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We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join a project focused on the development of responsive supramolecular systems at nanoparticle interfaces. The research will combine synthetic supramolecular chemistry, functionalization of gold nanoparticles, molecular recognition and kinetic studies toward the development of nanoparticle-based catalytic systems whose activity can be dynamically regulated by external stimuli.

The successful candidate will play a leading role in the design and investigation of functional ligand monolayers and their interactions with macrocyclic hosts, with particular emphasis on understanding how monolayer composition, organization and molecular recognition influence catalytic function.

• design, preparation and characterization of responsive nanoparticle surfaces for the regulation of molecular recognition and catalysis;
• design and synthesis of functional ligands and model substrates;
• preparation, functionalization and characterization of gold nanoparticles and mixed-ligand monolayers;
• investigation of host–guest interactions in solution and at nanoparticle interfaces;
• binding, kinetic and mechanistic studies of regulated catalytic reactions;
• optimization of responsive nanoparticle systems with respect to monolayer composition, colloidal stability and catalytic performance;
• assistance in supervision of PhD students involved in the project;
• preparation of progress reports and active involvement in scientific publications and presentations.

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of around 9650 PLN per month financed from the NCN OPUS 25 project no. 2023/49/B/ST5/01472, entitled “Photoswitching under double confinement: a new strategy for the light regulation of functional host-guest systems”.

100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 12 months with the possibility of extension.

• The candidate will have the opportunity to work in an internationally oriented research group at the interface of supramolecular chemistry, functional nanomaterials, molecular recognition, and catalysis, with particular emphasis on responsive and dynamically regulated systems.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to broaden their expertise in the design and synthesis of functional molecular systems, gold nanoparticle functionalization, host–guest chemistry, and kinetic and mechanistic studies of catalytic processes.
• The candidate will gain experience with a range of advanced characterization techniques used to study molecular and nanoscale systems, including NMR, UV–Vis spectroscopy, ITC, DLS, zeta-potential measurements, XPS, TGA, and electron microscopy.
• The candidate will have substantial scientific independence and opportunities to develop their own research ideas within the broader area of responsive supramolecular and nanoparticle-based systems, as well as to gain experience in supervision, project coordination, and scientific writing.
• The candidate will have opportunities to collaborate with international research partners and, where appropriate, to undertake short research visits to collaborating laboratories.
• The candidate will have opportunities to present their work at international conferences and to actively participate in the preparation of high-quality scientific publications.
• 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. IPC PAS also provides opportunities to participate in the ERASMUS+ programme.

• a PhD degree in chemistry or related scientific disciplines is required, 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). Extensions might apply according to the rules of the National Science Centre, Poland;
• 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;
• strong research and publication record in synthetic supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry or functional molecular systems;
• experience in molecular recognition, host–guest chemistry and/or noncovalent interactions;
• experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage: supramolecular catalysis, nanoparticle synthesis and surface functionalization, stimuli-responsive systems, self-assembly, dynamic or out-of-equilibrium supramolecular systems, and kinetic studies;
• high degree of independence, scientific initiative and problem-solving ability;
• experience in supervision or mentoring of junior researchers will be considered an advantage;
• good command of English and excellent scientific writing skills.

The Recruitment Commission will take into account the following criteria:

• relevance of the candidate’s research experience and competences to the tasks of the project;
• quality and significance of previous scientific achievements, including publications, awards and distinctions;
• scientific independence demonstrated through previous research activity.