Post-doctoral position - Recruitment No 71/2026

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences; Polska; On-site; PLN 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project focused on developing responsive supramolecular systems at nanoparticle interfaces. The position emphasizes synthetic supramolecular chemistry, functionalization of gold nanoparticles, and kinetic studies for catalytic systems with external stimuli.

The successful candidate will lead the design of ligand monolayers and study their interactions with macrocyclic hosts,

Qualifications

• A PhD degree in chemistry or related scientific disciplines is required, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project (for researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date). Extensions might apply according to the rules of the National Science Centre, Poland;

Responsibilities

• design, preparation and characterization of responsive nanoparticle surfaces for the regulation of molecular recognition and catalysis;
• design and synthesis of functional ligands and model substrates;
• preparation, functionalization and characterization of gold nanoparticles and mixed-ligand monolayers;
• investigation of host–guest interactions in solution and at nanoparticle interfaces;
• binding, kinetic and mechanistic studies of regulated catalytic reactions;
• optimization of responsive nanoparticle systems with respect to monolayer composition, colloidal stability and catalytic performance;
• assistance in supervision of PhD students involved in the project ;
• preparation of progress reports and active involvement in scientific publications and presentations.

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Molecular Chemistry

PhD in Physical Chemistry

Job description

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences Department Team No. 7: Chemistry in Confined Spaces Research Field Chemistry » Homogeneous catalysis Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Chemistry » Physical chemistry Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 16 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number 71/2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Post-doc position available in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS within the National Science Center OPUS 25, project no. 2023/49/B/ST5/01472, entitled “Photoswitching under double confinement: a new strategy for the light regulation of functional host-guest systems”

(leader Dr Volodymyr Sashuk ; Team No. 7: Chemistry in Confined Spaces)

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project focused on the development of responsive supramolecular systems at nanoparticle interfaces. The research will combine synthetic supramolecular chemistry, functionalization of gold nanoparticles, molecular recognition and kinetic studies toward the development of nanoparticle-based catalytic systems whose activity can be dynamically regulated by external stimuli.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the design and investigation of functional ligand monolayers and their interactions with macrocyclic hosts, with particular emphasis on understanding how monolayer composition, organization and molecular recognition influence catalytic function.

Responsibilities

• design, preparation and characterization of responsive nanoparticle surfaces for the regulation of molecular recognition and catalysis;
• design and synthesis of functional ligands and model substrates;
• preparation, functionalization and characterization of gold nanoparticles and mixed-ligand monolayers;
• investigation of host–guest interactions in solution and at nanoparticle interfaces;
• binding, kinetic and mechanistic studies of regulated catalytic reactions;
• optimization of responsive nanoparticle systems with respect to monolayer composition, colloidal stability and catalytic performance;
• assistance in supervision of PhD students involved in the project ;
• preparation of progress reports and active involvement in scientific publications and presentations.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry » Homogeneous catalysis Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Molecular chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

A PhD degree in chemistry or related scientific disciplines is required, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project (for researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date). Extensions might apply according to the rules of the National Science Centre, Poland;

Specific Requirements

• Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition