PhD student position in NCN OPUS 27

The competition is open for PhD student  in the NCN OPUS 27 Project (No. 2024/53/B/ST11/02106)
“Novel hybrid coatings with advanced antimicrobial properties for surface modification in atmospheric water harvesting systems.”

The leader of the project: prof. Anna Kowalewska

Position: PhD student 

The project research focus on obtaining polymeric materials with enhanced antimicrobial activity for use in passive atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) systems. The aim of the project is to develop innovative, environmentally friendly biomimetic functional coatings for use in AWH systems, and to investigate the synergistic effects of various factors that may influence the structure and performance of the designed passive water harvesting systems.

Project description:

Research conducted as part of a Project:

1. synthesis of (super)hydrophilic monomers and polymers containing silicon atoms and groups that endow them with antimicrobial activity;
2. studies on the sol-gel process using (super)hydrophilic monomeric precursors to obtain polymeric coatings with a defined microstructure;
3. analysis of the obtained monomers and polymeric materials, their structure and properties by means of various research techniques (FT-IR, NMR, DSC, TGA, SEM, surface wettability studies);
4. participation in national/international scientific conferences;
5. preparing data for reports, contributing to the writing and editing of scientific articles, preparing doctoral thesis.

Requirements:

1. completed Master’s degree in organic chemistry, materials chemistry, nanotechnology or related field within the last 5 years;
2. Ph.D. status in the BioMedChem Doctoral School or willingness to recruit to the School;
3. preparation in organic chemistry, materials engineering or nanotechnology.
4. experience in organic synthesis and analysis by spectroscopic techniques (NMR, FTIR, UV-vis);
5. good level of spoken and written English;
6. commitment to scientific work, creativity.

The conditions of employment:

• The location of project: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies,
  Polish Academy of Sciences, Division of Polymeric Nano-materials
  Competition type: OPUS 27
  The leader of the project: prof. Anna Kowalewska

• Scholarship for up to 48 months
• The deadline for submitting offers: continuous recruitment until May 31, 2025.
  The final date of the contest: applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis in the order of submission. Once suitable candidates are selected, the competition will be considered resolved.

Required documents:

1. A cover letter with contact details and brief justification of willingness to participate
   in the project relating to the requirements;
2. CV;
3. a copy of the diploma or official document confirming the obtaining of the Master’s degree;
4. the list of scientific achievements, including publications, scholarships, awards and scientific experience acquired during previous scholarships, workshops and scientific training, participation in research projects;
5. at least one letter of recommendation from the previous supervisor.

Applications send by e-mail to , with CC to ; with the required documents attached in the PDF format.

Additional information is provided by prof. Anna Kowalewska tel. (42) 6803-350,
e-mail: 

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