Procedure no. DSMBBC/2027/07 The Regulatory Power of SLIM1 in Plant Nutrition and Gene Networks 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 30 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? Other EU programme Reference Number 2025/59/B/NZ1/03140 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description Plants cannot escape nutrient shortages - they must adapt. But how do they decide which genes to switch on, which to silence, and how to restore metabolic balance when conditions improve? Although transcription factors are central to these decisions, how they coordinate responses to different nutrient stresses remains poorly understood. This PhD project addresses this question by investigating SLIM1, a key regulator of sulfur deficiency responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. Going beyond its established role in sulfur metabolism, the project will uncover how SLIM1 orchestrates responses to phosphate and carbon deficiency, contributes to recovery after sulfur resupply, and switches between activating and repressing gene expression. By revealing how SLIM1 integrates stress signals and controls plant metabolism, this research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that enable plants to adapt to a changing environment.

To identify SLIM1 target genes and characterize its regulatory effects, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) will be combined with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). These approaches will enable the identification of direct target genes and the integration of genome-wide binding profiles with gene expression changes under different nutrient stress conditions. Particular attention will be given to determining whether SLIM1 activates or represses its target genes. The project will further explore the molecular mechanisms underlying SLIM1 activity by investigating potential activation and repression domains, interactions with co-regulatory protein complexes, and post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Characterization of SLIM1 interaction partners will help clarify how its activity and stability are controlled under different environmental conditions.

Ultimately, uncovering how SLIM1 orchestrates plant responses to nutrient stress could open new avenues for engineering crops that use nutrients more efficiently, withstand environmental stress, and thrive in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

This doctoral project provides the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with molecular techniques, such as gene cloning, genome analysis, expression studies, protein interaction analysis (Optical tweezers C‑trap), yeast-based systems (e.g., Y2H, Y1H), and advanced microscopy techniques (co‑localization, BiFC assay, high‑resolution imaging) using state‑of‑the‑art equipment in an experienced and supportive research team. We are seeking a motivated and dedicated doctoral candidate with a strong interest in molecular biology and plant stress responses to join our team and contribute to this exciting research endeavor.

Requirements Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

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

Proven hands‑on experience in molecular biology techniques

Prior experience with plant biology and Arabidopsis, in particular, would be highly valued

Proficiency in written and spoken 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 analyzes 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, popularisation 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