NCN OPUS

University of Gdańsk is recruiting for an NCN OPUS-30 project on organic synthesis, photocatalysis, photophysics, and molecular modelling for green hydrogen production.

The project, titled “Specific surface reactivity of organic nanoparticles as a key to a photocatalytic supramolecular hydrogen plant”, explores a new photocatalysis concept: light-driven activation of organic semiconductor nanoparticles to form catalytically active metal complexes directly on their surface. The research aims to understand the mechanism and develop new organic materials for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Openings include 3 PhD-student positions and several student scholarship positions. The work spans three main areas: (1) design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of imide/diimide and donor–acceptor photosensitizers; (2) photocatalysis, surface activation, hydrogen evolution reaction studies, and reaction optimization; and (3) mechanistic analysis using UV-Vis, photoluminescence, time-resolved spectroscopy, and quantum-chemical/molecular modelling.

The position is based at the University of Gdańsk, Poland, with a planned start in September 2026. The post highlights an interdisciplinary research environment, opportunities for publications and conference presentations, and possible short scientific visits to collaborating teams abroad. Funding is described as scholarships for students and increased scholarships for PhD students within an NCN-funded project.

Eligibility highlights include motivation and interest in the listed research directions. New PhD candidates must additionally apply to the Doctoral School of the University of Gdańsk by 12 July 2026 in order to join the project as PhD students.

Application deadline for the project is 1 August 2026, 15:00. For details, applicants should use the project link or contact [email protected].