PhD student position in NCN SONATA UMO

The competition is open for a PhD student position in NCN SONATA UMO-2023/51/D/ST4/01323/R project, entitled „ Modern Solid State NMR Spectroscopy as Versatile Tool in Studies of New Advanced Molecules Used in Energy Harvesting and Pharmaceutical Applications”.

Position: a PhD student

PI: dr Piotr Paluch

Project description: The main goal of the project is to develop new pulse sequences for measuring intermolecular distances in molecular crystals. Knowledge of this data will allow for narrowing the conformational space when searching for the right structure using computer techniques for predicting crystal structures (CSP). Additionally, another important aspect of the research will be to extend the range of NMR measurement techniques used in the analysis of new materials, such as hybrid perovskites, including unique 3D techniques such as 1H-14N-207Pb correlations. The project is interdisciplinary in nature, with the main emphasis on the development of NMR spectroscopy supported by computational chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and crystallography techniques.

Requirements:

• MSc degree in chemistry, pharmacy or closely related subjects;
• Being a BioMedChem doctoral school student (or willingness to recruit in July 2024);
• Knowledge of NMR basis;
• Documented record in scientific activity (participation of scientific project financed by NCN/NCBIR/FNP/ERC, authorship in scientific publication);
• Analytical thinking, creative approach to research tasks;
• Willingness to work in a laboratory;
• Independence in lab work, enthusiasm and willingness to solve difficult research problems;
• Good skills in literature search, good knowledge on scientific journals most relevant to the field;
• Very good knowledge of English, both in speech and in writing;

will be considered an asset:

• Basic knowledge of running solid state NMR experiment, knowledge of operation in NMR dedicated software (TopSpin, Sparky,CCPNMR, NMRGlue);
• At least basic experience in quantum-chemical calculations;
• Basic programming skills (C, tcl or python).

Tasks in the project:

• NMR pulse sequence development, optimization and numerical simulation;
• Solid state NNR measurements at Ultra-fast Magic Angle Spinning condition;
• CSP calculations (CSPy software);
• DFT calculations for periodic systems (Castep and VASP);
• Participation in writing of scientific manuscripts.

The conditions of employment:

• NCN stipend for the maximum period of 36 months, starting from 01.10.2024;
• Place of employment: Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Łódź, Poland; Structural Chemistry Department;
• Access to state-of-the-art. equipment: four NMR spectrometers, single-crystal X-Ray diffractometer, powder X-Ray diffractometer, CS;
• Training on running NMR experiments, as well as quantum chemical calculations;
• Basic training on Linux and python usage, training on CSP calculations.

Required documents:

1. Motivation letter;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. Documents confirming holding a MSc degree (copy of MSc diploma);
4. A short description of lab experience and scientific achievements to date (for example from BSc/MSc projects), including an indication of one, most significant scientific achievement.

Job offer expires on 19/07/2024 (with a possible extension)

Evaluation process: the sent applications will be evaluated in terms of formal requirements, followed by an assessment of candidate’s experience and qualifications. Only selected candidates will be invited for an interview (preferably in on-line format). On the basis of the ranking list, the candidate with the highest number of points will be recommended for the PhD student position. In the event of the above-mentioned candidate’s resignation, the Committee may recommend another person from the ranking list or repeat the competition. The selected candidate has to be or become a PhD student of BioMedChem Doctoral School in order to receive the NCN stipend.

How to apply: complete applications should be sent via e-mail to and

Please include in the following statement in the sent documents: “I hereby give consent for my personal data included in my application to be processed by the Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences with its registered office in Łódź, NIP: 7240004662, ul. Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź for the purposes of the recruitment process.”

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.