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The Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS (IChF), one of Poland’s top-ranked research institutes, invites applications for 20 Postdoctoral Fellow positions within the research training programme “Basic Sciences for Society needs: postdoctoral training” (BS4S). The programme is co-funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe’s MSCA-Cofund scheme.

BS4S is designed for ambitious researchers eager to transform fundamental science into solutions for science, industry, and society. Fellows will propose their own interdisciplinary research projects aligned with IChF’s areas of expertise. Each fellow will be supported by two mentors — one based at IChF and one from a foreign institution (ERC/EIC or other high-level grant holders) — selected to match the fellow’s research topic.

In addition to developing their projects, fellows will participate in a tailored training programme focused on research valorisation and career development. The training will include internships and mentorship opportunities offered by 12 business partners. BS4S will equip fellows with the skills to transfer knowledge, incubate projects, launch businesses, and translate innovative research into products and services with real societal impact.

An independent, international selection panel will select 20 fellows for 36-month positions through an open, merit-based process.

1. Design and execute an interdisciplinary research project aligned with the submitted proposal
2. Collaborate closely with a mentor from IChF and a co-mentor from an international partner institution to guide project development and growth
3. Contribute to training activities organised by the project, including the creation and implementation of the Career Development Plan (CDP), with the goal of advancing professional skills and accountability in research-to-society processes
4. Participate in an international secondment to a co-mentor’s research organisation for a minimum of 1 month
5. Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, and participation in scholarly networks.

1. A full-time position for 36 months
2. An average net monthly salary of EUR 2,500 (average amount received in the bank account); family allowance available
3. Research, training, and travel budget of EUR 1,400 per month
4. An inspiring and supportive research environment at one of Poland’s leading scientific institutes
5. Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
6. Secondment opportunities at partner institutions
7. Participation in interdisciplinary training programmes (including specialised and soft skills), aligned with an Individual Career Development Plan
8. Additional benefits including access to public and private medical healthcare, membership in the MultiSport programme (discounted gym and sports facility access) and access to Social Funds (favourable loan schemes, vacation benefits, subsidies for sports and cultural activities, and childcare support).

Main admission criteria are:

1. Mobility criterion: the candidate must not have resided in Poland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the deadline of the Call (including remote work for a legal entity established in Poland)
2. PhD: possession of a doctoral degree (in chemistry, physics, materials science, biotechnology, or related field) or a formal document confirming the defence of a doctoral thesis
3. Application eligibility under BS4S (application completeness: project length – 36 months, project starting date – April-Oct 2026, research project budget – see details at project webpage)

Applications will be assessed through documents evaluation and interview according to the following criteria:

1. Criteria at the Documents Evaluation stage:

• Mandatory checks: interdisciplinary scope, ethics compliance
• Scored criteria (max 100 points):
  • Project Excellence (0 – 45)
  • Project wider potential (0 – 25)
  • Researcher’s experience (0 – 30)

Minimum score required for the next stage: 60

2. Criteria at the Interview stage:

• Scored criteria (max 100 points):
  • Project viability (0 – 50)
  • Soft skills (0 – 30)
  • Motivation (0 – 20)

Minimum score required: 70

For the full description of evaluation criteria, see: www.bs4s.edu.pl.