Carrier Paths
A scientific career rarely follows a single, universal path. At IIMCB, there are various possible career trajectories — from the traditional academic route, which includes doctoral training and obtaining a PhD, postdoctoral training and leading one’s own research group, to roles focused on technical or operational support for scientific research.
We also offer career development opportunities in administrative areas that play a vital role in the daily functioning of the research environment — such as grant management, finance, HR, and communications.
The stories presented here illustrate how diverse career paths at IIMCB can be. Each reflects individual choices, goals, and trajectories, which often evolve with experience and changing professional priorities.
From a laboratory technician to a specialist in the PhD Office
I began my work at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology as a laboratory technician in the Laboratory of Protein Metabolism and the Laboratory of Iron Homeostasis. In this role, I actively provided technical support to the laboratories, which allowed me to thoroughly understand the organizational structure of IIMCB and the operations of individual labs. This work also gave me the valuable opportunity to collaborate closely with PhD students. I not only learned about their daily scientific challenges but also their personal problems, always striving to offer them help and support. Currently, I continue my mission of supporting the academic community, working as a specialist in the PhD Office. This position allows me to continue actively assisting and supporting students in their scientific endeavors. For me, this is not only a satisfying job but also an important stage in my own professional development.
From a laboratory support specialist to a PhD student
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.
From a postdoc to the head of the Technology Development Unit
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.
From a laboratory support specialist to a WIB HERO project manager
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 a postdoc to the head of the Scientific Coordination Unit
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 Laboratory of Cell Biology at 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 a PhD student to the head of the Genome Engineering Facility
My name is Michał Brouze, and I first started my work at the IIMCB as a PhD student in the Laboratory of RNA Biology in 2019. With a previous background in developmental biology, I was mainly engaged in studying selected mechanisms of RNA metabolism in the developing mouse oocyte and early embryo. Being a member of a multidisciplinary team, I gained experience in a wide array of techniques and methods while working on several mouse models generated in-house and by the Genome Engineering Facility of IIMCB. After defending my PhD in 2025, I transitioned to the position of the head of the Genome Engineering Facility. Here, I apply my experience by working with a team that offers services of transgenic mouse models generation, cloning, and sequencing to internal users and commercial clients. Although I initially lacked experience in administrative and team leadership aspects of the new role, I was supported by administrative staff at various levels within IIMCB and was given opportunities to develop my skills through international training courses.
