Postdoctoral Researcher
City: Warsaw
Application deadline: September 2nd, 2026
Expected date of competition results announcement: September 2026
Date of taking the position: November 2026
Procedure ID: ZNTK.111.1.2026
Department of Neurotoxicology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute Polish Academy of Sciences is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to the NCN OPUS 30 project entitled „New 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives in glioblastoma therapy - assessment of the activity and revealing the mechanism of action" (2025/59/B/NZ7/01715)
Summary of the project: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor with a dismal prognosis. Intratumor heterogeneity of molecular genetic profiles in GBM may underlie differences in patient sensitivity to therapy. Furthermore, male sex is associated with both higher incidence of GBM and poorer survival outcomes. Thiadiazole is a heterocyclic compound containing one sulphur and two nitrogen atoms. It occurs in several isoforms, of which 1,3,4-thiadiazole is the most widely studied. Our initial screening studies enabled the selection of four novel 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives that display anticancer activity against GBM cells and are relatively less toxic towards human astrocytes. Particular GBM cell lines used in this screening present differential sensitivity to the tested compounds, which reflects the aforementioned heterogeneity of GBM involving, among others, divergent response to treatment. These preliminary results, along with literature data, indicate that all four 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives deserve further investigation. As a part of this interdisciplinary project we will analyze the activity of these compounds in primary human GBM cells stratified according to their transcriptomic subtype and derived from patients of different sex. Subsequently, we will decipher the molecular target or at least the mechanism of action of the most promising compound. To this end, we will examine the influence of this compound on the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome of GBM cells. Multiomics, an approach that combines data from different molecular levels (transcripts, proteins, metabolites), aided by in silico target prediction, will enable us to uncover putative target of the compound, which will then be validated functionally using a broad range of biochemical and biological techniques.
The research tasks will include:
▪ To design and synthesize new thiadiazole derivatives based on biological results, structure–activity relationships, physicochemical properties, and predicted target interactions;
▪ To design and execute efficient, reproducible synthetic routes for the preparation of the selected compounds and their analogues;
▪ To purify synthesized compounds and perform their complete structural and analytical characterization;
▪ To prepare and manage compound stocks, reference materials, analytical samples, and compound documentation;
▪ To coordinate or participate in the evaluation of in vitro ADME/DMPK properties, including metabolic and plasma stability, permeability, protein binding, and CYP-related liabilities;
▪ To perform in silico target fishing, molecular docking, and the interpretation of predicted compound–target interactions;
▪ To perform biochemical tests to validate the molecular target and mechanism of action of the lead compound;
▪ To prepare experimental reports, presentations, figures, and chemistry sections of scientific publications;
▪ To support a PhD student.
Mandatory qualification requirements:
▪ PhD degree (or equivalent) in chemistry or related sciences obtained not earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project (not including maternity leaves);
▪ the Candidate’s PhD topic should be connected with medicinal chemistry, organic chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, chemical biology, or a closely related discipline;
▪ Extensive experience in organic/medicinal chemistry (organic synthesis, preparative chemistry) documented as co-authorship of publication(s) presenting this type of work;
▪ Strong practical experience in multistep organic synthesis, particularly the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds;
▪ Ability to independently plan synthetic routes, perform literature and database searches, and troubleshoot challenging chemical reactions;
▪ Proficiency in standard compound purification techniques, including column chromatography, recrystallization, preparative TLC, and preferably preparative HPLC;
▪ Practical experience in structural characterization and purity assessment using techniques such as NMR, LC-MS, HRMS, HPLC/UPLC, IR spectroscopy;
▪ Knowledge of medicinal chemistry principles, including structure–activity relationships, physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, and optimization of lead compounds;
▪ Extensive experience in medicinal chemistry (organic synthesis, preparative chemistry) documented as co-authorship of publication(s) presenting this type of analysis;
▪ A track record of publications in JCR-listed journals and participation in scientific conferences;
▪ Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
▪ Ability to critically evaluate and interpret scientific data;
▪ Excellent command of English, spoken and written;
▪ Willingness to learn new skills and take up challenges.
Additional requirements (desirable):
▪ Familiarity with in vitro ADME/DMPK studies, including metabolic stability, plasma stability, protein binding, permeability, and cytochrome P450 interactions would be advantageous;
▪ Knowledge and/or openness to learn of computer-aided drug design methods, in particular molecular docking, pharmacophore modelling, or in silico target prediction would be desirable;
▪ Basic experience with and/or openness to learn in vitro biochemical experimentation in cell-based activity assays, enzymatic assays, radiochemical assays etc. will strengthen the application.
We offer:
▪ employment at one of the leading scientific institutions in Poland
▪ employment contract (full-time)
▪ hybrid work arrangements
▪ access to specialist equipment in the Institute
▪ additional support from the social fund (i.e. support in difficult life situations, childcare subsidies and low interest loans)
▪ possibility to join Employee Capital Plans (PPK)
▪ additional benefits such as opportunity to join a group life insurance program, medical service package, and a Multisport card on preferential terms
▪ work in a good team, in a nice atmosphere
▪ friendly work environment
Application
Applicants should send the following documents:
▪ CV with full publication list;
▪ motivation letter including research interests;
▪ copy of Ph.D. diploma;
▪ contact details of at least one academic referee.
Apply via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please use the subject line: procedure ID: ZNTK.111.1.2026
Procedure ID: ZNTK.111.1.2026
Deadline for applications: 02.09.2026
Expected starting date: November 2026
Duration: 36 months (with possible extension for an additional 12 months; first 6 months’ probation)
Salary: 9500 PLN gross/month
We reserve the right to invite only selected candidates for interviews.
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