Postdoc in Biotechnology & Soft Matter Nanostructures in Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences – Poland

Summary

The Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Krakow, Poland, is recruiting a full-time Postdoctoral Researcher (Assistant) for a 36-month fixed-term contract. The successful candidate will join the Soft Matter Nanostructures group under the NCN OPUS 30 project focusing on nanoengineered multilayer polyelectrolyte coatings for targeted and programmable local drug delivery. Main responsibilities include executing microbiological assays, testing antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy, evaluating materials via fluorescence microscopy and CLSM, and writing peer-reviewed papers. Candidates must hold a PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, possess strong microbiology laboratory experience, and comply with NCN postdoctoral mobility requirements.

Key Facts

Department	Soft Matter Nanostructures group
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Biotechnology
Research Area	Soft Matter Nanostructures
Degree Required	PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biological Sciences (Biology), Biotechnology, or related fields
Experience	Hands-on experience in microbiology, bacterial cell culture, biofilm formation/inhibition, and surface adhesion testing; basic knowledge of nanoparticles, polymeric nanocapsules, and drug delivery systems.
Funding	NCN OPUS 30 project
Contract Duration	36 months
Language	English

About the Project

The project, titled 'Nanoengineered multilayer polyelectrolyte coatings for targeted and programmable local delivery of therapeutics' (NCN OPUS 30), investigates the antibacterial and antibiofilm performance of novel surface coatings and therapeutic nanocarriers to understand structure-function correlations between physicochemical properties and biological responses.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute microbiological assays to evaluate antibacterial and antibiofilm performance of coatings and nanocarriers.
• Develop and optimize protocols for assessing bacterial adhesion, viability, and biofilm dynamics on biomaterials.
• Assess antimicrobial effectiveness using CFU counts, viability staining, fluorescence microscopy, and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM).
• Analyze relationships between the physicochemical properties of coatings/nanocarriers and biological responses.
• Collaborate with team members synthesizing polyelectrolyte multilayer (LbL) coatings.
• Compile reports, write peer-reviewed journal papers, and present results at scientific conferences.

Required Skills

• PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field (obtained in the employment year or past 12 years).
• Hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology, bacterial cell culture, biofilm dynamics, and surface adhesion testing.
• Basic knowledge of nanoparticles, polymeric nanocapsules, and drug delivery systems.
• Compliance with NCN postdoctoral mobility rules.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Who Should Apply

Researchers holding a PhD in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Biotechnology, or related fields with hands-on experience in microbiology, bacterial cell culture, and biofilm testing. Applicants must satisfy NCN mobility rules, such as having obtained their PhD from a different institution or completed a qualifying international stay.

Benefits

• Full-time employment on a 36-month contract.

About the Employer

The Jerzy Haber Institute of Catalysis and Surface Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences is located in Krakow, Poland, and holds HR Excellence in Research status.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualification is required for this position?

Applicants must hold a PhD degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Biological Sciences (Biology), Biotechnology, or related fields obtained in the year of employment or within the last 12 years.

What is the contract duration and working hours?

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) on a fixed-term contract for 36 months.

What are the mobility requirements for this post-doc role?

Applicants must comply with NCN postdoctoral rules, requiring a PhD awarded from a different institution or a documented 9+ month international research stay.

Which project supports this position?

The position is funded under the NCN OPUS 30 project titled 'Nanoengineered multilayer polyelectrolyte coatings for targeted and programmable local delivery of therapeutics'.