Postdoctoral Researcher – Smart Engineering of Catalysts for Hydrofunctionalization Reactions

Catalysis, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry
Warsaw, Poland
7 March 2026
Postdoctoral Research

Job Description

Institution: Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS), Warsaw, Poland

This postdoctoral position is offered within the FIRST TEAM project titled “Smart Engineering of Catalysts for Hydrofunctionalization Reactions: From Selectivity Control to a Predictive Model” (Project No. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0063/25), led by Dr. Dawid Lichosyt. The project is funded under Priority 2 of the European Funds for a Modern Economy Programme 2021–2027.

The project aims to develop a holistic approach to controlling selectivity in industrially relevant hydrofunctionalization reactions such as hydrocyanation and hydroformylation. The research combines catalyst design using desymmetrized phosphine ligands with artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools to develop predictive catalytic models.

Main Responsibilities

  • Preparation of catalyst and ligand libraries with comprehensive structural characterization.
  • Screening and evaluation of catalytic activity across numerous substrate–catalyst–conditions combinations.
  • Detailed analysis of hydroformylation reactions and catalytic selectivity trends.
  • Mechanistic investigations including kinetic and spectroscopic studies.
  • Curation and quality control of experimental datasets used for machine learning models.
  • Preparation of scientific publications, reports, and conference presentations.

Candidate Profile

  • PhD in Chemistry or closely related field.
  • Experience in organic synthesis and homogeneous catalysis.
  • Strong motivation for research and ability to solve scientific problems independently.
  • Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
  • Good command of English for reading and communicating scientific research.

Employment Conditions

  • Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (Recognised Researcher – R2).
  • Contract: Full-time employment.
  • Contract duration: 24 months with a 3-month probation period.
  • Start date: 1 April 2026.
  • Salary: approximately 13,230 PLN gross per month.
  • Workplace: Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS, Warsaw, Poland.

What We Offer

  • Work in a multidisciplinary international team at the interface of catalysis, organic chemistry and data-driven chemistry.
  • Participation in an ambitious project addressing selectivity challenges of major industrial relevance.
  • Opportunity to develop expertise in catalyst library synthesis, catalytic screening and mechanistic studies.
  • Access to career development opportunities including IPC PAS Young Scientists competitions.
  • Participation in international mobility programs including ERASMUS+.

Application Requirements

  • Scientific CV including list of publications and achievements.
  • Cover letter.
  • Copy of PhD diploma or confirmation of planned defense date.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews between 4–6 March 2026 and will present a short 10-minute research presentation.

Location

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