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Enzyme-catalysed reactions are among the most ubiquitous and elegant chemical processes in nature. They sustain virtually all life functions and underpin numerous biotechnological applications. In living systems, enzymes are often organised into reaction cascades, where multiple enzymes act sequentially to convert substrates into products, and are frequently clustered within microcompartments and membrane-bound organelles. Such organisation can enhance catalytic efficiency, suppress undesirable side reactions, and regulate metabolic fluxes. Inspired by these natural systems, synthetic enzyme assemblies and nanocages have been developed for applications ranging from biocatalysis to nanomedicine. However, the physical principles governing their performance remain poorly understood, largely because enzymatic cascades span spatial and temporal scales that are difficult to capture within a single computational framework.

This project aims to develop a novel multiscale simulation framework for modelling enzymatic processes across molecular, cellular, and biotechnological scales. The framework will be used to establish predictive design principles for optimising synthetic enzyme cascades and nanocage-based biocatalytic systems. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Forschungszentrum Jülich and Queen’s University Belfast, which will provide experimental validation and characterisation.

The successful candidate will develop a multiscale simulation framework for enzymatic systems and apply it to study how enzyme proximity, macromolecular crowding, and nanocaging regulate cascade efficiency. They will contribute to scientific publications and disseminate results at national and international conferences.

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 9600PLN gross

per month financed from the NCN OPUS 30 Project no. 2025/59/B/ST3/01980, entitled “Multiscale Modelling of Metabolite Channeling: Physiological Insights and Optimization of Enzyme Cascades“

100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for    36 months.

The successful candidate will benefit in the form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with condensed matter physics, physics of biological systems, physical chemistry of biological systems, molecular biophysics, enzymatic cascades  and multiscale modelling, 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 obtained in the year of employment in the project or within 12* 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. * in accordance with the National Science Centre’s approval to change the condition regarding the number of years after obtaining the doctoral degree.

2. Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition:

•  their PhD degree has been conferred by an institution other than the one employing them at this position. Otherwise, they must have completed a continuous and evidenced research fellowship of at least 9 months during their studies at the doctoral school, doctoral studies or after being conferred their PhD degree at another institution than the participating entity for the project and outside the country in which their PhD degree was conferred ;

• they will be employed for a period of at least 6 months;

• when the remuneration is paid, they will be receiving no other remuneration paid from the funds granted to research projects under NCN calls under the heading of direct costs;

• when the remuneration is paid, they will be receiving no remuneration from another employer pursuant to an employment contract, including an employer with registered office outside of Poland,

• when the remuneration is paid, they will be receiving no pension benefits or equivalent benefits in Poland or abroad;

3. Publication record and rich scientific experience.

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

5. Background in  biophysics, physics, computational science, or a related discipline. Strong programming skills in Python and experience with C/C++.

6. Excellent command of English, with demonstrated scientific writing and communication abilities.

7. Strong motivation for interdisciplinary and collaborative research.

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project:

- skills in Python and C/C++ programming

- knowledge of simulation packages

- knowledge of enzyme kinetics

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.