Lodz University of Technology is one of the finest universities of technology in Poland. Its tradition and experience in training professionals and conducting research date back 80 years. It is an attractive partner for business. It cooperates with the largest national and international corporations. It conducts research of a European standard, develops new technologies and creates innovation in collaboration with the leading research centres all over the world. One of the pillars of Lodz University of Technology management is equal treatment of staff regardless of their gender, age, race or other demographic and social characteristics. In 2016, TUL was the first technical university in Poland to receive the HR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH award certifying that the University adheres to the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Open competition for participation in the project „Chiral nanocomposites with tunable optical properties for more efficient printed optoelectronic devices” financed in frame of the First Team FENG programme by the FNP Foundation for Polish Science
THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET BY THE CANDIDATE:
• Completed university studies in chemistry/chemical technology or related fields;
• Ph.D. student status at the Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology at the time of commencing the project;
o REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
• Good knowledge and research interests in organic chemistry;
• Knowledge of spectroscopic methods and their application to the identification of organic compounds;
• Good command of English, both spoken and written;
• Ability to work in a team, strong motivation and enthusiasm for research and further scientific development, creativity, and independence in planning and conducting experiments.
o DESIRED COMPETENCIES:
• Research experience in materials chemistry, organic optoelectronics, optical spectroscopy of organic semiconductors, and/or printed electronics;
• Knowledge of photophysical phenomena occurring in organic semiconductors and proficiency in optical spectroscopy methods: absorption and photoluminescence measurements in the UV-Vis-NIR range will be an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience in the fabrication and analysis of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) will be an advantage;
• Knowledge and experience in chiroptical spectroscopy (CD spectroscopy, CPL spectroscopy) and/or advanced solution-based thin film fabrication methods (e.g. inkjet, e-jet printing methods) will be an advantage.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:
• Gross monthly salary of ~ 6 500,00-6 900,00 PLN
• Employment type: part-time: (0.75 FTE);
• Start date: May 1, 2026;
• 44-month employment contract;
• Full public health insurance, a package of social benefits for Lodz University of Technology employees (including FitProfit/FitSport sports card);
• Career development opportunities: Working in a young, dynamically developing team, access to unique research infrastructure. During the project, there is the opportunity to complete an internship with one of the foreign partners.
SCOPE OF WORK:
• As part of the project, the PhD student (f/m) will conduct research related to the development and optimization of conditions for the synthesis of selected organic dyes. The PhD student's tasks will include identifying new reaction pathways and optimizing reaction conditions. Furthermore, the PhD student (f/m) will be responsible for studies of solubility of the synthesized compounds, constituting the foundations for the ink formulation studies. These inks will be further used for inkjet/e-jet printing of thin films and OLEDs by other group members. The PhD student (f/m) will also be required to prepare partial reports and scientific publications based on the results of the conducted research.
THE APPLICATION MUST CONTAIN:
• A cover letter outlining the interest of the candidate in the doctoral position and project scope;
• A CV (max. 2 pages) describing previous scientific achievements: scientific publications and conference presentations, participation in research projects, internships or other achievements and distinctions;
• Document confirming the intention to apply for admission to the Interdisciplinary Doctoral School at Lodz University of Technology;
• Declaration of readiness to begin implementing the Project tasks no later than 1st May 2026
• Opinion of the current supervisor;
• Application for employment to the Rector of the Lodz University of Technology;
• Copies of degree certificates and transcripts in English;
• Consent to the processing of personal data according to the following statement: for the purpose of the recruitment process, please attach a declaration of consent to the processing of personal data for recruitment purposes should include the following clause: "I consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes necessary to carry out the recruitment process in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (GDPR).”;
• Personal questionnaire for a person applying for employment at Lodz University of Technology, as provided in Annex no. 1.1 to the OTM-R POLICY - OPEN TRANSPARENT MERIT-BASED RECRUITMENT;
• Data Privacy Statement as provided in Annex no. 1.2 to the OTM-R POLICY - OPEN TRANSPARENT MERIT-BASED RECRUITMENT; Consent to the processing of personal data, as provided in Annex no. 1.3 to the OTM-R POLICY;
• OPEN TRANSPARENT MERIT-BASED RECRUITMENT;
• other documents proving the qualifications.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your application to the Department of Molecular Physics, Faculty of Chemistry: w3k31@adm.p.lodz.pl. The application should consist of a single PDF file with the subject line „PhD position (Chemistry) - First Team FENG project”.
Deadline for applications: 5st March 2026
Planned date of the result announcement: 20th March 2026
CANDIDATE EVALUATION CRITERIA:
• Scientific achievements measured by the quality and quantity of scientific publications or patents,
• Professional experience and its relevance to the project topic,
• Creativity and independence in conducting scientific research,
• International and intersectoral mobility (research internships, work in industry),
• Awards and distinctions received,
• Opinions about the candidate based on the submitted letters of recommendation,
• Language proficiency sufficient for research and communication with project partners.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The evaluation process will be conducted in two stages. The first stage involves an analysis of submitted documents. In the second stage, selected candidates will be invited to a 20-minute interview, which will be held via Microsoft Teams/Zoom.
Successful candidates will be notified of their advancement to the second stage via email only. If a successful candidate declines the position, the position will be offered to the next candidate on the shortlist. The results of the competition are subject to the approval of the Rector of Lodz University of Technology. We have an internal procedure for reporting legal violations and taking follow-up actions at Lodz University of Technology.