BIOINSPIRED ENERGY TRANSFER (EnT) PHOTOCATALYSIS IN MICELLAR SYSTEMS

Publication date	16 February 2026
Closing date	10 March 2026
Position	Post-doc
Hours	Full-time position
Salary indication	11 666,67 PLN brutto brutto

Objective:

Development of micellar systems tailored for photosensitized reaction and evaluation of their synthetic utility.

Are you interested to tackle the challenges associated with photocatalysis in a coherent and comprehensive fashion? Are you curious to make important contributions to the applicability and scalability of photocatalytic processes in micellar systems with the ultimate goal of developing innovative technologies that constitute attractive paths to access more ecological chemical processes? Applications are invited for a post-doc position in a research grant "Bioinspired Energy Transfer (EnT) Photocatalysis in micellar systems" funded by the National Science Centre, Poland.

Short description of the project:

The vast majority of photochemical reactions are carried out in organic solvents, which are generally dangerous to the environment, expensive to dispose of, and constitute over 60% of waste generated in chemical processes. Therefore, an alternative to expensive and harmful organic solvents is being sought. The simplest solution, unfortunately not the easiest, is water. This task is difficult due to the limited solubility of most reagents in water. To eliminate this problem, we want to use micellar solutions as part of the planned work.

Micelles are spherical, ellipsoidal, cylindrical, or single-layer nanostructures that are formed as a result of the spontaneous organization of amphiphilic molecules. The surfactant molecules are composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic components. They are widely used in cosmetic and biomedical chemistry. In cosmetology, its unique structures are used to dissolve impurities under mild conditions or as carriers of active substances in therapeutic cosmetics. Their wide use in various fields of science encourages us to investigate their potential in organic chemistry, in particular, in photochemistry, where the topic is still fresh and has not been sufficiently researched.

Scope of work:

• developing micellar systems tailored for photosensitized reaction and evaluating their synthetic utility
• studying localization of reagents in micellar systems
• supervising Ph.D. students on a daily bases,
• preparation of manuscripts.

What do we require?

• PhD degree in chemistry (specialization: organic chemistry), awarded no earlier than 12 years before employment in the project (this period is extended by the duration of maternity/paternity leaves), or expected date of obtaining the PhD degree prior to commencement of work;
• excellent knowledge of organic, organometallic chemistry;
• scientific achievements documented by publications in recognised journals;
• commitment, responsibility and ability to work in a team;
• proficiency in analytical techniques – NMR, HPLC, GC;
• knowledge of spoken and written English to the extent necessary for independent scientific work;
• previous experience in photochemistry or experience in theoretical chemistry (DFT calculations) will be an asset;

Desired competencies:

• creativity, independence and responsibility;
• ability to work in a team;
• decision-making skills;
• strong ability to guide and train students in experiment design and operation;

Our offer:

• We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Organic Chemistry PAS with brutto brutto salary in the amount of 11 666,67 PLN (approx. 9,500 PLN gross) per month financed from the NSC OPUS 28 project.
• The position is for 12 months with the possibility of extension.
• The Institute offers contribution towards private health insurance.
• Career perspectives: the successful candidate will be part of a highly experienced team. He/She will have the possibility to broaden his/her knowledge in photochemistry.

Career development opportunities:

• work in dynamic team;
• access to research infrastructure;
• professional development in the field of photocatalysis;
• the possibility of further professional development at the IOC PAS;

Questions?

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact: Prof. Dorota Gryko, dorota.gryko@icho.edu.pl

Job application

The ICHO PAN is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 10 March 2026.

Applications should be sent to: rekrutacja@icho.edu.pl (please input email subject as “Recruitment – Dorota Gryko”)

List of required documents:

• Candidate’s Curriculum Vitae
• description of scientific achievements, including a list of publications, ongoing projects, etc.)
• diplomas and certificates confirming qualifications, completed courses, completed training,
• cover letter
• two letters of recommendation and references from previous employers/supervisors

Along with the required documents, please send a scan of a signed consent to the processing of personal data available on IChO website. The IChO PAN is the party responsible for processing your personal data (the 'controller') within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (‘GDPR’).

The selection procedure includes interview and a reference check. The interview will be done by video calls and include a presentation of your master thesis, and questions from organic chemistry at the master level. Please read the Charter and Code for recruitment

Title	BIOINSPIRED ENERGY TRANSFER (EnT) PHOTOCATALYSIS IN MICELLAR SYSTEMS
Position	Post-doctoral fellow
Job details	The Gryko group is seeking an excellent, highly motivated PhD graduate to carry out interdisciplinary research with the aim to develop new photocatalytic methodologies with the ultimate goal of using them in micellar solutions.
Number of positions	2
Additional information	Prof. Dorota Gryko tel.: +48 22 343 20 51 e-mail: dorota.gryko@icho.edu.pl
Requirements	You are expected to: have a PhD degree in chemistry (specialization: organic chemistry), awarded no earlier than 12 years before employment in the project (this period is extended by the duration of maternity/paternity leaves), or expected date of obtaining the PhD degree prior to commencement of work.; be excellent in oral and written English with good presentation skills.
Benefits	Contract for 12 months with possible extension; starting date 01.04.2026 Salary: 11 666,67 PLN brutto brutto per month Additional private healthcare
Required documents	Applications should include: Candidate’s Curriculum Vitae, description of scientific achievements, including a list of publications, ongoing projects, etc.), diplomas and certificates confirming qualifications, completed courses, completed training, cover letter, two letters of recommendation and references from previous employers/supervisors.
Offer Deadline	10.03.2026 r., 23:59 pm
Where to Apply	e-mail: rekrutacja@icho.edu.pl (PLEASE INPUT E-MAIL SUBJECT AS "Recruitment – Dorota Gryko")