We are looking for a PhD Student (Scholarship Holder) to work in the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics (Samodzielna Pracownia Genetyki Molekularnej) at the Medical University of Lublin for a period of up to 48 months. The doctoral scholarship is offered under the research project “Functional Studies of Two Genes Associated with Clubfoot,” funded by the National Science Centre (Narodowe Centrum Nauki).
The Principal Investigator of the project is Prof. Przemko Tylżanowski, PhD, DSc (prof. dr hab.).
Project summary:
The human skeleton develops through the coordinated proliferation, migration and differentiation of cells, a process regulated by both genetic and epigenetic factors. Our laboratory focuses primarily on the genetic component. The study of hereditary diseases is an attractive strategy for uncovering the molecular basis of tissue formation, organogenesis and the disease process itself. Advances in next-generation sequencing make the identification of variants increasingly easy, yet their functional characterisation remains a challenge. In particular, we often do not understand well the mechanism that translates a variant into a specific phenotype. Moreover, current technologies have revealed that diseases (including skeletal diseases) can be caused by variants in non-coding parts of the genome.
The project involves analysing the genetic basis of craniofacial skeletal defects, such as cleft lip and palate and prognathism. Despite their different clinical manifestations, these defects may share common molecular mechanisms related to the development of bone and cartilage tissue. Using cutting-edge approaches such as organoids or organ cultures, we intend to better understand the relationship between a variant in a gene and a particular patient phenotype. This work will contribute to our general knowledge of skeletal formation and will also give clinicians an additional tool for patient diagnostics and genetic counselling.
Requirements:
- Master degree (or equivalent) in biomedicine, biotechnology, medical biology or a related field
- Doctoral candidate status (enrolment in a doctoral school) at the time of starting participation in the project
- Fluent written and spoken English
- Theoretical and practical knowledge molecular biology, biochemistry, and standard laboratory techniques
- Hands-on experience in cell and tissue culture
- Strong interest in the mechanisms of human disease and in molecular embryology
- Willingness to travel abroad for short and long research stays, international conferences and training courses.
Additionaly:
- Demonstrated research activity supported by peer-reviewed publications, conferences participations, completed courses and training, or research internships abroad
- Eagerness to develop professionally and to learn new laboratory methods and techniques
Description of tasks:
The scholarship holder will carry out research within the scope of the project, including:
- Performing basic research in molecular biology and biochemistry
- Carrying out the functional studies planned in the project using animal models
- Performing statistical analysis of the results obtained and preparation of research reports
- Presenting research results at the team’s scientific meetings;
- Active participation in national and international scientific conferences or workshops;
- Systematic and organised work in a research team, in close cooperation with the head of the research team at the Medical University of Lublin.
We offer:
- Work in a dynamically developing research team;
- Opportunities for scientific development, including participation in international conferences;
- Access to state-of-the-art research equipment and mentoring by experienced scientists;
- A stimulating and supportive research environment;
- The doctoral candidate will receive a doctoral scholarship for a maximum of 4 years during the period of carrying out tasks in the project, in a monthly amount of PLN 5,000.00 to PLN 6,500.00 gross, including all associated charges (net: approx. PLN 3,780.00 to approx. PLN 4,900.00);
- The exact start and end dates of the scholarship will be specified in the scholarship agreement after the competition procedure is completed;
- Payment of the scholarship is subject to the limits and conditions on combining benefits that apply to the Opus 27 project and to the individual situation of the selected scholarship holder.
Required documents:
The application procedure is entirely electronic – please provide:
- Cover letter (no more than one page) – in English – please do not use artificial intelligence;
- CV – in English;
- List of courses and exam grades from the LAST TWO years of study (in English or Polish);
- Digital copy of the master’s thesis (in English or Polish);
- First and last names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of TWO referees (including the master’s thesis supervisor);
- Information clause.
Documents must be sent as a single PDF file by 6 November 2026, 11:59 p.m. to the address: agnieszka.porczak@umlub.edu.pl
Planned date of announcement of the results:
20 November 2026
Planned start date of work in the project:
1 December 2026
Selected candidates will be invited to an interview at the Medical University of Lublin (UML) or via videoconference.
The scholarship may be awarded to the person ranked second on the ranking list, provided that the winner of the competition renounces receiving it before signing the scholarship agreement.
The competition may be left unresolved.
There is no right of appeal against the decision of the Scholarship Committee.
The scholarship is awarded in accordance with the NCN Regulations for Awarding Research Scholarships in research projects funded by the National Science Centre (Appendix to NCN Council Resolution No. 25/2024 of 4 March 2024).
The total amount of remuneration and scholarships from NCN funds intended for a given doctoral candidate in one or more NCN-funded research projects may not exceed PLN 5,000 per month. This amount is increased to PLN 6,500 per month where these funds are paid as a doctoral scholarship after the month in which the mid-term evaluation of the doctoral candidate involved in carrying out the project tasks has been conducted. The project leader’s remuneration in the PRELUDIUM competition is not included in this amount.