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About the company

The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences is a leading research institution in Poland. Founded in 1955, it holds the highest scientific category awarded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (A+). The Institute is authorised to use the ‘HR Excellence in Research’ logo, which confirms its commitment to the highest standards in the recruitment of researchers, support for their career development, and the social engagement of its staff.

The research teams at the Institute work on topics at the intersection of chemistry, physics and biology. The Institute’s openness and interdisciplinary approach enable it to conduct both basic and applied research, as evidenced by the spin-off companies that have been established on the basis of the discoveries and inventions of the Institute’s staff. Every year, the Institute’s staff publish over 200 scientific papers (including in such prestigious journals as *Nature* and *Science*), and are also the authors of numerous patents. The IChF PAN is committed to training young researchers through two doctoral schools and a wide range of scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The Institute promotes scientific excellence. Together with the IOCB in Prague, it presents a unique biennial award, the Dream Chemistry Award (DCA). As part of the DCA, the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF PAN) also organises a series of Dream Chemistry Lectures, during which young scientists from around the world can share their knowledge with researchers from the Warsaw scientific community.

   
Responsibilities

• Performing PhD Studies in Warsaw PhD School in Natural and BioMedical Sciences

Requirements

• Master diploma in chemistry, biotechnology, physics, nanotechnology, moleculatr biology etc.

The employer offers

The Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS) offers doctoral studies through the Warsaw PhD School in Natural and BioMedical Sciences (Warsaw-4-PhD). Established in 2019, the Warsaw-4-PhD Doctoral School brings together nine leading research institutions in Warsaw, which jointly deliver an interdisciplinary doctoral education across four scientific disciplines: biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. Each partner institution trains doctoral students in its area of scientific excellence.

Admissions are held three times each year. As part of the second admission round, which is currently underway, the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS is offering 24 PhD research projects (25 positions).

We welcome applications from graduates holding a Master's degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or related disciplines. We encourage both experimental and theoretical researchers with strong aptitude in the natural and physical sciences and a genuine passion for scientific research to apply.

Research areas

Prospective doctoral candidates may pursue fundamental research in a broad range of fields, including:

• Nanotechnology and advanced materials;
• Photochemistry and photophysics;
• Physical chemistry of solid-state materials, soft matter, and surface phenomena;
• Biochemistry and biophysics;
• Physical chemistry of supramolecular systems;
• Chemical kinetics and catalysis;
• Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics;
• Quantum chemistry, mathematical modeling, and molecular dynamics;
• Electrochemistry, including electrode processes, electroanalysis, and corrosion protection.

We strongly encourage prospective applicants to contact the coordinators of the research projects that interest them before submitting an application to learn more about the projects and discuss potential research opportunities. IPC PAS also offers paid research internships, typically lasting one to three months, to allow prospective candidates to become familiar with the Institute's research environment before applying. Internship duration is arranged individually with the prospective supervisor. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact potential supervisors directly.

Admissions timeline

Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year are submitted online through the Warsaw-4-PhD admissions system.

Second admission round

Online application period

• July 24 – August 7, 2026
• December 17, 2026 - January 03, 2027 Admissions interviews
• September 2 – September 11, 2026
• January 27, 2027 - February 02, 2027 Admission results announced 
• Beginning September 15, 2026
• Beginning February 05, 2027

Applicants who advance to the second stage of the admissions process will receive an invitation to interview by email.

Application documents (CV, cover letter, two references from academic staff, list of achievements, academic transcript, Master’s degree certificate) should be submitted via the application link: https://warsaw4phd.eu/en/admissions/