Molecules in Motion: PhD Position in RNA Condensates & DNA Structures

 

The Slovenian NMR Center (SloNMR) at the National Institute of Chemistry (NIC), Ljubljana, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in structural biology and molecular biophysics. Position offers a unique opportunity to explore fundamental questions at the interface of biology, chemistry, and physics using state-of-the-art NMR spectroscopy and biophysical methods.

 

The SloNMR Center is the national hub for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in Slovenia and one of the leading NMR centers in Central Europe. Our research integrates structural biology, intrinsically disordered proteins, nucleic acids, and biomolecular dynamics, with a strong emphasis on biomedical relevance.

We host four high-field NMR spectrometers (600 to 800 MHz), complemented by biophysical instrumentation, computational modeling resources, and a vibrant international research community. SloNMR is deeply collaborative, offering interdisciplinary mentorship, regular hands-on training workshops, and opportunities for international research exchanges.

If you’re a biology-oriented student eager to understand the molecular underpinnings of life—from gene regulation to phase separation—SloNMR provides the tools, environment, and scientific network to launch your research career.

 

The PhD position is available for either of the following projects outlined below.

Project 1: RNA-Driven Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation

RNA molecules play a central role in the formation of biomolecular condensates and subcellular membraneless compartments. Yet, the molecular properties that enable RNA to orchestrate these processes, and the cellular consequences of perturbing these features, remain poorly understood.

In this project, we aim to uncover how specific features of RNA—such as sequence composition, length, concentration, and capacity for multivalent interactions—contribute to phase separation. This will involve:

-Quantitative in vitro biophysical assays to dissect the contribution of RNA features to condensate formation

-Structural biology (RNA in vitro and solid-phase synthesis, NMR, CD and UV/VIS spectroscopy),

-Collaboration with the Department of Theoretical Physics (Jožef Stefan Institute) to integrate experimental findings with coarse-grained molecular modeling

-Testing model predictions using in-cell functional assays to understand the biological impact of condensate modulation in collaboration with L19 Laboratory (NIC) and Carl Zeiss Center for Synthetic Genomics (KIT)

This highly interdisciplinary project will combine wet-lab experimentation with theoretical modeling, offering broad training in both domains.

 

Project 2: Structural Dynamics of i-Motif DNA Structures

The i-motif is a four-stranded DNA secondary structure formed in cytosine-rich sequences under slightly acidic or crowded conditions. Its potential biological relevance is underscored by roles in gene regulation, genome stability, and cancer biology.

This project will utilize solution-state NMR spectroscopy, supplemented with biophysical and biochemical methods, to:

-Determine high-resolution structures of i-motif-forming DNA sequences

-Characterize their folding dynamics and environmental sensitivity

-Identify and characterize interactions with proteins that recognize i-motif structures

The project will be carried out in collaboration with:

-Prof. Daniel Christ’s group at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (Australia), with expertise in protein-DNA recognition

-Prof. Sara Richter’s lab at the University of Padua (Italy), focusing on i-motif biology and therapeutic relevance

This project offers an opportunity to explore the exotic i-motif DNA structure using advanced NMR spectroscopy and interdisciplinary methods, providing hands-on experience at the forefront of structural biology and gene regulation research.

 

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates who:

-Hold a Master’s degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, chemistry, pharmacy, physics or related fields

-Have a strong interest in molecular mechanisms and interdisciplinary science

-(Preferred) Have prior experience with NMR spectroscopy, structural biology, or biophysical methods

-Are proficient in English, both written and spoken

 

We Offer

-Integration into a dynamic and international research environment at SloNMR, part of the National Institute of Chemistry

-Access to one of the best-equipped NMR facilities in Central Europe

-Collaborative research with international partners in Australia, Italy, Germany, and Slovenia

-Full funding for 4 years (tuition + competitive stipend), including travel and research exchange support

 

Application Procedure

To apply, please send the following documents in a PDF format to marusic.maja@ki.si by 7 July 2025.

-A motivation letter specifying your interest in one of the projects

-Curriculum vitae (CV)

-Contact details for two academic referees

For additional information, please contact marusic.maja@ki.si or visit SloNMR. Details of the call for young researcher can be found here.

 

We are looking forward to hear from you!