Assistant Position in a Research and Teaching Assistant group

AGH University of Krakow; Poland; On-site; PLN 66,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration 6500 PLN gross/month

Job summary

AGH University of Krakow invites applications for a research-focused position in the Department of Physical Chemistry and Modelling. The candidate will design, synthesize, and characterize cathode materials for solid oxide and protonic ceramic fuel cells, using XRD, SEM-EDS, EIS, and other advanced techniques.

The role requires a Master in Materials Engineering or related, a strong publication record, English proficiency (B2) and Polish (C1 for foreigners), plus teaching aptitude.

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Engineering in Materials Engineering; at least 5 publications in JCR-indexed journals.
• Experience in synthesis and characterization of oxides for solid oxide fuel cells, including proton-conducting systems.
• Knowledge of advanced oxide-material characterization (XRD, SEM; EIS; four-probe conductivity); thermophysical testing.
• Experience with high-entropy oxides and oxide materials stabilizing protonic defects.
• Participation in national/international research projects; strong teaching aptitude.
• English at least B2; Polish at least C1 for foreign candidates.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesize, and characterize cathode materials for SOFCs.
• Perform phase analysis, chemical composition and morphology; measure transport/electrochemical properties.
• Fabricate and test laboratory-scale solid oxide fuel cells; collaborate with academia and industry.

Skills

MS in Engineering

SOFC cathode materials

Oxide materials research

Characterization methods

High-entropy oxides

Protonic defect stabilization

Research projects participation

English proficiency

Teaching aptitude

Education

Master degree

Job description

Department of Physical Chemistry and Modelling

Organisation/Company AGH University of Krakow Department Department of Physical Chemistry and Modelling Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 10 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Research focused on the design, synthesis, and characterization of cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), with particular emphasis on oxide materials, including high-entropy oxides, as well as materials for protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) technology. The work involves the use of advanced synthesis and characterization techniques, including phase analysis (XRD), microstructural and chemical composition analysis (SEM-EDS), measurements of transport and electrochemical properties (four-probe electrical conductivity measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS), as well as the evaluation of thermophysical properties and material stability (thermogravimetric analysis and dilatometry). An important aspect of the work also involves the fabrication and testing of laboratory-scale solid oxide fuel cells.

Candidates are expected to have a documented research record, including publications in journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR), experience in national and/or international research projects, practical knowledge of advanced research techniques, and English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level. Foreign candidates are required to provide documented proof of Polish language proficiency at a minimum C1 level. Candidates should also demonstrate aptitude for teaching. The position is research-oriented and requires documented qualifications and experience in accordance with the requirements specified in the recruitment announcement.

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

1. A Master of Science in Engineering degree in the discipline of Materials Engineering.
2. Documented scientific achievements in the field of the synthesis and characterization of cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells, including proton-conducting fuel cells, comprising publications in journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports (at least 5).
3. Documented research experience in the synthesis and characterization of oxides, as well as the ability to prepare and test solid oxide fuel cells on a laboratory scale.
4. Documented knowledge of advanced methods for the characterization of oxide materials used in solid oxide fuel cells (supported by scientific achievements and research experience, including a research internship), covering: phase analysis, chemical composition and morphology (XRD, SEM); measurement of transport and electrochemical properties (EIS, four-probe electrical conductivity measurements); and thermophysical properties and stability (TG, dilatometry).
5. Documented knowledge and practical skills in conducting research on the preparation of oxide materials, including high-entropy oxides.
6. Documented knowledge and practical skills in conducting research on the preparation of oxide materials capable of stabilizing protonic defects.
7. Documented participation in the implementation of national and/or international research projects.
8. English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level; in the case of foreign candidates, documented Polish language proficiency at a minimum C1 level.
9. Predisposition for teaching work.

Specific Requirements

Preferred qualifications

• Experience working in a solid oxide fuel cells’ laboratory,
• Long-term scientific internship abroad (min. 3 months).

Proficiency in the Polish language at a minimum B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR); in the case of foreign candidates — documented proficiency in Polish at a minimum C1 level.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Languages POLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

• career development opportunities at one of the leading technical universities in Poland,
• ideal conditions for conducting research, teaching, and cooperating with academia and industry,
• Full-time position, fixed‑term contract, from 1.02.2027r. to 30.09.2027r.
• Work in an excellent scientific environment with the possibility of international collaboration,
• Access to the state-of-the‑art equipment and facilities,
• Participation in courses and conferences,
• Remuneration/month: at least 6.500 PLN gross/month,

Required application documents:

• An application indicating the number of the Rector’s Announcement of AGH University of Krakow, a CV, and a personal questionnaire;
• A certified copy of the higher education diploma;
• A list of publications confirming scientific activity within the scope specified in the Announcement;
• Documents confirming research experience within the scope specified in the Announcement;
• Documents confirming participation in research projects financed from national or international sources;
• A document confirming proficiency in English at a minimum B2 level;
  • in the case of foreign candidates — a document confirming proficiency in Polish at a minimum C1 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The competition is conducted in accordance with the principles of the OTM‑R Policy, and the recruitment process takes into account the European Charter for Researchers, the Gender Equality Plan at the AGH University, the Principle of Equal Treatment, and the Accessibility Policy. Please also be informed that the AGH University of Krakow has in place the Procedure for Reporting Breaches of Law and Taking Follow‑Up Actions.

The aforementioned documents, as well as the following:
- a detailed description of the professional development path and career prospects;
- information on employment conditions and employee rights (including social and employee benefits);
- detailed information on the objective assessment criteria, taking into account the qualifications and competences of candidates;
can be found on the website: https://hrs4r.agh.edu.pl/rekrutacja-i-praca#c39212

The recruitment procedure is divided into two stages:

• formal assessment – assessment of the completeness of the application documents and compliance with the requirements specified in the Act, the AGH University Statute, and the competition announcement,
• substantive assessment – an objective and merit‑based assessment of applications submitted by candidates who have successfully passed the previous stage; interviews with candidates may be conducted at this stage (either in person or remotely).

The candidate has the right to appeal against the competition results within 5 working days after receiving the notification.

In case of any questions regarding the competition and the recruitment process, contactMSc Izabela Ziółkowska, [phone], [e-mail] .

To be considered a candidate you must meet the following requirements set out in the Act:

• you hold the qualifications defined in the Act,
• you have full capacity for juridical acts,
• you have not been convicted for an intentional offence,
• you enjoy full public rights.

The AGH University of Krakow does not require you to provide any information or data other than those resulting from the applicable law (name/names, surname, date of birth, contact details, education, professional qualifications, and employment history). However, if you choose to include your photograph or any other information, please fill in and attach this statement of consent to the processing of personal data, which constitutes an attachment to this information.

You can read all information concerning the processing of your personal data on the website of the AGH University of Krakow after going to the “Personal data protection” tab ( https://www.agh.edu.pl/en/personal-data-protection ).

The University reserves the right not to settle the competition without providing any reason or justification. Winning the competition is not tantamount to ensuring the candidate's employment. The result of the competition serves solely as a recommendation to the Rector in this regard. The final decision concerning the employment will be made by the Rector.

After the announcement of the competition results, the selected candidate is required to provide a certificate from the National Criminal Register (the certificate must be current, i.e. issued no earlier than 1 month prior to its submission to the AGH University) and is subject to verification in the Register of Sex Offenders – Restricted Access Register.