Postdoc in catalyst engineering for selective hydrofunctionalization (First Team project, Recruitment 72/2026)

Postdoctoral position in Team 7 of the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in the FIRST TEAM project "Smart Engineering of Catalysts for Hydrofunctionalization Reactions: From Selectivity Control to a Predictive Model" led by Dr Dawid Lichosyt. Hydrofunctionalizations of alkenes and alkynes, such as hydrocyanation and hydroformylation, are industrially important routes to pharmaceuticals, polymers and functional materials but suffer from poor control of regio- and stereoselectivity.

The postdoc will prepare and characterize a catalyst and ligand library, evaluate catalysts across substrate and condition combinations with emphasis on hydrocyanation, identify selectivity-determining parameters, carry out kinetic and spectroscopic mechanistic studies, curate standardized experimental datasets and disseminate results. Full-time temporary employment for 12 months from 1 January 2027 with possible extension, at around PLN 13,230 gross per month.

Applications (scientific CV, cover letter, PhD diploma scan) go to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl with the subject "Recruitment no 72/2026"; shortlisted candidates are interviewed on 8–9 December 2026 and results are planned for 17 December 2026.

PhD in chemistry or a closely related discipline held for no longer than seven years in the year of announcement (child-related extensions apply) or obtained by the start of employment; experience in organic synthesis and catalysis; independent problem solving, teamwork and systematic experimental practice; good scientific English.