The Nogly Lab — the Dioscuri Centre for Structural Dynamics of Receptors at Jagiellonian University in Kraków — is looking for outstanding postdoctoral researchers. We use time-resolved serial crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers and synchrotrons to make molecular movies of proteins in action, revealing the structural dynamics that underpin biological function. If you are a rigorous, self-driven scientist who wants to work at the frontier of structural biology, we would like to hear from you.
Open Position
Funded postdoctoral position — currently recruiting
A fully funded postdoctoral position is available, with a contract of up to 4.5 years and 100% focus on research — no teaching obligations. The full advertisement and application instructions are posted on Nature Jobs: [link — to be inserted once published]
We encourage strong candidates to apply early. Knowledge of Polish is not required; the working language in the lab is English, and we will assist with accommodation and administrative steps to ensure a smooth start in Kraków.
Open-call applications
Beyond the current vacancy, we welcome speculative applications at any time. As we expand our research programme and funding, new positions arise. If you are interested in joining us, send a CV and a short note about your background and interests via email: przemyslaw.nogly@uj.edu.pl — we read every message.
What You Will Work On
Time-resolved structural biology at the frontier
We study receptor proteins — how they sense light, convert energy, and transmit signals. Our current focus spans microbial rhodopsins, including halorhodopsins, as well as LOV-domain photoreceptors and, increasingly, non-photoactive systems. We use time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) at European XFEL and SwissFEL, and time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography at MAX IV and other major facilities, to capture structural intermediates at femtosecond-to-millisecond timescales. The result: molecular movies of proteins in the act of function — structural transitions resolved with a level of detail that is simply not accessible by other means.
A multidisciplinary environment
Structural work is complemented by protein biochemistry, biophysical characterisation, and computational analysis. Postdocs engage with the full pipeline, from sample preparation and crystal optimisation to data collection, processing, structure solution, and interpretation. A recent landmark from the lab — Mous et al., Science, 2022, on the dynamics and mechanism of a light-driven chloride pump — illustrates the scale of questions we ask and the quality of publications this work leads to.
Who We Are Looking For
Background
A PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or a closely related field. Experience in protein biochemistry, crystallography, structural data processing and analysis — particularly in serial crystallography — is valued. We also consider strong candidates from adjacent areas including chemistry and physics where there is clear evidence of relevant skills. Scripting experience is a plus.
The person
We are looking for scientists who take genuine ownership of their work — who explore independently, develop their own scientific judgment, and ask for help when they need it. You should be ambitious for your science, rigorous in how you pursue it, and enthusiastic about acquiring skills outside your current expertise. You should enjoy scientific discussion and be ready to contribute fully to the life of a collaborative, multidisciplinary group.
Mentoring and Group Culture
Przemysław leads the lab with a clear philosophy: give people the freedom to grow, and provide full engagement when it counts. Day-to-day, postdocs work with a high degree of autonomy. During intensive phases — beam times, critical decision points, or when a challenge has persisted — you will have direct, committed support. Weekly group seminars create a shared intellectual space, and individual discussions are always available.
The lab environment is friendly, collaborative, and multidisciplinary. People here learn from each other. We are proud of the careers that have been built through time spent in the group, and we take that track record seriously.
What We Offer
Employment conditions
- Full-time employment contract, up to 4.5 years (fully funded)
- Annual gross salary 130,700 PLN (approximately €30,000 — competitive for Kraków, where cost of living is ~40–50% lower than Munich or Zurich)
- 36 days of annual leave
- 100% research focus — no teaching obligations
- Private medical care package (reduced rate) and MultiSport membership
- Reduced-rate language courses, cultural events, and university excursions
- Technical, administrative, and organisational support from English-speaking staff
Scientific environment
- Active beam time programme at European XFEL, SwissFEL, MAX IV, and additional major facilities
- Newly installed, cutting-edge laboratory infrastructure
- Dioscuri Centre of Excellence status — a programme co-funded by the Max Planck Society and the Polish National Science Centre
- First-author publications in high-impact journals
- Supported conference and workshop attendance
- Broad methodological training across biochemistry, crystallography, and computation
- Extensive networking opportunities through international experiments and collaborations
The Dioscuri Programme
The Nogly Lab is a Dioscuri Centre of Scientific Excellence — a programme initiated by the Max Planck Society and funded in partnership with the Polish National Science Centre. Dioscuri centres are designed to establish independent, internationally competitive research groups in Poland and to connect them to the broader Max Planck network. For postdocs, this means working in an environment with the resources, independence, and international connections of a major European research programme.
Life in Kraków
Kraków is one of Europe’s most liveable and historically rich cities — a UNESCO World Heritage site with a vibrant university culture, an excellent food and cultural scene, and easy access to the Tatra mountains. The cost of living is substantially lower than in Western Europe. Jagiellonian University, founded in 1364, is one of the oldest universities in Europe and provides a stimulating academic community.
The Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, where the lab is based, occupies a modern building on the university’s 600th Anniversary Campus. Researchers who come to Kraków for a postdoc often find themselves staying longer than they planned.
How to Apply
Current funded position
See the full advertisement on Nature Jobs [link — to be inserted] and follow the application instructions there.
Speculative enquiries
Send a CV and a short note about your background and interests to przemyslaw.nogly@uj.edu.pl. We respond to all strong postdoc and PhD candidates.