The Institute

Institution: Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, PAS
City: Wrocław
Position: assistant professor (in Polish: adiunkt)
Discipline: chemical science
Posted: 13.06.2025
Expires: 14.07.2025
Date of the contest settlement: 31.07.2025
Planned start date of employment: 1.10.2025 r.
Website: https://www.intibs.pl/en/

Keywords: heterogeneous catalysis, hierarchical catalysts, CO₂ hydrogenation, smart nanomaterials, thermally-programmed methods, electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), in situ/operando methods

The Institute of Low Temperature and Structural Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Wrocław announces a competition to fill the position of assistant professor (in polish: adiunkt) position at the ILTSR PAS in the Division of Nanomaterials Chemistry and Catalysis contractor of the research project: Smart multicomponent catalysts for CO₂ valorization applications (project number: 2023/51/D/ST4/00339).

The contract will be concluded on a full-time basis for 12 months with the possibility of extension to 36 months. The remuneration under the contract will amount to approx. 7000 PLN net (approx. PLN 9500 gross). Detailed employment conditions will be specified in the employment contract concluded between the employed person and the Director of INTiBS PAN.

Project description

The increasing global demand for energy, primarily met by fossil fuel combustion, has led to a significant rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels—one of the key drivers of climate change. This project focuses on the development of innovative catalysts for thermochemical CO₂ valorization into valuable products such as synthetic fuels and industrial chemicals. The catalysts will be designed with a hierarchical architecture, high thermal stability, and tunable catalytic properties, based on the deposition of doubly-doped ceria nanoparticles onto structured alumina supports. Particular emphasis will be placed on the regenerative capacity of the active phase and the application of advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques to elucidate structure–activity relationships under realistic reaction conditions.

Tasks description

• Synthesis of nanostructured catalytic materials with tailored physicochemical properties, including control over morphology, porosity, composition, and surface chemistry;
• Performing catalytic tests for CO₂ hydrogenation under various conditions;
• Conducting electron microscopy analyses (TEM, SEM) to study the morphology and dispersion of active phases;
• Comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the synthesized materials using advanced techniques (e.g., XRD, BET, XPS, XAS, DRIFTS, TPR/TPO/TPD);
• Preparing applications for access to large-scale research infrastructure and specialized equipment (e.g., synchrotron-based methods, in situ electron microscopy);
• Active involvement in writing scientific publications and project reports, as well as presenting research results at national and international conferences;
• Participating in collaborative tasks within the research team and contributing to the supervision of junior researchers.

Requirements

The candidate must meet the requirements specified in SONATA 19 project rules (https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2023/uchwala50_2023-zal1.pdf#page=53  ) and should:

• have a doctoral degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related discipline;
• following the requirements of the National Science Center, only a person may be admitted whose doctoral degree has been obtained no earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project (details are included in the above-mentioned Project Regulations);
• have a strong background in heterogeneous catalysis, supported by publications in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals;
• demonstrate hands-on experience in the synthesis of advanced heterogeneous catalysts;
• have documented experience in conducting gas-phase catalytic reactions;
• expertise in electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and/or catalytic testing under elevated pressure (especially in CO₂ hydrogenation) will be highly appreciated;
• experience with in situ or operando characterization techniques (e.g., XPS, XAS, DRIFTS) relevant to heterogeneous catalysis will be considered an asset;
• demonstrate scientific independence, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and in a collaborative research environment;
• be proficient in English (spoken and written);
• be ready to start work from 1.10.2025 (formal steps related to residence and work permit in Poland should be taken into account).

List of documents required from the candidate

A candidate entering the competition should submit:

1. A diploma or a copy of the diploma in English or Polish (if in another language, an English translation must also be attached) confirming completion of the doctoral degree. If the diploma was obtained abroad, the candidate will be required to provide a legalised or apostilled original of the diploma before starting employment at the Institute (otherwise it will not be possible to conclude an employment contract). In the case of a degree obtained abroad which is not recognised in Poland on the basis of international agreements, the candidate will apply to the Institute for its nostrification. Information on nostrification can be found at the following link: https://nawa.gov.pl/images/users/642/Nostrification-of-academic-degrees_1.pdf
2. An application for employment addressed to the Director of the Institute containing the following clause: " I agree for processing my personal data enclosed in my documents for the needs necessary of the recruitment (in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 lit. A of the General Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and the repeal of Directive 95/46 / EC and the Act of 10 May 2018 on protection of personal data (Journal of Laws 2018 item 1000)”.
3. Scientific Curriculum Vitae, containing information about the scientific career (education and employment), as well as information on participation in conferences, internships, projects, awards and distinctions, skills and knowledge of foreign languages.
4. List of publications.

When signing the contract, the candidate will be required to submit an authorization to be included in the number of employees engaged in the scientific activity at the Institute, as well as to provide declarations that the publications arising from the project are part of the scientific output of the Institute.

Complete documents should be submitted in electronic version via the e-mail address:    until 14.07.2025.

Selected candidates may be invited for an interview.

Additional information

For more information, please contact the project manager with questions

The competition will be conducted in accordance with the competition documentation of the National Science Center (NSC) applicable to the project.

Personal information

Your personal data is collected and processed by the Institute of Low Temperature and Structural Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Wroclaw in accordance with the information on personal data processing available at https://bip.intibs.pl/artykuly/rodo-1