Student Scholarship position - No

Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences

Organisation/Company Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences Department Team 10:
Soft and Condensed Matter Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Bachelor Positions Final date to receive applications 6 Feb 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Other Job Status Extra Information nd Hours Per Week 8 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number Recruitment 2/2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Student Scholarship position available in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS within National Science Center (NSC) OPUS 27 project no 2024/53/B/ST4/01213 entitled “Effect of lipid nanoparticles on the nanostructure of cell cytoplasm”.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are crucial for delivering nucleic acids into cells, powering mRNA vaccines and gene editing. While generally considered low-toxic (>24h), we observed significant intracellular nanostructure remodeling and diffusion hindrance within 4 hours of LNP exposure. Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS), we found these disturbances far exceed those from other stressors. We hypothesize that LNP lipids interact with cell membranes, causing this remodeling, potentially impacting organelle health and cellular stress.

This project will use a soft matter approach and high-throughput biochemical assays, to analyze LNP-cell interactions and their biological consequences. We aim to understand the physicochemical impact of LNPs on cell membranes (1-100nm scale) and connect these findings to standard toxicity measures. This research will reveal potential adverse LNP effects, crucial for both molecular biology and clinical applications.

Responsibilities:

• Performing experiments (cytotoxic biochemical assays for microplate reader/flow cytometry)
• Data analysis (calculating cytotoxicity).

E-mail rekrutacja.pl

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics » Biophysics Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Knowledge of fluorescence and biochemistry,
• Ability to communicate in English,
• Strong motivation to work and solving scientific problems, creativity, and analytical thinking

Specific Requirements

At the starting date of the work within the project, the applicant should be a student of full-time first or second-cycle degree programmes or uniform Master’s studies at any university in Poland

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry

Physics » Biophysics Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

We offer a scholarship position in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a monthly stipend of 1000 PLN financed from the OPUS 27 No. 2024/53/B/ST4/01213 entitled “Effect of lipid nanoparticles on the nanostructure of cell cytoplasm”. The stipend is planned for 24 months with possible extensions.

The selected student will gain valuable new knowledge and learn techniques that will strengthen their practical skill set. This project combines biophysics, nanotechnology, cell biology, and physical chemistry, offering a broad learning opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Participation in the research will also provide hands‑on experience and the chance to complete an exciting thesis project. We intend to publish the results in prestigious, high‑impact journals.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

Eligibility criteria

Undergraduate Student

NCN scholarships may be awarded to individuals who are not PhD holders and are students of full-time first or second-cycle degree programmes or uniform Master’s studies at any university in Poland.

Complete application should include the following items:

• professional curriculum vitae with a list of scientific achievements (publications, patents, conference presentations,…