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According to L. C. Pauling, a two noble prize winner, the secret of life is hidden in molecular recognition, that is the ability of one molecule to “recognize” another through weak bonding interactions. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are tailor made recognizing materials that can mimic recognition of biological receptors. They outperform these natural receptors in several aspects including durability, chemical stability, and low production costs. If used for chemosensors fabrication, they should be deposited on transducers surfaces as thin films to facilitate analyte binding close to this surface. Novel techniques of MIP deposition as thin films, surface development of MIP these films, or introduction of unique properties are very much demanded in terms of selective and sensitive chemosensors fabrication.

Therefore, in recent years special attention has been paid to syntheses of micro- and nanostructured MIPs. Sacrificial mold synthesis is the method that offers the most precise control over the structure of the synthesized nanometrials. This synthesis involves MIP deposition inside porous materials, i.e., colloidal crystals of silica and polymer spherical beads. Then, the mold is removed resulting in pending nanostructured MIP deposition in the form of micro-/nanorods, filaments, stripes or dots. This nanostructuring provides significant MIP surface development and, consequently, enhances MIP chemosensor sensitivity, detectability, and shortens its response time.

Within this project new methods of micro- and nanostructured MIP films deposition will be introduced. For that purpose, cellulose paper and other inexpensive fibrous materials, namely cellulose acetate filter membranes, fabric or cotton wool will be applied as the sacrificial molds. Moreover, we will apply these films for devising selective chemosensors for selected antibiotics and hormones, that pollute food products.

• Electrosynthesis and physico-chemical characterization of MIP films.
• Testing analytical parameters of MIP chemosensors.
• Testing paper based electrochemical sensors
• Cooperation with team members.

Work in the outstanding scientific institution in the dynamic research group with members representing diverse interests and qualifications – see details on the website:  http://groups.ichf.edu.pl/sharma

Opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research department with strong support from chemistry and physics group within the Institute. The student will have the opportunities, such as participation in project focused on applied research, attending and presenting research results in nationals and Internationals conferences, and visits in international partner laboratories.

• At the starting date of the work within the project, applicant should be a student second degree studies, conducted in universities on Polish territory or should be a student of at least the fourth year of uniform master's studies carried out at universities on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
• Basic knowledge of physical chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, electrochemistry and spectroscopy.
• Experience in working with electrochemical instruments.
• Proficiency in English speaking and writing.
• The high average grade obtained in the course of study will be appreciated.

• competences of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,
• previous scientific achievements of candidates,
• awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research