Group 9: "Coordination metal complexes and functional materials"
National Science Center (NSC)
Project title, type and project number
Towards new chemistry of metal-TEMPO complexes as activators of CO2 and H2 molecules, OPUS 27, 2024/53/B/ST4/02393, 68/2026
Project leader
dr inż. Arkadiusz Kornowicz
Description
The proposed project is aimed at advancing the fundamental knowledge of the synthesis and structure of homoleptic and heteroleptic metal-TEMPO complexes and their utilization to develop new reaction systems. Specific objectives include: i) development of a general non-redox synthesis of homo- and heteroleptic metal-TEMPO complexes, ii) analysis of the critical factors controlling the stability and structure of homoleptic and heteroleptic metal-TEMPO systems in photo-, thermo- and mechanochemically triggered conditions, iii) investigation on the reactivity of well-defined metal-TEMPO complexes toward model small molecules: CO2 and H2. The proposed investigations should provide a more in-depth mechanical understanding of the formation and reactivity of metal-TEMPO complexes in their initial and subsequent steps. Further studies involving CO2 and H2 should shed a light on the mechanism of their activation by metal-TEMPO systems, which may pave the way for developing novel well-defined stoichiometric and catalytic processes.
Number of vacancies
1
Key responsibilities include
Student will be responsible for the following research tasks:
a) Synthesis and characterization of commercially unavailable proligands,
b) Synthesis and characterization of homo- and heteroleptic complexes with selected redox active metal centers supported by TEMPO ligand.
Position in the project
Student – Scholarship position
Job type
Scholarship
Salary
2 000 PLN per month
Planned start of work in the project
2.11.2026
Planned period of contract/stipend agreement
5 months with the possibility of extension
We offer
• Participation in high impact and timely research.
• Access to unique technology and modern research laboratories.
• Opportunity to work in a team of dedicated researchers and technologists.
• Opportunity to advance scientific knowledge and gain hands-on experience at the border between theory and experiment.
• Participation in international conferences.
More details
see websiteScientific discipline
chemistry
Scientific profile of a candidate
First Stage Researcher (R1)
Requirements
• The candidate must be a chemistry student.
• Experience in laboratory work in the fields of inorganic, organic and coordination chemistry.
• Familiarity with handling air- and moisture-sensitive compounds using a Schlenk line and/or glovebox.
• Basic knowledge in spectroscopic methods.
Key assessment criteria
• scientific achievements (50%) – includes publications in reputable journals, awards, conference presentations, and other contributions;
• research experience and academic accomplishments (20%) – covers research achievements, scholarships, awards, international and domestic research experience, participation in scientific workshops, training programs, and research projects;
• competence relevant for project tasks (30%) – emphasis on strong experience in handling airsensitive compounds using Schlenk line and/or glovebox techniques
• Scientific curriculum vitae, including a list of scientific achievements (scholarships, publications, patents, conference presentations, etc.).
• Motivation letter.
• A transcript of the grades/credits received during the last stage of studies and grade point average.
• Candidate's declaration of not holding a doctoral degree.
• The best applicants could be invited for an interview (on-site or online).
• The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the NCN regulations: "Rules of granting scholarships to young scientists in research projects" (Annex to Resolution No 25/2024 of the NCN Council from 04.03.2024) and in accordance with the Employment policy of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS (https://ichf.edu.pl/files/intranet/employmentpolicy.pdf).
• The commission evaluates applications on a point scale. The scholarship will be awarded to the person who obtains the highest number of total points.
• If the top candidate does not sign the contract, due to the resignation, we reserve the right to choose the next candidate from the ranking list.
• The results of the competition are made public.
Planned (online) interviews: 22-23.10.2026 How to Apply: Send application directly to rekrutacja@ichf.edu.pl; IMPORTANT! email subject: "Recruitment no. 68/2026"
Name of the post and its definition in the meaning of the grant documentation:
Scholarship (stypendium naukowe NCN)
Application deadline
20.10.2026 12:00
Planned date of settlement of the competition
28.10.2026
Archival announcement. We would like to thank all candidates for their submitted applications.