PhD student position in NCN SONATA BIS

The competition is open for a PhD student position in NCN SONATA BIS 2022/46/E/ST4/00392 project, entitled „Towards understanding of polymorphism and crystallization pathways of organic molecular crystals”.

PI: dr hab. Marta Dudek, prof. CBMM

Position: PhD student

Project description: The planned project aims at the deepening of our understanding of crystallization processes of organic molecules, as well as to unveil new crystallization pathways to elusive polymorphic forms. Crystallization experiments conducted in the lab will be supported by quantum-chemical calculations, which are meant to indicate the most preferred crystallization pathways. The obtained results will be used to create a crystallization condition database, linking crystal structure with crystallization conditions. We expect new polymorphic forms of investigated molecules can emerge as part of the research. These will be characterized with single-crystal X-Ray diffraction experiments, while for microcrystalline powders, solid-state NMR experiments together with crystal structure prediction calculations will be used. The project has interdisciplinary character, and include elements from supramolecular, organic, and computational chemistry, as well as spectroscopy and crystallography.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in chemistry, pharmacy or closely related subjects
• being a BioMedChem doctoral school student (or willingness to recruit in July 2023)
• analytical thinking, creative approach to research tasks
• experience in crystallization experiments, knowledge on crystallization techniques
• independence in lab work, enthusiasm and willingness to solve difficult research problems
• good skills in literature search, good knowledge on scientific journals most relevant to the field
• very good knowledge of English, both in speech and in writing

will be considered an asset:

• knowledge on how to run powder and single-crystal X-Ray diffraction experiments
• experience in solving crystal structures from single-crystal X-Ray diffraction data
• basic experience in quantum chemical calculations and/or basic programming skills (bash/python)

Tasks in the project:

• Crystallization experiments using Crystal16 system, as well as those under different crystallization conditions
• Single-crystal X-Ray measurements, solving crystal structures from the measured data
• Powder X-Ray diffraction and solid-state NMR experiments
• Simple quantum chemical calculations using Gaussian and Castep software
• Participation in writing of scientific manuscripts
• A lab-unified electronic laboratory notebook will be required

The conditions of employment:

• NCN stipend for the maximum period of 48 months, around 4700 PLN/month, starting from 01.10.2023
• Place of employment: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Łódź, Poland; Structural Chemistry Department
• Interesting job in an interdisciplinary, newly established team
• Access to state-of-the-art. equipment: four NMR spectrometers, single-crystal X-Ray diffractometer, powder X-Ray diffractometer
• Training on running NMR experiments, as well as quantum chemical calculations
• Basic training on Linux usage
• Possibility of conducting own small research projects

Required documents:

1. Motivation letter
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. Documents confirming holding a MSc degree (copy of MSc diploma)
4. A short description of lab experience and scientific achievements to date (for example from BSc/MSc projects), including an indication of one, most significant scientific achievement.

Job offer expires on 30/06/2023

Evaluation process: the sent applications will be evaluated in terms of formal requirements, followed by an assessment of candidate’s experience and qualifications. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview (preferably in on-line format). On the basis of the ranking list, the candidate with the highest number of points will be recommended for the PhD student position. In the event of the above-mentioned candidate’s resignation, the Committee may recommend another person from the ranking list or repeat the competition. The selected candidate has to be or become a PhD student of BioMedChem Doctoral School in order to receive the NCN stipend. The call results will be announced to the candidates by e-mail on 31.08.2023 at the latest

How to apply: complete applications should be sent via e-mail to and

Please include in the following statement in the sent documents: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed by the Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Łódź, NIP: 7240004662, ul. Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź for the purposes of the recruitment process.”

Information clause: The holder of your personal data is Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Lodz, NIP: 7240004662 (the “Institute”). The Institute will process your data for the purpose of carrying out scientific and research activities, providing services and contact with the Institute, on the basis of a contract (in connection with the performance of the contract or in order to take action on your request before the contract is concluded – Article 6, paragraph 1, letter b) of GDPR), the legitimate interest of the Institute (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter f) of the GDPR) and legal provisions (Article 6, paragraph 1, letter c) of the GDPR) – depending on the circumstances. You have the right to: request access to your data, receive a copy of it; rectify (correct) it; delete it; limit its processing; transfer it; lodge a complaint to the supervisory body; withdraw your consent for processing at any time (withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out prior to its withdrawal) or to lodge an objection to data processing.