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Enzymatic catalysis has always been the Holy Grail for chemists. Although thousands or even millions of synthetic catalysts have been developed so far, they are still inferior to the natural counterparts. This is primarily due to the primitive structure that impedes a substrate undergoing chemical transformation to fit the active site of a catalyst. Another issue that is often troublesome is the selective supply of substrates and the removal of products from areas where a chemical reaction occurs. In our project, we want to improve the processes described above based on the mechanisms available in nature. Using simple organic molecules and inorganic particles, we look forward to creating dynamic catalytic systems that are comparable in size and activity to enzymes. We foresee that such catalysts, due to the dynamic nature, will not only be able to rival but also surpass enzymes, demonstrating differentiated selectivity for substrates or products depending on their structure and local chemical environment.

The PhD student will have the opportunity for a six-month internship at the University of Basel (Switzerland).

• Designing, planning and carrying out experimental work independently and under the supervision, maintaining regular research notes.
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences.
• Cooperation with researchers, including communication with English-speaking colleagues
• Providing help and supervision to junior members of the group.
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab including necessary administrative and organizational tasks.

Career perspectives:

The successful candidate will be part of a highly experienced, multidisciplinary team. He/She will have the possibility to broaden his/her knowledge and gain hands-on experience at the border of different research disciplines. Funds are allocated to cover participation in international conferences and for short visits in collaborating laboratories. Institute provides opportunity to participate in ERASMUS + programme.

For additional job details: Contact vsashuk@ichf.edu.pl

Additional requirements:

• MSc diploma in chemistry, or similar obtained no earlier than two years before the application.
• Background in organic chemistry, preferably in supramolecular chemistry; publication record and experience in the synthesis of nanoparticles are welcome; good command of English is required.

The best applicants will be invited for a interview (on-site or online) between 06.01 – 14.01 2021. The interview for „Warszawska Szkoła Doktorska Nauk Ścisłych i BioMedycznych” (Warsaw Doctoral School “Warsaw-4-PhD”) will be carried out between 25.01 – 03.02 2021 at the IPC-PAS.

The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with the NCN regulations: „Regulamin przyznawania stypendiów naukowych w projektach badawczych finansowanych ze środków narodowego centrum nauki (https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2019/uchwala25_2019-zal1.pdf) and in accordance with the Employment policy of the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS ( http://ichf.edu.pl/employment_policy.pdf)

• The Commission will take into account the following criteria:

1. The candidate’s competence to carry out specific tasks in the research project ,
2. The candidate’s research achievements, including publications in prestigious academic press /journals,
3. Research-related achievements, scholarships, awards and research experience gained in Poland or abroad, research workshops and training courses, participation in research projects.

• The commission evaluates applications on a point scale. The scholarship will be awarded to the person who obtains the highest number of points.
• At the starting date of the work within the project, applicant should be enrolled to a doctoral school (within the meaning of the Act on Higher Education and Science of 20 July 20 ) or doctoral programme (within the meaning of the Act on Higher Education of 27 July 2)
• 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.
• The competition will be settled after the Doctoral School recruitment results are published.
• Scheduled date of starting work within the Project: March 1st, 2021