Assistant (post-doc) in the group Theoretical and Experimental Biocatalysis Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

The Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, in Krakow, Poland, is recruiting for an Assistant (post-doc) in the group Theoretical and Experimental Biocatalysis. This is a full-time, fixed-term position for 12 months, starting on 2026-10-15, with a gross monthly salary of 9,000-9,100 PLN depending on experience.

The position is linked to the project OPUS LAP PHA-CURE (M. Guzik, UMO-2024/55/I/ST8/02132). The work is strongly interdisciplinary, combining microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, and materials engineering. The successful candidate will focus on the optimization of polyhydroxyalkanoate fermentation processes, the production and characterization of biomaterials (single- and multi-component), and the application of advanced surface and structural analysis methods. The role also involves collaboration with a PhD student on the expression of recombinant proteins, close work with project participants, supervision of interns and PhD students in the research group, preparation of scientific publications, and presentation of results at national and international conferences.

Eligibility highlights: candidates should hold a PhD or equivalent in chemistry or biological engineering and have at least 4 years of research experience in materials engineering and/or biotechnology. The post requires a strong publication record in JCR-listed journals, with first-author and/or corresponding-author contributions in at least two papers, plus experience in research projects, laboratory work, work with biological objects, and a minimum of 4 months of research at a foreign institution. Practical expertise is expected in biomaterials characterization techniques such as SEM/TEM, QCM, DLS, FTIR, UV-Vis, NMR, DSC, and fluorescence imaging. A very good command of English, certified at C1 level, is mandatory.

The postdoc rules follow the NCN OPUS regulations: the PhD must have been awarded by another institution than the host, or the candidate must have completed a continuous documented postdoctoral fellowship of at least 10 months in another institution and another country. During the contract, the successful candidate cannot receive other remuneration from NCN direct-cost research projects or from another employer under an employment contract.

Application deadline: 2026-09-25 15:00 (Europe/Warsaw). The recruitment competition is expected to conclude by 2026-10-09. Applications must be submitted electronically through the recruitment platform, with the following documents: employment application, doctoral diploma, full CV, at least one opinion from a previous supervisor, list of scientific achievements, and a self-report (max. one A4 page).

Institution: Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland.