Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanomaterials, Biophysics, and Medical Biotechnology

About the Position

Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanomaterials, Biophysics, and Medical Biotechnology

Łukasiewicz – Krakowski Instytut Technologiczny is seeking a highly qualified Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team in Krakow for a 7-month project focusing on antimicrobial nanoformulations. This role is part of the NCN SONATA-19 Project titled “One Step Away from a Revolution”: Combined Antimicrobial Therapy Based on Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology to Combat Challenging Diabetic Foot Infections.

Responsibilities

• Design, synthesis, and development of incorporation matrices for encapsulation of biologically active substances.
• Develop methods for incorporating antibiotics, adjuvants, and other compounds that enhance antimicrobial activity.
• Synthesize polymer nanocores and develop final nanoformulations with antimicrobial activity.
• Optimize synthesis conditions, composition, and properties of the resulting nanomaterials.
• Characterize the physicochemical properties of the obtained nanomaterials using spectroscopic, chromatographic, and microscopic methods.
• Conduct analyses using techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR/Raman spectroscopy, HPLC, DLS, and zeta potential measurements using the LDV method.
• Participate in the characterization of the morphology of nanomaterials using SEM and TEM electron microscopy.
• Study the kinetics of active substance release from nanoparticles under conditions simulating the target environment.
• Conduct analyses of the release of drugs and other biologically active compounds under biological conditions.
• Analyze the surface properties of nanomaterials and their impact on stability, the release of active substances, and interactions with biological systems.
• Evaluate the physicochemical properties of biologically active substances and their potential interactions with selected molecular targets.
• Compile, analyze, and interpret experimental results.
• Maintain laboratory records and prepare reports describing the syntheses performed, the characteristics of the materials obtained, and the test results.
• Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary research team and participate in the preparation of scientific publications, presentations, and project reports.

Requirements

• Hold a doctoral degree in materials engineering, nanotechnology, chemistry, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline.
• Have practical laboratory experience in the synthesis, modification, and characterization of nanomaterials.
• Have experience in designing and producing nanocarriers, polymer nanoparticles, or other systems intended for the delivery of biologically active substances.
• Be familiar with the experimental procedures used in the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials.
• Have experience in characterizing the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials using methods such as DLS, LDV, FT-IR, Raman, UV-Vis, and HPLC.
• Understand the basics and applications of SEM and TEM electron microscopy in the analysis of nanomaterial morphology.
• Have knowledge of the surface chemistry of materials, the stability of colloidal systems, and the functionalization of nanomaterials.
• Be familiar with methods for studying the kinetics of active substance release from nanoformulations under simulated and biological conditions.
• Have knowledge of methods for determining the physicochemical properties of biologically active compounds.
• Understand the basic mechanisms of drug-protein and drug-molecular-target interactions, as well as the relationships between the physicochemical properties of the active substance and its biological activity.
• Be able to independently plan experiments, analyze data, and critically interpret the results obtained.
• Have experience in preparing scientific reports, publications, and presentations of research results.
• Be highly proficient in spoken and written English, to the extent necessary to prepare publications and reports and present research findings.
• Have excellent communication skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrate creativity, independence, responsibility, and commitment to carrying out assigned tasks.
• Be able to conduct several research projects simultaneously and have excellent organizational skills.

We Offer

• Employment under a full-time employment contract for a period of 7 months.
• Compensation based on the NCN rates for this position (i.e., 140,000.00 PLN gross/year).
• A position at a research organization focused on carrying out innovative, prestigious R&D projects.
• 36 days of vacation per calendar year.
• Benefits package (vacation subsidies, supplementary health care package, option to enroll in a life insurance program).
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and the Institute’s support in this area.
• Free parking space.
• A work environment that supports sustainable development and is based on the principles of equality.

About the Company

Łukasiewicz – Krakowski Instytut Technologiczny is a member of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, one of the largest scientific networks in Europe. We bridge the gap between science and business by providing companies with attractive, comprehensive, and competitive technologies. Our work includes scientific research, development, and implementation, manufacturing prototype tools and equipment, and providing research and technology services. Our recipients include representatives of the foundry, tooling, aerospace, medical, and energy industries, among others.

Application Process

The application should include:

• A scan of the doctoral degree certificate.
• A resume (CV) detailing your academic activities to date (participation in research projects, authorship/co-authorship of scientific articles, participation in conferences, competitions, awards, activities for the academic community, membership in research clubs, etc.).
• A cover letter explaining how the candidate meets the competition requirements.
• A letter of recommendation and/or references from previous employers or academic advisors.
• Statement of consent to the processing of personal data.

Additional information:

The Selection Committee reserves the right to conduct interviews with selected candidates (candidates will be notified of the time and place of the interview via email).

Please submit documents in electronic form only.

Documents must be submitted by August 8, 2026.

The expected date for selecting the winning candidate is August 11, 2026, at the latest.

Work on the project is scheduled to begin on August 14, 2026.