods used in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and enzymatics

Required practical experience in the field of microbiology or mycology, preferred hands on experience in genetics and/or biochemistry of filamentous fungi

Knowledge of biological databases, experience in working with phylogenetic/ genomic/transcriptomic/systems biology tools will be a bonus

be well organized, eager to learn and ready to assimilate literature

have fluency in spoken and written English.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Biological sciences

Additional Information

Possibility of renting a room in the Institute's hotel for the first 3 months at a special price (depending on rooms’ availability);

Possibility to join a medical plan;

Research mini-grants for doctoral students (up to PLN 20000, a PhD student may apply for funds twice during his/her studies);

Conference Grants (each PhD student can use up to PLN 12,000 to attend conferences during his/her studies);

Surcharge for the multi sport card;

Support in obtaining a temporary residence card (+ Reimbursement of TRC application expenses);

Language courses (Polish, English, German, French, Spanish, Italian… (the offer of courses may change);

Psychological care (up to 5 visits);

Subsidy for the purchase of eyeglasses (once every two years);

Free parking spot.

Selection process

Stage One

The Committee analyses the application documents in terms of the candidate’s competencies and their alignment with the requirements specified in the recruitment program. Candidates who obtain at least 40% of the maximum number of points in the first stage qualify for the second stage.

Evaluation criteria:

education in the subject areas listed in the application guidelines; (scoring scale: 0.0 – 2.0 points);

experience in the subject areas listed in the recruitment program (scoring scale: 0.0 – 2.0 points);

other competencies specified in the recruitment program (scoring scale: 0.0 – 1.0 points).

Stage Two

The Committee evaluates the candidates’ previous achievements and their academic performance based on the submitted documents. Candidates with the 5 best scores, not lower than 60% of the maximum number of points, will qualify for the third stage;

results obtained during studies (scoring scale: 0.0 – 4.0 points);

competencies specified in the recruitment programme (scoring scale: 0.0 – 3.0 points);

co-authorship of a scientific publication (depending on the role in the publication) (scoring scale: 0.0 –1.0 point);

other achievements, e.g., awards, active conference attendance, honourable mentions, scholarships, domestic and foreign internships, voluntary work, popularisa tion of science (scoring scale: 0.0 – 2.0 points).

Stage Three

When determining the results of the interview, the Committee takes into account:

the degree of understanding of one’s own work; the ability to interpret the results obtained; the understanding of the methods used, knowledge in the field related to the topic of the submitted work (a scale of the evaluation: 0 - 10 points);

knowledge in the subject matter listed in the recruitment announcement (a scale of the evaluation: 0 - 10 points);

form of presentation of the candidate’s results (a scale of the evaluation: 0 - 3 points).

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics Polish Academy of Sciences Country Poland City Warsaw Postal Code 02-106 Street ul. Pawińskiego 5a Geofield