Job Information
- Organisation/Company: University of Silesia in Katowice
- Research Field: Physics
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: Master Positions
- Application Deadline: 18 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw)
- Country: Poland
- Type of Contract: Other
- Type of Contract Extra Information: PhD student in the discipline of physical sciences
Offer Description
Position: PhD student in the discipline of physical sciences
Project implementation unit: Faculty of Science and Technology University of Silesia in Katowice
Unit providing education for doctoral students: Doctoral School of the University of Silesia in Katowice
The research will be carried out as part of the project (project no. UMO-2025/59/D/ST11/02247)
Project title: Graphitization of carbon bio-precursors using hybrid low-temperature catalysts
Project manager: Karolina Jurkiewicz, PhD, DSc, Eng.
Description of the offer:
The aim of this project is to gain new knowledge about the efficient catalytic graphitization process and catalysts that can support the graphitization of environmentally friendly, common and low-cost carbon bioprecursors ─ cellulose and lignin, which are the main components of plant biomass. The mechanisms of catalytic graphitization processes involving various compounds and their hybrid systems will be investigated.
It is planned to use a number of experimental research methods, such as X-ray diffraction, small-angle X-ray scattering, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, to characterize the atomic structure, porosity, microstructure and morphology of novel, "green" graphite materials based on cellulose, lignin and lignocellulosic biomass, which can be used e.g. in lithium-ion batteries.
Where to apply
Requirements
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidate requirements:
- Master's degree in the exact and natural sciences or engineering and technology, such as physical sciences, chemical sciences, materials engineering, or related sciences
- Experience in experimental work related to the fabrication/study of the structure of materials
- Communicative level of English in speech and writing
- Knowledge of techniques such as X-ray diffraction, low-angle scattering, Raman spectroscopy, measurements of BET isotherms, electron microscopy will be an advantage.
Specific Requirements
The candidate should register in the IRK system and select the option "Recruitment to the Doctoral School of the University of Silesia in Katowice – RECRUITMENT TO project title (https://irk.us.edu.pl/) by selecting the appropriate grant project.
Recruitment link: https://irk.us.edu.pl/pl/offer/SD-GRANT-2026/programme/20-S3SPIT_ST1102247/
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Research Field: Physics
Additional Information
Benefits
Tasks of the doctoral student:
The PhD student will be involved in the production of carbon materials, conducting their thermal treatment processes and conducting studies of their structure using various experimental methods, such as X-ray diffraction, low-angle scattering, Raman spectroscopy, measurements of gas adsorption isotherms, documenting and analysing the results of the research, their interpretation and presentation in the form of publications and oral presentations.
Duration of education: 48 months
Scholarship amount:
PLN 3 570,50 gross (before the mid-term evaluation) / PLN 5 500,50 gross (after the mid-term evaluation)
Eligibility criteria
Required documents:
- A cover letter, describing your scientific interests and career goals
- CV
- A copy of the Master's degree diploma (or an official certificate of completion if the diploma has not yet been issued)
- Letter of recommendation from the supervisor of the master's thesis
- List of scientific achievements, including publications, conference presentations, internships and trainings, implemented projects.
Selection process
The documentation submitted by the candidates will be assessed by a committee chaired by the principal investigator. Recruitment will be carried out in accordance with the relevant NCN regulations. Recruitment may take place in Polish or English. The interview will take place online/stationary on 25 or 28 September 2026. The committee's decision will be presented to candidates via the IRK recruitment system.
The announcement of the recruitment results will be sent by: September 30, 2026.
Additional comments
The candidate should register in the IRK system and select the option "Recruitment to the Doctoral School of the University of Silesia in Katowice – RECRUITMENT TO project title (https://irk.us.edu.pl/) by selecting the appropriate grant project.
Recruitment link: https://irk.us.edu.pl/pl/offer/SD-GRANT-2026/programme/20-S3SPIT_ST1102247/
Documents must be submitted by: 18 September 2026 to the e-mail address: karolina.jurkiewicz@us.edu.pl
If you have any questions, please contact the grant manager at the email address provided above before submitting a formal application.
For technical questions about registration or education at the Doctoral School please contact the Doctoral School: szkola.doktorska@us.edu.pl.
Website for additional job details: https://us.edu.pl/szkola-doktorska/en/2026/09/02/grafityzacja-bio-prekursorow-weglowych-przy-uzyciu-hybrydowych-katalizatorow-niskotemperaturowych/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Doctoral School of the University of Silesia in Katowice
- Country: Poland
- State/Province: Silesia
- City: Katowice
- Postal Code: 40-007
- Street: Bankowa 14
Contact
- State/Province: Silesia
- City: Katowice
- Website: https://us.edu.pl/en/
- Street: Bankowa 12
- Postal Code: 40-007
- E-Mail: katarzyna.wiecek-jakubek@us.edu.pl
