The competition is open for a POST-DOC position in the NCN SONATA BIS-14 Project (No. 2024/54/E/ST3/00298): “STARSHIP: Structural Transformations Across Chemical Routes of Stabilization in Hybrid Intercalated Perovskites”
Position: POST-DOC
Project description:
– Participation in the STARSHIP project focused on reduced-dimensional hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite materials and mechanisms of their chemical stabilization;
– Modelling of hybrid perovskite materials using solid-state density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), and lattice-dynamics calculations;
– Development and application of machine-learning methods in materials modelling, in particular for accelerating molecular-dynamics simulations, training interatomic potentials, and analysing large computational and experimental datasets;
– Modelling of structural, dynamical, and spectroscopic properties of hybrid perovskite materials;
– Benchmarking of computational methods, simulation parameters, and machine-learning models for hybrid perovskite materials;
– Participation in the interpretation of experimental data obtained by neutron spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, IR/Raman/THz spectroscopy, diffraction, and thermophysical methods;
– Integration of experimental and computational results to establish relationships between structure, molecular dynamics, and intermolecular interactions;
– Participation in the preparation, execution, and analysis of experimental campaigns carried out at national and international research facilities;
– Support for PhD students and students involved in the project, particularly in data analysis, interpretation of results, materials modelling, and computational tools;
– Reporting research progress and documenting calculations, computational workflows, and data analyses;
– Participation in the preparation of research proposals, scientific publications, and project reports;
– Presentation of research results at national and international scientific conferences.
Requirements:
1. Doctoral degree obtained within 12 years before January 1st of the year of employment in the project. This period may be extended by the duration of long-term sickness or rehabilitation benefits, the number of months spent on childcare or parental leave, and, in the case of women, by an additional 18 months for each born or adopted child, in accordance with NCN regulations;
2. Experience in materials modelling, computational chemistry, condensed-matter physics, materials chemistry, computational spectroscopy, or related fields;
3. Knowledge of computational methods used in materials research, in particular DFT, molecular dynamics, phonon calculations, thermodynamic methods, and related approaches;
4. Experience in the application of machine-learning methods to materials modelling, scientific data analysis, training of interatomic potentials, or automation of computational workflows will be considered an advantage;
5. Experience with computational codes such as CASTEP, CP2K, Quantum ESPRESSO, CRYSTAL, FHI-aims, VASP, or similar software will be considered an advantage;
6. Experience in the analysis of spectroscopic, crystallographic, or neutron-scattering data will be considered an advantage;
7. Ability to work in a Linux environment and experience with high-performance computing infrastructure;
8. Knowledge of scripting languages or data-analysis tools, in particular Python, Bash, MATLAB, or related tools;
9. Very good command of written and spoken English;
10. Ability to independently plan research, perform data analysis, and prepare scientific publications;
11. Documented scientific achievements in a field relevant or related to the project;
12. Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration involving experiment, spectroscopy, neutron scattering, materials modelling, and machine learning;
13. Strong motivation for scientific research, independence, accuracy, and creativity.
The conditions of employment:
The initial employment contract will be concluded for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a total period of 36 months, subject to a positive evaluation of research performance.
Salary: PLN 11,600.00/month, gross/gross, in accordance with NCN funding rules.
Project location: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Łódź, Poland.
Project type: NCN SONATA BIS-14
Project leader: Kacper Drużbicki, DSc, Prof. CMMS PAS
Application deadline: continuous recruitment until September 30, 2026 (23:59). The competition may be closed earlier if a suitable candidate is selected.
Selection procedure: applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis according to the order of submission. The call will be considered closed upon selection of a suitable candidate.
Planned starting date: January 2027, with the possibility of negotiation.
The project offers:
– Opportunity to conduct advanced computational and spectroscopic research on the structure, dynamics, and stability of functional materials in close collaboration with national and international research centres;
– Access to high-performance computing infrastructure;
– Funding for participation in national and international scientific conferences;
– Funding for participation in experimental campaigns carried out at large-scale research infrastructures, including international facilities;
– Opportunity to participate in short-term national and international training activities.
Required documents:
1. Cover letter including contact details and a brief justification of the candidate’s motivation to participate in the project, together with a description of competencies relevant to the competition requirements;
2. Scientific CV including previous scientific achievements, publications, distinctions resulting from research activities, scholarships, awards, scientific experience acquired outside the home institution in Poland or abroad, participation in research projects, conferences, workshops, and scientific training activities;
3. Copy of the PhD diploma or an official document confirming that the PhD degree has been awarded. A document confirming the scheduled date of the PhD thesis defence is acceptable;
4. At least two letters of recommendation from academic supervisors, mentors, or senior researchers who have worked directly with the candidate.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to , with CC to , with all required documents attached in PDF format. Additional information can be obtained from Kacper Drużbicki, DSc, Prof. CMMS PAS, e-mail:
Please attach the statement: I agree for the processing of personal data necessary to carry out the recruitment process (in accordance with the Law on the Protection of Personal Data of 29.08.1997, Journal of Laws No. 133, item 833).
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.
