The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences
Student - First Team - Dr Justyna Zmorzyńska group
The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland, New York, United States
The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences
Organisation/Company The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Poland Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 20 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number MSc Student_FirstTeam_JZ Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description IMol has been established to conduct scientific research and provide training in the fields of biological, chemical, medical, biotechnological, bioinformatics, biophysical, pharmacological, and similar sciences, in the international environment conducive to collaborative efforts, research and development interactions with the biotechnological industry, and wide dissemination of our results. We aim at the development of solutions that will help everyone on this planet live a safer life.
At the moment, IMol is looking for a candidate for the position of Master student in Warsaw, Poland, for the implementation of the project “New strategies for treating anxiety disorders in autism”, First Team no FENG.02.02-IP.05-0064/24 financed by the Foundation for Polish Science.
Project title: “New strategies for treating anxiety disorders in autism”
Short description of the group and/or the project: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), affecting around 1% of the population, are marked by social and communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. While anxiety is not a core feature of ASD, anxiety disorders are the most common comorbidity – far more frequent in autistic individuals than in the general population. Both conditions emerge early in life. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, is the leading hereditary cause of ASD. These genes regulate mTORC1, a key player in metabolism and cellular balance. TSC patients often experience a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety – but current treatments do not effectively target anxiety in those with ASD. With the use of zebrafish models and high-throughput screening systems, this project aims to change that by screening a library of bioactive compounds to identify anti-anxiety effects, including among approved drugs.
We are looking for a highly motivated person to:
Culture zebrafish embryos and larvae and perform genotyping
Perform experiments using zebrafish
Keep a record of experimental details
Participate in experimental design and data analysis
Participate in the data preparation and writing of manuscripts
Collaborate with team members
Actively participate in the research conducted in the lab, in lab meetings and scientific seminars
Profile of candidates/requirements:
Interest in neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular and cell biology, and/or genetics or related fields of life sciences
Basic knowledge and familiarity with laboratory techniques in at least one of the following disciplines: neuroscience, developmental biology, or toxicology
Very good command of English
Motivation and passion for experimental work
Willingness to work with a zebrafish animal model
Keen interest in neurodevelopment, connectivity development and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior
Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude
Previous hands‑on experimental training in molecular biology, cell biology, or neurobiology would be an advantage
Previous hands‑on experience in zebrafish handling and behavioral analyses would be an advantage
Enrollment at the university
We offer:
Job type (employment contract/stipend): Part-time position, fixed-term contract, up to 48 months
Remuneration/month: 2.500 PLN net/month
The position starts on the 1st of March 2026
Work in an active team in an excellent scientific environment
Comprehensive training in zebrafish biology and handling, behavioral analyses, microscopy, image analyses
Access to the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
Required documents (in English):
CV
List of publications (if applicable)
Reference contacts (please do not send generic letters, contact details only)
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Organisation/Company The International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines Polish Academy of Sciences Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Country Poland Application Deadline 31 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 20 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number MSc Student_FirstTeam_JZ Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description IMol has been established to conduct scientific research and provide training in the fields of biological, chemical, medical, biotechnological, bioinformatics, biophysical, pharmacological, and similar sciences, in the international environment conducive to collaborative efforts, research and development interactions with the biotechnological industry, and wide dissemination of our results. We aim at the development of solutions that will help everyone on this planet live a safer life.
At the moment, IMol is looking for a candidate for the position of Master student in Warsaw, Poland, for the implementation of the project “New strategies for treating anxiety disorders in autism”, First Team no FENG.02.02-IP.05-0064/24 financed by the Foundation for Polish Science.
Project title: “New strategies for treating anxiety disorders in autism”
Short description of the group and/or the project: Autism spectrum disorders (ASD), affecting around 1% of the population, are marked by social and communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. While anxiety is not a core feature of ASD, anxiety disorders are the most common comorbidity – far more frequent in autistic individuals than in the general population. Both conditions emerge early in life. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, is the leading hereditary cause of ASD. These genes regulate mTORC1, a key player in metabolism and cellular balance. TSC patients often experience a range of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including anxiety – but current treatments do not effectively target anxiety in those with ASD. With the use of zebrafish models and high-throughput screening systems, this project aims to change that by screening a library of bioactive compounds to identify anti-anxiety effects, including among approved drugs.
We are looking for a highly motivated person to:
Culture zebrafish embryos and larvae and perform genotyping
Perform experiments using zebrafish
Keep a record of experimental details
Participate in experimental design and data analysis
Participate in the data preparation and writing of manuscripts
Collaborate with team members
Actively participate in the research conducted in the lab, in lab meetings and scientific seminars
Profile of candidates/requirements:
Interest in neurobiology, developmental biology, molecular and cell biology, and/or genetics or related fields of life sciences
Basic knowledge and familiarity with laboratory techniques in at least one of the following disciplines: neuroscience, developmental biology, or toxicology
Very good command of English
Motivation and passion for experimental work
Willingness to work with a zebrafish animal model
Keen interest in neurodevelopment, connectivity development and molecular mechanisms underlying behavior
Good communication skills and a collaborative attitude
Previous hands‑on experimental training in molecular biology, cell biology, or neurobiology would be an advantage
Previous hands‑on experience in zebrafish handling and behavioral analyses would be an advantage
Enrollment at the university
We offer:
Job type (employment contract/stipend): Part-time position, fixed-term contract, up to 48 months
Remuneration/month: 2.500 PLN net/month
The position starts on the 1st of March 2026
Work in an active team in an excellent scientific environment
Comprehensive training in zebrafish biology and handling, behavioral analyses, microscopy, image analyses
Access to the state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
Required documents (in English):
CV
List of publications (if applicable)
Reference contacts (please do not send generic letters, contact details only)
#J-18808-Ljbffr