Specialist (research specialist position) – FIRST TEAM FENG project, Department of Medicinal Chemistry IP PAS (Part-time -1/2 FTE)

Competition information:

Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences (IP PAS) announces competition for
a specialist (research specialist position) at Department of Medicinal Chemistry IP PAS under the FIRST TEAM FENG project, No. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0039/23, entitled: „GenProSyn – an innovative generative approach to enumeration of easy-to-synthesize ligands with optimized properties”.

Project Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Sabina Podlewska

Project Description:

The primary goal of the Project is to develop innovative software enabling generation of chemical compounds which are optimized in terms of physicochemical properties, ADMET, and synthesizability. This is essential to prevent the elimination of compounds in later stages of the drug discovery process. The software will be based on cutting-edge generative neural networks, spefically the Generative Flow Network (GFlowNet) algorithm. We plan to further enhance this algorithm to consider the shape of biological binding sites and incorporate modules for optimizing physicochemical properties, ADMET, and synthesizability of the proposed ligands, while ensuring structural novelty. In addition to computational validation, we will conduct experimental studies on three biological targets, potentially leading to the discovery of drugs for pain therapy, central nervous system disorders, or anti-aging compounds. The most promising ligands will undergo in vivo testing to comprehensively evaluate their potential as drug candidates in these therapeutic areas.

Candidate profile: R1

Position description and scope of duties:

The person employed in this position will be responsible for handling and maintaining cell cultures necessary for performing in vitro studies aimed at assessing the cytotoxicity and cardiotoxicity of chemical compounds.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Handling and maintaining cell cultures under aseptic conditions;
2. Preparing and passaging cells, as well as monitoring their viability and morphology;
3. Freezing, thawing, and maintaining the cell line bank;
4. Preparing media, reagents, and materials necessary for cell culture;
5. Close cooperation with the researcher responsible for cardiotoxicity and cytotoxicity testing of compounds;
6. Adhering to occupational health and safety regulations and procedures for handling biological material;
7. Maintaining cleanliness and proper operation of the assigned research equipment and workspace;
8. Complying with the Code of Ethics of the Polish Academy of Sciences and with all internal regulations and orders in force at the Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences.

Candidate requirements:

Mandatory qualifications:

1. Higher education in the field of biology, biotechnology, biophysics, pharmacy, or related fields);
2. Practical experience in conducting cell culture research (minimum 5 years), confirmed by scientific publications (at least 3);
3. Ability to analyze experimental data;
4. Knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations and experience in working with hazardous substances (including radioactive isotopes);
5. Precision, accuracy, and the ability to work independently;
6. Fluency in English.

Additional requirements (desired):

1. PhD degree;
2. Fluency in Polish.

Salary: 4 000 PLN gross gross (total employer cost)

Employment type: Part-time (1/2 FTE)

Employment Period: 36 months

Employment Form: Fixed-term contract

Required documents:

1. Application for employment for the above-mentioned position together with a cover letter;
2. Scientific CV (including information on education, publications, awards and distinctions, internships, participation in research projects and conferences, completed training, and obtained certificates);
3. Copy of a document confirming the candidate’s educational background;
4. Information on the processing of personal data in accordance with Appendix 1.

Applications with the required documents should be sent in electronic form to the e-mail address: ifpan@if-pan.krakow.pl by 21.11.2025. The message’s title should indicate which competition the application concerns: “Competition – Specialist (research specialist position) – FIRST TEAM FENG project (october 2025)”.  The competition winner will be selected from among those meeting the formal requirements based on the analysis of documents and possible interviews. Please be advised that we will contact only selected candidates and will not return the submitted documents. We reserve the right to void the competition without giving any reason.

For additional information, please contact:

Project Principal Investigator: Assoc. Prof. Sabina Podlewska, e-mail smusz@if-pan.krakow.pl,
phone numer: 12 662 33 01.

Recruitment Process:

The assessment of applications will be carried out by the Recruitment Committee, which includes the Project Principal Investigator, representatives of the IP PAS Management and representatives of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry IP PAS (min. 4 people in total), in the following stages:

1. Formal assessment (this stage involves verifying the completeness of documents and the candidate’s compliance with the minimum requirements specified in the competition announcement);
2. Substantive assessment: the Recruitment Committee will conduct a detailed analysis of the candidate’s scientific achievements (publications, participation in research projects and conferences, as well as received awards and distinctions), research accomplishments and specialist competencies necessary for the implementation of the Project;
3. Interview: selected candidates will be invited for an interview, during which their specialist competencies necessary for the planned project work will be primarily assessed. There is a possibility of conducting the recruitment interview online.

Each member of the Recruitment Committee will individually assess the candidate on three criteria: scientific achievements, experience in research projects, and specialist competencies. The final decision on the selection of the candidate will be made based on discussions and mutual agreements among the members of the Recruitment Committee, taking into account the results of the evaluations conducted.

Attachments:

1. Information on the processing of personal data.

Date of announcement:  31.10.2025

Application deadline: 21.11.2025

Interview date: 28.11.2025

Announcement of results: 28.11.2025
Planned start date: December 2025