DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF FOOD SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF WARMIA AND MAZURY IN OLSZTYN opens a call for a POST-DOC position in a group of researchers in the Department of Physics and Biophysics

DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF FOOD SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF WARMIA AND MAZURY IN OLSZTYN opens a call for a POST-DOC position in a group of researchers in the Department of Physics and Biophysics financed within the project of NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE (NCN), OPUS-ST: Revealing mechanisms of ionic motion in superionic inorganic materials for tailoring novel solid electrolytes

AMOUNT: 10 000 PLN/month (gross/gross) 

PROJECT LEADER: prof. dr hab. Danuta Kruk 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  11.08.2024 (23.59)

KEYWORDS: diffusion, electrolytes, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, relaxation, dynamics, conductivity

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Batteries using inorganic solid electrolytes instead of flammable organic liquid electrolytes represent a very promising solution in terms of stability, performance and safety. Unfortunately, most super-ionic inorganic materials exhibit ion diffusion at the level of typical solids. Consequently, only a small number of such materials are considered as potential electrolytes. Intriguingly, these few materials exhibit remarkable rapid diffusion and high conductivity - several orders of magnitude higher than standard solids and comparable to ion diffusion in liquid electrolytes. The cause of this effect has not yet been clarified. Understanding the mechanisms of ion diffusion requires unique experimental and theoretical tools. In this project Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry in combination with complementary NMR methods: diffusion and spectroscopy as well as dielectric spectroscopy are exploited. Analysis of the results of NMR relaxation experiments conducted as a function of the magnetic field provides unique information about the mechanisms of ion movement and the nature of diffusion processes. Such information is not possible to obtain by other means.

TASKS:

·  Performing Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxation experiments for solid ionic systems 

·  Participation in theoretical analysis of the results of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxometry experiments

·  Participation in the preparation of research papers

·  Presentation of scientific results at conferences 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, biotechnology or related sciences or the expected date of obtaining the doctoral degree before starting the employment
• Knowledge of English at a level that allows active participation in the research 
• Experience in investigating structural and dynamical properties of condensed matter systems preferred
• Knowledge of the principles of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance or other spectroscopic methods highly preferred
• The person employed must meet the conditions set out in Annex 2 to the Regulations on awarding funding for the implementation of tasks financed by the National Science Center, as defined by the resolution of the NCN Council No. 90/2019 of September 12, 2019 regarding post-doc position.

In particular:

• A person who received a Ph.D. no more than 7 years prior to the year of employment in the project may apply for the position. This period may be extended by the time spent during this period on long-term (more than 90 days) documented sick leave or rehabilitation leave due to inability to work. In addition, the number of months spent on leave for the care and upbringing of children granted in accordance with the provisions of the Work Code may be added to this period, and in the case of women - 18 months for each child born or adopted, if this way of indicating breaks in the scientific career is more favorable.
• Has not been awarded a doctoral degree by the institution where the position is to be filled
• Will be employed for a period of at least 6 months
• During the period of employment, will not receive any other remuneration from funds allocated as direct costs from research projects funded by National Science Centre 
• Will not receive any remuneration from another employer on the basis of an employment contract, including an employer located outside the territory of Poland, during the period of receiving this remuneration.

DOCUMENTS:

1. Application addressed to the Rector of UWM in Olsztyn
2. Motivation letter
3. Curriculum vitae including a description of the Candidate's competences in relation to the requirements 
4. List of publications and other scientific achievements (such as: leading research projects, participation in  research projects, conference presentations, other achievements)
5. Copy of the doctoral diploma or a confirmed statement regarding the expected date of obtaining doctoral degree
6. Personal questionnaire form  (https://bip.uwm.edu.pl/menu/baza-dokumentow-sprawy-kadrowe/#111) 
7. Statement that the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn will be the primary place of work 
8. Statement on the health condition enabling to perform the work specified in the position announcement (https://bip.uwm.edu.pl/menu/baza-dokumentow-sprawy-kadrowe/#123) 
9. Consent to processing of personal data (https://bip.uwm.edu.pl/menu/baza-dokumentow-sprawy-kadrowe/#126) 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

1. The University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn will be the primary place of work within the meaning of Art. 120 of the Act of July 20, 2018 Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 574, as amended)
2. The Rector of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn reserves the right to cancel the competition without giving reasons
3. Documents should be submitted in electronic form to the following address: wnz-dziekanat@uwm.edu.pl,  danuta.kruk@uwm.edu.pl 
4. the email title: OPUS_18
5. Documents may be submitted in Polish or English
6. The number of offered positions is 3
7. The contract can start immediately after completing necessary administrative procedures, but not earlier than 1.09.2024
8. According to the current status of the project,  the contract cannot last longer than 30.06.2025
9. The contract  may not last less than 6 months
10. If the project is extended, the contract can also be extended after 30.06.2025
11. The Evaluation Committee reserves the right to interview selected candidates (the candidates will be informed about the place and time of the interview by e-mail). The interview will be conducted on-line. 
12. In the event of the resignation of a selected candidate, the Commission reserves the right to select the next person from the ranking list. Other candidates will be informed about the reasons for no accepting their application upon request.

For more information, please contact: danuta.kruk@uwm.edu.pl 

Phone number: +48516849233

Dean of the Faculty of Food Science
Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Małgorzata Darewicz