Post-doctoral position - Recruitment No 71/2026 Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences in Poland

Postdoctoral position at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (Warsaw, Poland), in Team No. 7: Chemistry in Confined Spaces, within the NCN OPUS 25 project “Photoswitching under double confinement: a new strategy for the light regulation of functional host-guest systems” (project no. 2023/49/B/ST5/01472), led by Dr Volodymyr Sashuk.

The project focuses on responsive supramolecular systems at nanoparticle interfaces, combining synthetic supramolecular chemistry, gold nanoparticle functionalization, molecular recognition, and kinetic/mechanistic studies. The selected postdoc will help design and study functional ligand monolayers and their interactions with macrocyclic hosts, with the broader aim of controlling catalytic activity through external stimuli.

Main responsibilities include designing and characterizing responsive nanoparticle surfaces, synthesizing functional ligands and model substrates, preparing and characterizing gold nanoparticles and mixed-ligand monolayers, studying host-guest interactions in solution and at interfaces, and carrying out binding, kinetic, and mechanistic studies of regulated catalytic reactions. The role also includes assisting in supervision of PhD students, contributing to reports, publications, and presentations, and helping optimize nanoparticle systems with respect to monolayer composition, stability, and catalytic performance.

The position is full-time for 12 months, with a possibility of extension, and is funded through the NCN OPUS 25 project. The gross salary is around 9,650 PLN per month, and 100% of working time will be devoted to the project. The post offers an international research environment at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, functional nanomaterials, molecular recognition, and catalysis, with access to advanced characterization methods including NMR, UV-Vis, ITC, DLS, zeta-potential, XPS, TGA, and electron microscopy.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD in chemistry or a related field, a strong publication record, experience in supramolecular or host-guest chemistry, and excellent English scientific writing. The candidate must also satisfy NCN postdoctoral eligibility rules, including not having the PI as PhD supervisor and meeting institutional/career-break conditions. Applications are due on 16 November 2026 at 12:00 CET, and shortlisted candidates may be interviewed between 18 and 20 November 2026.

Apply by email to [email protected] with the required documents and the recruitment reference in the subject line.