Postdoctoral Researcher - First Team - Dr Piotr Gerlach Group

Postdoctoral Researcher - First Team - Dr Piotr Gerlach Group

IMol - International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, Polish Academy of Sciences

Warsaw, Poland

Short description of the project:

Segmented negative-strand RNA viruses, like seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses and pathogenic bunyaviruses, pose continuous medical and economic threat for the society, urging the need for the design of novel antiviral compounds. RNA-dependent RNA polymerases are pivotal viral proteins responsible for transcription, replication, as well as specific interactions with the viral subgenomic RNAs. Primary objective of this project is to design and test a novel class of small, RNA-based molecules, inhibitory against viral polymerases, that could be further developed into efficient antiviral drugs.

Key responsibilities of the successful candidate will be to: (1) participate in designing RNA-based small inhibitory molecules; (2) set up expression and purification of the trimeric influenza virus polymerases; (3) perform various RNA-polymerase assays; (4) determine high resolution RNA-polymerase cryo-EM structures. We particularly encourage candidates with a strong interest in molecular research with a direct therapeutic relevance. Successful candidate will contribute to the conceptual development of the project, and will be involved in preparation of both scientific publications and patent applications.

Requirements:

• PhD in a relevant area (obtained not earlier than 2018);
• Documented record of peer-revied publications in a relevant area;
• Hands-on experience, scientific integrity, good dose of responsibility and independence;
• Experience in protein expression and purification, and protein-RNA biochemistry assays;
• Experience in structural biology – experience in cryo-EM SPA would be an advantage;
• Experience in computational docking of small molecules would be an advantage;
• Very good command of English as well as team-work and communication skills.