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This project focuses on the development and optimization of polymer-based excipients for bacteriophage stabilization, addressing a critical challenge in the storage, transport, and application of phages in medicine, biotechnology, and industry. Bacteriophages have significant potential as alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. However, their widespread use is hindered by poor stability under environmental stressors, including temperature fluctuations, desiccation, and long-term storage conditions. The proposed research aims to overcome these limitations by designing and characterizing novel polymeric formulations that enhance phage stability, ensuring their viability and efficacy across various applications. The project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining high-throughput polymer synthesis, advanced biophysical characterization, and structural analysis. The Polish team at the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS brings expertise in colloidal stability, self-assembly, and bacteriophage research.

The project will establish structure-property-function relationships, guiding the development of optimized polymeric stabilizers tailored to different phage types and storage conditions. Beyond bacteriophages, the research will extend to virus-like particles (VLPs) and protein systems, broadening the impact on vaccine formulation and biopharmaceutical stabilization. By investigating polymer-mediated stabilization in both phages and VLPs, this project will generate insights applicable to a range of biological formulations, contributing to the advancement of nanomedicine, vaccine technology, and bioengineering. The project will not only advance fundamental knowledge in virology, polymer science, and biophysics but also provide practical solutions for enhancing phage therapy, vaccine development, and other biopharmaceutical applications. The findings will lay the groundwork for future translational research and potential industrial applications, making a significant contribution to both scientific innovation and public health advancements.

• Compare and evaluate the effectiveness of selected stabilizers in maintaining the stability of bacteriophages under stress conditions.
• Carrying out experimental work, maintaining regular research notes.
• Taking part in and presenting at group meetings and conferences.

We offer a scholarship position in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a monthly stipend of  1600 PLN financed from the SHENG-4, Project no2025/56/Q/ST5/0035. The stipend is for 6 months with a possible extension based on the performance.

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with material sciences, physic and chemistry, biology and biotechnology  so a broad range of candidates will find new knowledge to be gained upon the realization of the project The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1. Background in biology, chemistry, biotechnology, materials science, or a related field
2. Excellent in English speaking and writing
3. Ability to work independently as well as in a group

The recruitment committee will evaluate the candidates’ research achievements, their research-related achievements and competencies as regards specific tasks in the research project, expressed as a point score:

• the candidate’s research achievements, including publications in prestigious academic press /journals (50% of the final score)
• research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects (20% of the final score)
• the candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project (30% of the final score)

https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala25_2024-zal1_ang.pdf