Postdoc in supramolecular nanoparticle catalysis: photoswitching under double confinement (Recruitment 71/2026)

The Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (Team 7, Chemistry in Confined Spaces) seeks a postdoctoral researcher for the NCN OPUS 25 project 2023/49/B/ST5/01472 "Photoswitching under double confinement: a new strategy for the light regulation of functional host-guest systems", led by Dr Volodymyr Sashuk. The project develops responsive supramolecular systems at nanoparticle interfaces, combining synthetic supramolecular chemistry, gold-nanoparticle functionalisation, molecular recognition and kinetic studies to build nanoparticle catalysts whose activity can be regulated by external stimuli.

The postdoc will design and characterise responsive nanoparticle surfaces and mixed-ligand monolayers, synthesise functional ligands and model substrates, study host–guest interactions in solution and at interfaces, carry out binding, kinetic and mechanistic studies of regulated catalytic reactions, optimise monolayer composition, colloidal stability and catalytic performance, help supervise PhD students, and contribute to reports, publications and presentations.

Full-time employment at about PLN 9,650 gross per month from 1 March 2027 for 12 months with possible extension. Applications are emailed with the subject "Recruitment no 71/2026" by 16 November 2026, 12:00 CET; interviews are planned for 18–20 November and results for 1 December 2026.

PhD in chemistry or a related discipline obtained in the year of employment or within 7 years before 1 January of that year (NCN extensions apply); PhD supervisor not the PI; PhD from another institution or at least 10 months of postdoctoral work abroad; strong research and publication record in synthetic supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry or functional molecular systems; experience in molecular recognition, host–guest chemistry or noncovalent interactions; good English and excellent scientific writing.