| Code | SD-NBiol-G64 |
|---|---|
| Organizational unit | Doctoral School of Natural Sciences |
| Area/discipline | Biological sciences |
| Form of studies | Full-time |
| Level of education | Third cycle |
| Educational profile | academic |
| Language(s) of instruction | English, Polish |
| Admission limit | 1 |
| Duration | 8 semetrs |
| Recruitment committee address | Wydział Biologii ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614 Poznań mgr Iwona Kanonik-Jędrzejak |
| Office opening hours | 9.00-14.00 |
| WWW address | https://amu.edu.pl/doktoranci/szkola-doktorska/rekrutacja/rekrutacja-20252026 |
| Required document | |
| Ask a question | |
Additional recruitment to the Doctoral School of Natural Sciences beyond the limit of places
Project description:
Regulation of gene expression is a complicated process, based on the coordination of many different pathways, including epigenetic control of chromatin state, transcription, RNA processing (5’ cap formation, splicing, polyadenylation), the export of mature transcripts to the cytoplasm, and translation into proteins. In recent years, the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques, and the increasing number of identified RNA modifications have added another layer to this regulatory landscape. So far, more than 150 different types of RNA modifications have been found. Most of the RNA modifications, such as N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and pseudouridine (Ψ), were originally identified in highly abundant structural RNA like rRNAs (ribosomal RNAs), tRNAs (transfer RNAs), and snRNAs (small nuclear RNAs). Current methods provide the opportunity to identify new types of modifications and to precisely localize them not only in highly expressed RNAs but also in mRNA and small RNA (18-30 nt) molecules. According to our data pseudouridine is present in small RNAs and their precursors, in plant and mammalian cells. Moreover, m6A is present in miRNA precursors. The presence of many other modifications in small RNAs has not been confirmed yet. It is not clear what is the role of particular modification in small RNAs We hypothesize that small RNA modifications are important for their transport between cell compartments or even outside the cell. We speculate, that depending on the presence and/or type of modification miRNA may have different pathways of action. We are going to use high-throughput sequencing methods to get a broad view of small RNA modification patterns as well as precise and sophisticated methods to identify factors involved in this process. The results of these studies will significantly increase our current knowledge about the biogenesis and functioning of small RNAs in Arabidopsis but also in liverworts and monocots.
REQUIRED SKILLS OF THE CANDIDATE:
MSc in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, or related area. Highly motivated, well-organized, with teamwork abilities. Fluent in English. Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques, microscopy, and high-throughput data analysis.
Principal investigator: dr Jakub Dolata -NCN 2024/54/E/NZ2/00231
Recruitment
Selection Committee
Chairman: dr Jakub Dolata
Schedule of the Doctoral School enrolment procedure:
Recruitment fee
The recruitment fee is 75 EUR.
Form of the selection procedure
One stage procedure.
Language of the selection procedure, including interviews:
English language.
Required documents:
Candidates applying based on exceptional academic achievements must include a scan of the following:
1) For first-cycle graduates: the diploma and supplement.
2) For students completing the third year of a unified master’s programme: a certificate indicating their academic average from years 1 to 3, along with a transcript.
Candidates educated outside Poland must additionally submit:
1) A scanned copy of their higher education diploma and supplement for both first- and second-degree qualifications (Bachelor’s and Master’s), in the original language and a certified translation into English or Polish.
2) A scanned copy of their passport (for foreign applicants).
Evaluation criteria
1. A minimum grade of "very good" or equivalent from a second-cycle (master’s) or unified master’s degree diploma (5 points). Candidates applying on the basis of exceptional scientific achievements (e.g., grant awarded under the “Pearls of Science” competition) will also receive 5 points.
2. Evaluation of up to three documented scientific achievements submitted during registration in the IRK system, assessed according to the detailed criteria of the candidate's accomplishments (maximum of 20 points).
3. Assessment of other documented activities, based on up to three achievements indicated by the candidate, as per the specific criteria for the discipline (maximum of 5 points).
4. The outcome of the interview, which assesses:
a) The candidate’s knowledge and competencies relevant to their intended research, including discipline-specific expertise.
b) Research methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline. The interview has a maximum duration of 30 minutes and awards up to 50 points.
5. Evaluation of the research project prepared for admission, or in the case of recruitment tied to a grant project, the author’s concept for implementing the project (maximum of 20 points). Assessment focuses on:
a) Formulation of the research objective and presentation of the research problem. Page 6 of 9
b) Originality of the research idea and approach to solving the research problem.
c) Methodology suited to the indicated discipline.
d) Awareness of the current state of research, supported by a basic bibliography.
e) The project’s significance for the development of the chosen discipline.
Condition of admission to the Doctoral School
Education Program
Education at the doctoral school lasts 8 semesters. Education at the Doctoral School is offered on the basis of a framework curriculum and an individual research plan and ends with the submission of a doctoral dissertation.
The framework curriculum at the doctoral school includes a catalogue of modules of compulsory classes, elective compulsory classes and optional classes. It also:
1) defines their schedule
2) defines the way in which the classes are taught
3) defines how learning outcomes are verified.
Education begins on 1st October, 2025.
Supervisors
A doctoral student works under the supervision of a supervisor or supervisors, or a supervisor and auxiliary supervisor, who will be appointed by the Deputy Rector at the request of a doctoral student (within 3 months of the start of his or her studies at the Doctoral School).
Scholarships
The doctoral scholarship amounts to PLN 5000 (gross-gross) per month before the mid-term evaluation and PLN 6500 (gross-gross) per month after the mid-term evaluation for 24 months.