2 PhD students (NCN scholarschip positions)

CMMS invites applicants to participate in a competition for the full-time National Science Centre (NCN) – funded scholarship position (PhD student)  available in Polymer Physics Department, CMMS – research conducted within the NCN OPUS project: ”Plastic deformation of semicrystalline polymers – the role of topology of amorphous phase and morphology of crystalline phase”)

Position name:
1. PhD student (full time NCN-funded scholarship)
2. PhD student (full time NCN-funded scholarship)

1. Requirements:

• Master in science or engineering:
  position 1: physics, materials science, chemistry or related
  position 2: engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science or related
• High average grade of studies;
• interest in experimental physics/chemistry of polymers;
• position 1: experience in experimental techniques used in mechanical and structural investigations of solids;
• position 2: solid background in numerical methods, especially the Finite Element Method in the context of stress / strain analysis)
• good command of English.
• high motivation for scientific work and a strong commitment to research work.
• readiness to continuously improve and expand their skills.
• readiness to participate actively in the academic life of the Institute and the research team.

2. Description of tasks and other work, to be performed by candidate:
   Research conducted within the project “Plastic deformation semi-crystalline polymers – the role of the topology of amorphous phase and morphology of the crystalline phase”.

• Performing research tasks in the framework of the project, including:Position 1:

• study of the structure of the selected semicrystalline polymers and their structural modification in order to obtain samples of the desired structure and morphology
• A detailed study of mechanical and the plastic deformation process in polymers under investigation
• Studies of structural and orientation changes induced by deformation using various experimental techniques, including X-ray, spectroscopy and microscopy.
• study of micromechanisms deformation active in crystalline and amorphous phases

Position 2:

• mathematical description of plastic deformation in selected semicrystaline polymers using nonlinear constitutive relationships based on theory of plasticity
• the implementation of these relationships into a computer program based on the Finite Element Method (FEM)
• development of micromechanical computer models of selected semicrystalline polymers to simulate their plastic deformation by means of a computer program based on FEM
• systematic computer experiments of the plastic deformation process of polymers using micromechanical models for better understanding the influence of particular structural parameters on deformation mechanisms

• Compilation of data and results; documentation and maintenance of laboratory notebooks.
• Communication and discussion of results with supervisor.
• Analysis of results and preparation of publication in scientific journals and presentations at scientific conferences.

3. Deadline of sending application: 30 October, 2015. 23:59
4. Result will be announced: before 16.11.2015, 23:59 
5. Form of applications:
   Applications in English can be send by e-mail to Prof. Zbigniew Bartczak, , and the copy (CC) to Dr Barbara Jezynska, ; with a note  ‘position 1’ or ‘position 2’
   Please, attach the requested documents in the PDF format.During the recruitment process the selected candidates may be invited for an interview.
6. Relevant documents:
   Qualified researchers interested in applying for the position should submit the following documents:

• letter of motivation
• CV / scientific resume
• a copy of the master’s degree
• the list of scientific achievements (publications, participation in conferences), awards, scientific stays
• letter(s) of recommendation obtained from people (e.g. promoters) directly cooperating with the candidate.Please include in the application the following statement: “I hereby authorize to process my personal data included in my application for the needs of the recruitment process (in accordance with the Act of 08.20.1997 r. on personal data protection – Dz. U. No 133, item 883 ) “.

7. Conditions of Employment:
   Untaxed National Science Centre (NCN) funded scholarship in the amount 3000 zł (Polish zloty) per month; without being employed in the unit.
8. Additional information:
   – Closed period of payment of the scholarship: 33 months.
   – The research work of the candidate should lead to a doctorate and will be combined with participation in the doctoral study conducted in CMMS.

For additional information please contact Prof.  Zbigniew Bartczak (project leader) tel. (42) 6803-314, e-mail: ,  or Dr. Barbara Jezynska (Scientific Secretariat  CMMS), tel. (42)6803-232 , e-mail: