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Viruses are parasites with living cells as their hosts. Without cells, viruses cannot perform their life cycle. Often, viruses cause the host's death upon release of the number of copies of virions. A cascade of progeny virions attacks neighbouring cells or transfers to another host organism. Some viruses attack animals and humans, causing various diseases (like HIV, HPV, Hepatitis A and B, influenza, rotavirus, Zika, and rubies, to name only a few), plants (Tabaco mosaic virus), or even bacteria (bacteriophages). The COVID-19 pandemic gave the realization that we do not have suitable antiviral measures to provide the necessary protection.
The proposed project within Opus-23 call focuses on fighting viruses attacking bacteria – named bacteriophages, or phages for short. Phages cause serious problems when they infect bacteria-based biotechnological factories. Within hours, a single bacteriophage can be multiplied in millions of copies utilizing the biochemical machinery of the host. In each bacterial cell, up to a few hundred copies are formed and released. This usually results in the death of bacteria. Phage infections have profound repercussions as bacteria-based processes are one of the most important in biotechnology and dominate many branches of industry, which exploit the natural metabolic capabilities of bacteria to produce active substances. All factors which affect bacteria-based factories cause millions of dollars in losses.
Here, we propose the strategy to obtain antiphagents (antibacteriophage agents) that will be safe for bacteria and eukaryotic cells. This will allow online protection against phage infections. We will synthesize, purify, and characterize “mixed” (bearing positively charged, negatively charged, neutral and hydrophobic domains) nanoparticles and polymers and test them against model phages (T1, T4, T7, M13, MS2, phi6, PhiX174, QBeta), bacteria, and eukaryotic cells. We will tune the composition of the “mixed” domains to ensure efficacy against virions and safety towards cells.
The knowledge gained upon realization of the project might also be utilized against pathogenic viruses attacking humans, helping to fight against numerous diseases. Among the many bacteriophages, some (MS2, phi6, PhiX174, QBeta) are considered good surrogates for studies on eukaryotic, often dangerous, viruses.

Post-doc will be involved in synthesis and characterization of novel materials, especially nanoparticles and polymers.
It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to perform experiments independently, plan the workflow and participate in the decision-making process.
Responsibilities:
• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work independently, maintaining regular research notes.
• Preparation of manuscripts and reports.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings as well as in national and international conferences;
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 9600 PLN gross PLN gross
per month financed from the NCN OPUS 23, Project no. 2022/45/B/ST5/01500 , entitled “Antiviral nanoparticles and polymers to selectively fight phage infections without harming bacteria and eukaryotic cells
100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 12 months with possible extensions 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 nanotechnology, physics, material sciences, and physical chemistry, so a broad range of candidates will find new knowledge to be gained upon the realization of the project.
We plan to publish the results of the work in high-impact factor journals.
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. Extension might apply according to National Science Centre, Poland, rules.

2. 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;
3. Publication record and rich scientific experience.
4. Ability to work independently as well as in a group.
5. Background in biology, biotechnology, or related sciences.
6. Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).
7. Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.
8. Research experience in related fields will be advantageous

The Commission will take into account the following criteria:
a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project,
b) previous scientific achievements of candidates,
c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research.
The commission evaluates applications on a point scale.