Biotechnology

PhD student in Rzeszów University Doctoral School – call for applications

Position: PhD student – scholarship holder in the discipline of Biotechnology

Project host institution: Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów

Doctoral training institution: Rzeszów University Doctoral School

Position description: The PhD student will conduct research on the isolation and characterization of insect-associated yeasts, including microbiological studies, analysis of phenotypic traits and enzymatic activities, as well as assessment of the biotechnological potential of the obtained isolates.

The research will be carried out within the project “Biotechnological potential of detritivorous insect microbiomes: identification and functional analysis of yeasts”, NCN OPUS 29, No. 2025/57/B/NZ9/04447, under the supervision of Dr hab. Justyna Ruchała,

Duration of the project-funded scholarship: 48 months

Scholarship amount (total gross cost)

  • PLN 4,184.27 per month – until the month in which the mid-term evaluation is conducted; the mid-term evaluation takes place in the fourth semester of doctoral training;
  • PLN 6,446.03 per month – following the month in which the mid-term evaluation is conducted.

The scholarship amounts are subject to deductions for mandatory pension and disability insurance contributions in accordance with applicable regulations.

The scholarship will be paid in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów.

Project description

The project focuses on the isolation and characterization of insect-associated yeasts and the assessment of their physiological and enzymatic properties and biotechnological potential. The research will involve the isolation of microorganisms from insect-derived biological material, their identification and functional characterization, with particular emphasis on traits relevant to their potential application in biotechnology.

Responsibilities of the PhD student

The main responsibilities will include:

  • preparation, preservation and appropriate storage of insect-derived biological material;
  • isolation, purification and cultivation of yeasts from biological samples;
  • maintenance and preservation of the obtained collection of yeast isolates;
  • phenotypic characterization of isolated yeast strains, including analysis of their growth under various environmental and stress conditions;
  • analysis of substrate utilization and selected metabolic properties;
  • enzymatic profiling and determination of selected enzyme activities;
  • conducting analyses using basic microbiological, biochemical and molecular biology techniques;
  • analysis, processing and interpretation of experimental data;
  • maintaining accurate experimental documentation;
  • participation in the preparation of scientific publications and presentation of project results at scientific conferences.

The PhD student will conduct the research with substantive and technical support from the Principal Investigator and in collaboration with other members of the research team.

Requirements

The candidate should:

  • hold a Master's degree, Master of Engineering degree or equivalent qualification in biotechnology, biology, microbiology or a related field, or obtain such a degree before commencing doctoral training at the Doctoral School;
  • have authored or co-authored at least one scientific publication, in accordance with the admission requirements of the Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów;
  • meet the formal requirements for admission to the Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów in the discipline of Biotechnology;
  • have experience in basic microbiological techniques, particularly aseptic techniques and cultivation of microorganisms;
  • have basic knowledge of microbial growth analysis and biochemical methods and/or enzyme activity assays;
  • demonstrate a strong interest in microbiology, microbial physiology and biotechnology;
  • demonstrate aptitude and motivation for experimental scientific research;
  • be independent, accurate, responsible and well-organized;
  • be able to work both independently and as part of a research team;
  • have a good command of English sufficient to read scientific literature, prepare scientific publications and present research results.

Additional qualifications considered an advantage

  • experience working with yeasts;
  • experience in the isolation and phenotypic characterization of microorganisms;
  • knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology techniques, particularly DNA isolation, PCR, molecular identification and/or molecular cloning;
  • experience in enzyme activity assays;
  • experience in microbial physiology or biotechnology;
  • experience working with environmental or insect-derived biological material;
  • previous participation in research projects;
  • scientific achievements, including publications and/or conference presentations.

Required application documents

Candidates should submit:

  • a CV including information on education, research and laboratory experience, relevant skills, publications and conference presentations;
  • a copy of the Master's degree diploma or, for candidates who are completing their studies, information on the expected date of obtaining the degree;
  • a short motivation letter describing the candidate's research interests, previous laboratory experience and motivation to pursue a PhD within the project;
  • contact details of at least one academic referee who may provide a recommendation.

The candidate selected through this competition will be required to register in the electronic recruitment system of the Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów and select the option “RECRUITMENT WITHIN RESEARCH PROJECTS”, in accordance with the applicable recruitment schedule. Selection in this competition does not constitute admission to the Doctoral School of the University of Rzeszów.

Application documents should be submitted by 26 August 2026 via e-mail to jruchala@ur.edu.pl, with the subject line: “PhD Student – NCN Project”.

In case of any questions, candidates are encouraged to contact the Principal Investigator at the e-mail address provided above prior to submitting their formal application.

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee chaired by the Principal Investigator.

The recruitment procedure will be conducted in accordance with the applicable regulations of the National Science Centre (NCN) and the University of Rzeszów.

The recruitment procedure may be conducted in either Polish or English.

Candidates who meet the formal eligibility requirements will be invited to an online interview on 27 August 2026. The exact time and meeting link will be communicated to eligible candidates by e-mail.

The final decision will be communicated to candidates via e-mail.

The recruitment results will be announced on 27 August 2026.