PhD Student position in NCN SONATA 21 project

The competition is open for PhD student  in the NCN SONATA 21 Project (No. 2025/59/D/NZ7/00570): ,,Advanced and Smart Fibrous Materials: AI-Assisted Sol-Gel Functionalization of MOFs and Bio-Nanoparticles for Sustainable Nano-Nonwovens”.

Position: PhD student 

The leader of the project: Dr. Kinga Piórecka

Project description:

The project involves the development of two multi-purpose and innovative nanosystems that aim to restore homeostasis to the stromal function of desmoplastic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to the tumor. Research will include: (a) the synthesis of nanoparticles capable of encapsulating siRNA and sensitizing pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy by inducing dormancy of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) present in the stroma, and (b) the synthesis of organosilicon nanoparticles for targeted chemotherapy. Structural studies with biophysical elements on nanoparticle formation and drug release kinetics will include analysis using NMR, UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, MALDI-TOF, and TEM techniques. Drug purity will be verified using HPLC, and in vitro cytotoxicity studies will be conducted in collaboration with other research centers.

Tasks in the project:

1. Preparation of organosilicon carriers and drug/nanoparticle systems for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC);
2. Analysis of the obtained products using NMR, elemental analysis, UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, MALDI-TOF, and TEM techniques;
3. Participation in the use of HPLC techniques;
4. Participation in scientific conferences and symposia (oral presentations, posters);
5. Participation in the preparation of scientific articles and conference proceedings;
6. Preparation of reports/presentations and discussion of results within the research team;
7. Participation in the preparation of research proposals.

Requirements:

1. Completed master’s degree in chemistry or a related field;
2. Experience in organic synthesis and characterization of organic compounds;
3. Good command of English;
4. Ability to work in a team, motivated to conduct research, develop scientific knowledge, and improve qualifications;
5. Status as a PhD student/willingness to participate in recruitment at the BioMedChem Doctoral School and perform tasks resulting from participation;
6. Knowledge of measurement techniques: NMR, elemental analysis, UV-Vis, DLS, FTIR, MALDI-TOF, HPLC, and TEM is desirable;
7. Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration.

The conditions of employment:

1. NCN-funded doctoral scholarship for the maximum of 36 months (6500 PLN/month
gross throughout the whole project);
2. Start of the project – September 2026 with a possibility to start at a later date;
3. A prerequisite for the scholarship is PhD student status or eligibility for admission to the BioMedChem Doctoral School;
4. Project location: Center for Molecular and Macromolecular Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Functional Polymers and Polymeric Materials;
5. Work in a chemical laboratory with the opportunity to develop and learn new research techniques;
6. Cooperation with external institutions.

Deadline for applications: Rolling recruitment until October 31, 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. Curriculum Vitae;
2. Cover letter with a description of your academic achievements to date;
3. Copy of your diploma or official document confirming your master’s degree.

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

Additional information: For additional information about the project, please contact dr. Kinga Piórecka, tel. (+48) (42) 68 03 203, email: .

Please attach the statement: „I agree for the processing of personal data necessary to carry out the recruitment process (in accordance with 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.