From administration to science
My name is Katarzyna Orzoł, and I began my professional career in the administrative field, working as a Laboratory Support Specialist at the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology at IIMCB. This role allowed me to understand the functioning of a research laboratory from an organizational perspective. However, over time, I discovered that my true passion lies in science. My growing interest in laboratory research and the desire to explore biological mechanisms led me to change my career path and pursue scientific work.
Currently, I am a PhD student at the Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology. My research allows me to develop experimental skills, seek answers to key biological questions, and contribute meaningfully to scientific progress. I am convinced that making this transition was the best step in my career, and the experience I am gaining, along with my passion for science, continues to drive my professional growth.
Transfer between administrative units
My name is Kinga Adamska. I started my career at IIMCB as a laboratory support specialist in the Laboratory of Protein Structure. I was responsible for supporting the research group and Lab Leader in administrative, financial and organizational matters, as well as operating crystallization robots. At the moment, I am an employee of the Grants Office and Coordinator of the HERO Research Task implemented under the WIB program. The move to the Grants Office was a rational career step within the IIMCB structures.
The two positions combine on many levels, and the knowledge and experience I have gained as a Lab Manager is highly valuable and makes managing the project easier. Working in the Grants Office is an opportunity to develop my career, acquire new skills, knowledge and experience. It is a challenging but also rewarding job, which I personally value very much in professional work.
From science to administration
My name is Iwona Pilecka and I have been a researcher at renowned national and European institutions for 17 years, including 6 years as a postdoc in the Cell Biology Laboratory of IIMCB. My research focused on signal transduction and cell physiology, with particular interest on receptor-dependent endocytosis, post-translational modifications and mitochondrial functions.
In 2019, I decided to make a career change and started working in science administration, seeing it as an opportunity to take a broader view on functioning of science. Since 2023 I have been the head of the Scientific Coordination Unit at IIMCB. I oversee ethical issues and permissions for research involving laboratory animals and GMOs, open access to publications, research data management, reporting and quality evaluation of the Institute’s scientific activities. In my current job, I value the stability and the practical support I provide to scientists in conducting reliable and socially relevant research.
From science to core facility
My name is Olga Gewartowska and I began my journey at the IIMCB as a postdoctoral fellow in the Laboratory of RNA Biology in 2019. My main research focus was RNA metabolism, especially non-canonical polyadenylation, and I was working on various in-house generated mouse models. In 2021, I became the head of the Genome Engineering Facility, a core facility specializing in genetic modification of model organisms, especially mice, for internal clients and external users.
Leading the team allowed me to engage in diverse projects across various scientific disciplines, which I found highly rewarding. Currently, I work as a head of the Technology Development Unit, overseeing the growth and advancement of all IIMCB’s core facilities (the IN-MOL-CELL infrastructure). As a part of the RACE project, I closely collaborate with our advanced partner – VIB in Belgium, which is an amazing learning opportunity.
