Deadline: 10 May 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
Research programme overview
We invite applications for three PhD positions in the Laboratory of Infection Biology at the University of Warsaw. The studentships are embedded in a new multidisciplinary research programme funded by the National Science Centre (NCN) that will investigate why Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia leads to severe complications in some patients despite appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
The programme combines microbiology, immunology, bacterial genomics, integration of pseudonymized clinical metadata, and translational antibody discovery. Our aim is to define host-pathogen states in S. aureus bacteremia and translate these findings into biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and candidate protective human antibodies.
Across the three PhD projects, students will help build the first systems-level map of host-pathogen interactions in S. aureus bacteremia by profiling patient sera and immune responses, characterizing bloodstream isolates at genomic and phenotypic levels, identifying immune-evasion strategies, and applying reverse vaccinology to discover conserved translational targets.
Project structure and indicative PhD tracks
All studentships are part of one coherent five-work-package programme covering cohort recruitment and biobanking, serum profiling, bacterial genomics and phenotyping, association studies, reverse vaccinology, and integrated modeling. Candidates may indicate one or more preferred project tracks in the motivation letter.
Track 1 – Host immunity and serum profiling
- Profile antibody responses and toxin-neutralizing activity in sera from patients with S. aureus bacteremia and control cohorts.
- Work with patient sera, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and functional assays to define correlates of protection.
- Contribute to the identification of elite donors for antibody discovery and reverse vaccinology.
Track 2 – Bacterial genomics and virulence phenotyping
- Characterize bloodstream isolates using microbiological, molecular, and genomic approaches.
- Investigate virulence-associated phenotypes such as adhesion, toxin production, biofilm formation, and immune-evasion traits.
- Link genotype-phenotype variation to inflammatory markers and clinical outcomes.
Track 3 – Integrated analysis and translational discovery
- Integrate serological, bacterial, and clinical datasets in collaboration with computational and clinical partners.
- Support bacterial GWAS, predictive modeling, and identification of host-pathogen signatures associated with severe outcomes.
- Contribute to the prioritization of conserved epitopes, candidate monoclonal antibodies, and translational biomarkers.
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidate profile – essential criteria
- Master’s degree completed, or to be completed by September 2026, in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, computational biology, or a related field.
- Strong interest in host-pathogen interactions, bacterial pathogenesis, and translational biomedical research.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize tasks, and solve problems proactively.
- Very good spoken and written English.
- High level of motivation, reliability, and attention to detail.
Candidate profile – desirable criteria
- Hands-on experience in microbiology, molecular biology, bacterial genetics, immunology, related wet-lab methods, and/or bioinformatic analyses.
- Interest in quantitative data analysis; basic skills in R, Python, or bash are welcome.
- Experience with genetic sequence analysis, bacterial genomics, or phylogenetics is an advantage but not essential.
- Interest in working at the interface of clinical material, experimental biology, and integrative analysis.
Benefits
Training environment
The programme is embedded in an international research network with collaborators in Poland, the UK, the USA, Germany, and Spain. Students will interact with microbiologists, clinicians, immunologists, and computational researchers, and may undertake short research visits abroad when useful for the project.
What we offer
- A scientifically ambitious, coherent, and well-supported research programme.
- Training in microbiology, immunology, bacterial genomics, data interpretation, and scientific writing.
- Close interaction with clinicians and international collaborators.
- A supportive environment for early-career development, publication, and skill building.
- Optional short research visits abroad when appropriate for the project.
Selection process
Application process
Successful candidates are expected to apply to one of the Doctoral Schools of the University of Warsaw. The Doctoral School application deadline is 21 May 2026 (see: szkolydoktorskie.uw.edu.pl/en/).
Candidates are welcome to contact the supervisor in advance with informal questions about the project, scientific fit, or training environment.
Application documents
- Short motivation letter stating the preferred project track(s), research interests, relevant experience, and reasons for applying.
- Curriculum vitae, including academic degrees, thesis titles, supervisors, employment history if applicable, publications, conference activity, awards, and training.
- Contact details for at least one referee who may provide a recommendation.
- Copies of degree diplomas or proof of expected degree completion.
- Signed consent for processing personal data for the recruitment procedure in accordance with University of Warsaw requirements.
Additional comments
Key responsibilities
- Carry out experiments and/or computational analyses under supervision, with careful documentation and quality control.
- Contribute to sample processing, data analysis, interpretation of results, literature review, and planning of next steps.
- Actively participate in lab meetings, seminars, journal clubs, and scientific conferences.
- Collaborate with members of the local team and the wider international consortium.
- Prepare figures, reports, and manuscripts arising from the project.
- Pursue scientific development and training, including optional short research visits to partner institutions when appropriate.
WHERE TO APPLY – email: m.zapotoczna@uw.edu.pl
Website: https://cnbch.uw.edu.pl/
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