POST-DOC position in NCN Opus 30 Project

The competition is open for a POST-DOC position in the NCN OPUS  30 Project (No. 2025/59/B/ST4/02643). The title of the project is “Bent-core materials based on boron clusters as dopants inducing flexoelectric effect in liquid crystal matrices”.

Position: POST-DOC

The leader of the project: Rafał Jakubowski, PhD Eng.

Task descriptions:

1. Synthesis and purification of bent-core materials based on boron-clusters;
2. Spectral and thermal characterization of the bent-core materials;
3. Preparation of admixtures of bent-core additives with nematic hosts and their dielectric and thermal studies;
4. Running quantum chemical calculations for the needs of the project;
5. Data processing and scientific manuscripts preparation;
6. Participation in scientific conferences and symposia;
7. Preparing reports/presentations and discussing results within the research team;
8. Supervising the PhD Student.

Requirements:

1. PhD degree in Chemistry or related to Chemistry or Physics 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 organic synthesis and/or in the area of liquid crystals;
3. Experience in running quantum-chemical calculations would be an asset;
4. Documented scientific achievements in the area of organic chemistry, chemistry of
materials, boron clusters or liquid crystals;
5. Proficiency in English;
6. Teamwork skills, enthusiasm and high motivation to expand knowledge.

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 48 months, subject to a positive evaluation of research performance.
• Start of the project: October 2026 with a possibility to start at a later date.
• Salary: PLN 11,666.00/month, gross/gross, in accordance with NCN funding rules.
• Location of the project: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Division of Organic Chemistry.
• Working in the chemical laboratory with possibility of learning new techniques. Cooperation with external institutions (including Military University of Technology, Warsaw).
• Project type: OPUS-30.
• The leader of the project: Rafał Jakubowski, PhD Eng.
• Application deadline: Rolling recruitment until September 30, 2026, with the possibility of closing earlier if a suitable candidate is selected. If no suitable candidate is found, the offer may be extended.
• Selection procedure: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order they are received. Once the suitable candidate is selected, the recruitment process will be considered closed.

Required documents:

1. Scientific CV including previous scientific achievements, publications, scholarships, awards, scientific experience acquired outside the home institution in Poland or abroad, participation in research projects, conferences, and workshops;
2. Cover letter including a brief justification of the candidate’s motivation to participate in the project, together with a description of competencies relevant to the competition requirements;
3. Copy of the PhD diploma or an official document confirming that the PhD degree has been awarded;
4. At least two letters of recommendation from academic supervisors, mentors, or senior researchers who have worked directly with the candidate.

Form of submission:  Complete applications should be sent by email to with CC to ; please attach the required documents as PDF files.

Additional information: For further information regarding the project, please contact Rafał Jakubowski, PhD, Eng., phone: (+48) (42) 68 03 202, email: .

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