Adiunkt 2 (PostDoc/assistant professor) ERC Advanced Grant 2024 (101199807)

Jagiellonian University; Polska; On-site; PLN 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science at Jagiellonian University seeks a Postdoctoral Researcher to contribute to a Horizon Europe - ERC project on a novel non-invasive method for assessing tissue hypoxia using positronium imaging and quantum entanglement of photons.

You will work on PET-based biomarkers, perform Monte Carlo simulations, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to advance understanding of tissue oxygenation and its imaging with J-PET technology.

Qualifications

• PhD in physical sciences or related field.
• Three publications in positronium imaging or multiphoton tomography.
• Experience with radioactive isotopes and PET/positronium imaging.
• Experience with Monte Carlo methods (GATE/GEANT), C++, ROOT.
• Fluent English; strong analytical and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop non-invasive method for tissue hypoxia assessment using positronium imaging.
• Investigate quantum entanglement of photons as biomarkers in PET.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team and contribute to ERC project outcomes.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

English proficiency

C++ programming

PET image reconstruction

ROOT data analysis

Education

PhD in physical sciences

Tools

GATE

GEANT

ROOT

Monte Carlo simulations

Job description

The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science

Organisation/Company Jagiellonian University Department The Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science Research Field Physics » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 17 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number 101199807 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The project focuses on developing a novel non-invasive method for assessing tissue hypoxia using positronium imaging and quantum entanglement of photons. Tissue oxygen deficiency is an important challenge in medical imaging, particularly in the context of cancer diagnostics and tumour malignancy assessment.

The research is based on the hypothesis that the properties of positronium atoms produced in the human body during positron emission tomography (PET) may serve as biomarkers of tissue oxygenation. Positronium lifetime and annihilation processes depend on the intracellular environment, including the size of free volumes in tissues and the concentration of oxygen molecules. The project will investigate whether photon entanglement resulting from positronium annihilation can provide measurable information about tissue hypoxia.

A key objective of the project is to determine whether annihilation processes involving oxygen molecules can be distinguished from other positronium annihilation mechanisms occurring in biological tissues. The project proposes a new approach based on measuring the degree of quantum entanglement of photons emitted during positronium annihilation, in particular through analysis of correlations between photon polarization planes.

The research will be carried out using the unique J-PET tomographic system developed at the Jagiellonian University under the direction of Prof. Paweł Moskal. J-PET is the first multi-photon tomograph in the world capable of imaging positronium lifetime in humans and detecting photon polarization from positronium annihilation. This makes it possible to conduct pioneering studies on the relationship between quantum entanglement and tissue oxygenation.

The expected results may contribute to the development of a new non-invasive imaging method for assessing hypoxia and, in the future, support improved diagnostics and malignancy assessment of tumours using J-PET technology.

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• A PhD in physical sciences or a related discipline.
• A documented track record of research in positronium imaging and multiphoton tomography, demonstrated in particular by at least three scientific publications in these fields.
• Significant experience in working with radioactive isotopes, analysing and simulating tomographic data, calibrating scintillation detectors, and reconstructing PET and positronium images.
• Experience with Monte Carlo simulation methods, GATE and GEANT software, C++ programming, PET image reconstruction, and data analysis using ROOT will be considered an additional asset.
• Experience in scientific research, including conducting research and participating in research projects.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong analytical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and acquire new skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, combined with strong interpersonal skills.

Specific Requirements

• holding at least a doctoral degree;
• having relevant scientific achievements;
• taking active part in scientific life.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Physics » Other

Internal Application form(s) needed

PostDoc_Assistant professor 2 ERC Advanced Grant 2024 (101199807).pdf

• stable employment based on an employment contract at the renowned university,
• cooperation with the interdisciplinary academic community represented by well-known scientists,
• scientific support as well as the possibility of qualifications improvement and professional development,
• access to research infrastructure,
• benefits in the form of i.a. Multisport card, sports activities, medical packages, group insurance,
• additional social benefits.

Eligibility criteria

The selection procedure is open for all individuals, who meet the requirements set out in Articles 113 and 116.2.3) of the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science, and who meet the following eligibility criteria according to § 165 of the Statute of theJagiellonian University:

• holding at least a doctoral degree;
• having relevant scientific achievements;
• taking active part in scientific life.

Selection process

The first stage of the selection procedure is the formal assessment of the submitted documents. Applications which meet all formal requirements are the subject of substantive assessment, during which an interview with the Candidate (F/M) may be conducted (directly or via electronic communication channels), upon settling the date of the interview with the Candidate (F/M). During the interview, the soft competencies indicated in the announcement will also be verified. The Candidate (F/M) has the right to appeal against the negative assessment by the selection board within 7 days from receiving the information about the results of the assessment.

For further information please contact Professor Paweł Moskal, PhD, e-mail address: [e-mail]