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The Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF) is one of Poland's leading research institutions. In each of the three most recent evaluations of scientific activity, it received the A+ category (discipline: chemical sciences). IChF conducts extensive interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, biology and physics, combining high-quality fundamental research with the development of solutions with practical application potential. Together with eight other research institutions, the Institute co-runs the Warsaw PhD School in Natural and BioMedical Sciences (Warsaw-4-PhD). IChF was the first institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences to receive the European Commission's “HR Excellence in Research” award, confirming its implementation of standards that foster a high-quality working environment and researchers' professional development.

The primary unit conducting research at IChF is a research group (RG). The Institute has 32 RGs, which enjoy considerable autonomy. Each group leader independently defines the research agenda, builds the group and secures funding for their own research programme. The groups share access to 11 specialised laboratories, providing advanced research equipment at no additional cost to IChF researchers. IChF research groups work across diverse and highly specialised thematic areas. To consolidate their research potential, achieve greater scale and strengthen the Institute's international visibility, the groups are assigned to three Excellence Clusters (ECs):

• (EC1) Advanced biomaterials and technologies for health
• (EC2) Photonics and light-driven processes
• (EC3) Catalysis and materials for sustainable transformations.

The Institute also includes the International Centre for Translational Eye Research (ICTER) - a centre of excellence conducting interdisciplinary research into new methods for diagnosing and treating eye diseases.

The Institute's motto is “From Dreams to Solutions: Advancing Chemistry Across Borders”, reflecting our ambition to create an environment that shortens the path from scientific ideas to solutions with a tangible impact on society.

Through this call, we aim to select leaders of new research groups who will establish their groups at the Institute in 2027. We are seeking ambitious individuals with outstanding scientific achievements in the areas of interest defined by the IChF Excellence Clusters and a proven track record of securing research funding. Up to three new groups are expected to be established. The call is open to both IChF employees and external candidates.

The Institute's offer includes, among other things, funding for the group leader's position, adapting laboratory space and quiet work areas to group members' needs, and funding to launch the planned research. The start-up package will be negotiated between the prospective group leader (the Applicant) and the Director of IChF during the recruitment process.

The selection process comprises several stages: (i) evaluation of the submitted documents by a committee appointed by the IChF Director; (ii) an online presentation of the proposed group's research programme; (iii) negotiations on the terms for establishing the group; and (iv) a formal opinion from the IChF Scientific Council. The process is described in detail in Director's Order No. 52.2026.

Eligibility requirements for research group leaders:

• holds at least a doctoral degree,
• has a significant scientific and/or industrial achievements,
• has experience in leading a research project for which funding was awarded in a competitive manner and whose termination date was no earlier than one year before the planned commencement of the research group’s operation,
• has at least twelve months of postdoctoral work experience at an institution other than the one at which they obtained their doctoral degree.