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Electrochemical processes are well understood at the macroscopic level, where many species react in a short time. However, little is known about these processes at the molecular level. This project aims to explore a new approach for the electrochemical characterization of a small number of redox-active and enzyme molecules that will be pushed toward the ultimate analysis of single molecules. We aim to detect a low number of faradaic electrons (ultimately individual). This will ultimately enable electrochemical studies of individual molecules. We will try to solve fundamental unknown areas of electrochemistry concerning activity distribution among enzyme molecules, the mechanism of deactivation of enzyme molecules, the kinetics of electron transfer to and from individual molecules, and the dynamics of electrode processes at equilibrium. We will develop a flexible and general strategy for single molecule electrochemistry. This will be done by converting Faradaic currents below the detection limit to electrogenerated fluorescence. We will focus on model electrode processes of electroactive molecules immobilized at nanoelectrodes and reactions catalyzed by individual enzyme molecules.

Post doc is expected to be able to design, plan and perform experiments independently, plan the workflow and participate in the decision-making process. Responsibilities:

• Assembly and calibration of electrochemical scanning probe microscope;

• Assembly and calibration of microscope for studies with electrogenerated fluorescence and electrochemiluminescence;

• Preparation and analysis of samples with immobilized enzyme molecules;

• Preparation and analysis of nanoelectrodes modified with redox probes and enzymes;

• Managing project tasks toward successful completion

• Dissemination of the research outputs in project meetings, peer-reviewed journals, and international conferences;

• Co-mentoring PhD students;

• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;

• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks related to the project.

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 9650 PLN gross per month financed from the NCN SONATA BIS 12 Project No. 2022/46/E/ST4/00457 entitled “Towards electrochemistry of single molecules: Nanoscale studies of redox processes” 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 15 months with a possible extension

The successful candidate will benefit from acquiring new knowledge and methods to add to their toolbox. The project encompasses electroanalysis, nanotechnology, materials science, and physical chemistry. 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. PhD degree in chemical or physical sciences, obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 7 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project. For researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date. The extension may be applied according to the rules of the National Science Centre, Poland. Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition:

-they did not have the principal investigator as their research supervisor or auxiliary supervisor of their PhD dissertation 

-their PhD degree has been awarded by another institution than the one planned to employ them at this post or they have completed a continuous and evidenced post-doctoral fellowship of at least 10 months in another institution than the host institution for the project and in another country than the one in which they have been conferred a PhD degree;

2. Publication record and experience in research.

3. Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

4. Skills in the fabrication of microelectrodes, scanning electrochemical microscopy, and fluorescence microscopy.

5. Experience in electrogenerated fluorescence and/or electrochemiluminescence will be appreciated.

6. The candidate should demonstrate good experimental skills in handling microelectrodes and a good understanding of electrode processes.

7. Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

8. Strong motivation to work and solve scientific problems, creativity, and analytical thinking.

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

-competencies for specific tasks in the research project

-knowledge of electrochemistry and optics

-previous scientific achievements

-awards and distinctions resulting from the conducted research