The interdisciplinary research group of Priv.-Doz. Dr. Zbigniew Pianowski (https://www.ioc.kit.edu/pianowski/) is focused on the development of molecular photoswitches for light-responsive materials and photocontrol of biological structures. We investigate peptide- and protein-based systems, in particular cyclic-dipeptide-derived supramolecular hydrogelators and photoswitchable antimitotic agents, in the range of medicine- and bio-related applications, such as photoinduced drug delivery, photopharmacology, or responsive cell culture media. 

We are seeking a motivated candidate for postdoctoral research in the highly interdisciplinary and international environment, located at the IMol Institute in Warsaw, Poland, who will be involved in an intense collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT in Karlsruhe, Germany, as well as other IMol research groups and international research institutions. The position offers the possibility and support of obtaining grant funding from the National Science Centre or other sources. IMol will provide administrative support for the grant application. The temporary full-time position will be remunerated according to the financing level of the obtained project, eg. “Sonata” or “Opus” grant of the NCN/NSC (Narodowe Centrum Nauki / National Science Centre). 

The researcher will be responsible for planning and performing experiments, keeping a record of experimental details, data analysis, results interpretation, their presentation at internal and external meetings/conferences, preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, supporting undergraduate and graduate students in the research conducted in the lab. In particular, the research tasks will include: solution-phase synthesis of bioactive small molecules, their photophysical characterization, solid-phase synthesis of oligopeptides and related oligomers, determination of biological activities – in vitro (assays, microscopy) and in vivo (in various model organisms) – in-house and in collaboration with research groups proficient in respective model systems. 

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD degree in synthetic organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or related fields, accomplished in 2020 or later. Candidates with planned PhD defence in early 2025 are also eligible to apply. 
• Aptitude for creative and autonomous work in an interdisciplinary and international environment
• A good command of English (essential)
• At least one original publication in a peer-reviewed journal
• Good communication skills
• Previous experience with synthesis of oligomers on solid support, and solution-phase organic synthesis will be an advantage

We offer:

• Start date: July 2025 or later upon agreement

• Full-time, temporary position for up to 4 years with possibility of extension (initial contract signed for 6 months)

• Salary of up to 11,8k PLN gross/month, depending on obtained grant funding

• Medical care package and social benefits

• Flexible working hours

• Collaborative and supportive work culture

• Participation in an ambitious interdisciplinary project

• Working with state-of-the-art research equipment

• Opportunity to gain unique professional experience in a highly international environment, including short-term stays abroad.

Please send your application documents:

• CV

• motivation letter with a short description of your research plan

to zbigniew.pianowski@kit.edu.

Please note that this is an ongoing call, meaning the applications are welcome before the set deadline.