The competition is open for PhD student in the NCN OPUS 29 Project (No. 2025/57/B/ST8/03428): ,,Advanced and Smart Fibrous Materials: AI-Assisted Sol-Gel Functionalization of MOFs and Bio-Nanoparticles for Sustainable Nano-Nonwovens”.
Position: PhD student
Project description:
The project concerns the development of a new class of multifunctional fibrous materials based on biopolymers through surface functionalization using the sol–gel method. The research includes the fabrication of nanofibrous mats by electrospinning and the deposition of metal–organic framework (MOF) structures, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nano‑lignin in order to obtain materials with adsorptive, antibacterial and superhydrophobic properties. The project will employ advanced material characterization methods (including SEM, AFM, SAXS/WAXS, DSC, TGA) as well as modelling using artificial intelligence to analyse the relationships between process parameters and material properties. The project is interdisciplinary in nature and combines materials chemistry, process engineering and computational methods.
Tasks in the project:
• Electrospinning of nano-nonwovens, including composite nano-nonwovens with cellulose nanocrystals, nano-lignin, and mucoadhesive agents;
• Coating the fiber surfaces with dispersed antibacterial particles. Imparting antibacterial activity and mucoadhesive properties to the materials;
• Examination of structure and properties of the modified nonwovens using various techniques, including differentia scanning calorimetry, X-ray methods, and electron microscopy;
• Participation in computational modeling and data analysis related to the prediction of material properties and optimization of electrospinning parameters. Participating in the dissemination of research results.
Requirements:
• Master’s degree in physics or chemistry;
• Basic knowledge of the physicochemistry of polymer materials;
• Ability to work in a team and good communication skills;
• Motivation for scientific development and improving qualifications;
• Status of PhD student at the BioMedChem Doctoral School or readiness to apply for admission to this School;
• Ability for analytical thinking and a creative approach to research problems;
• Willingness to work in a laboratory;
• Independence in work, enthusiasm and willingness to solve challenging research problems;
• Ability to search for relevant literature; familiarity with scientific journals most important for the conducted research;
• Ability to use English in speech and writing.
Additional assets (welcome):
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment, including electrospinning apparatus;
• Basic programming skills (bash/python).
The conditions of employment:
• NCN scholarship for up to 48 months; anticipated start date: June 2026;
• Place of project implementation: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences (CBMM PAS), Łódź, Department of Polymeric Nanomaterials;
• Interesting research work in an interdisciplinary, newly forming team;
• Access to modern research instrumentation.
Deadline for applications: 10/06/2026 (with a possibility of extension).
Competition results: The submitted applications will be evaluated in terms of formal and substantive criteria. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview (online format). Based on the resulting ranking list, the candidate with the highest score will be recommended for the PhD student position. In the event of resignation of the selected candidate, the Committee will recommend the next person from the ranking list. A necessary condition for payment of the scholarship is that the candidate obtains the status of PhD student at the Doctoral School.
Required documents:
• Motivation letter;
• Curriculum Vitae;
• Documents confirming the required education;
• Short description of previous experience and achievements in scientific work (e.g. during the bachelor’s/master’s thesis), including an indication of one most important scientific achievement.
Applications should be sent by e-mail to: with CC to: , with all required documents attached in PDF format.
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