16 Oct 2026 Job Information Organisation/Company: AGH University of Science and Technology Department: Faculty of Metals Engineering and Industrial Computer
Science Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering; Physics » Applied physics; Chemistry » Applied chemistry Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions: PhD Positions Application Deadline: 9 Dec 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country: Poland Type of Contract: Temporary Job Status: Full-time Hours Per Week: 40 Offer Starting Date: 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number: DC13 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number: 101312450 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description FAroGels – Food-Grade Aerogels for Sustainable Food Systems is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe. The network brings together academic and non-academic partners with complementary expertise in food science and technology, materials science, biopolymer science, biotechnology, process engineering, analytical characterization, packaging and sustainable innovation. FAroGels aims to develop, characterize and validate food-grade, bio-based and biodegradable aerogels for sustainable food systems. The network will investigate how these highly porous materials can support more efficient food processing, improved food quality and safety, nutritional and sensory functionality, protection and delivery of bioactive compounds, and sustainable packaging solutions. This position forms part of the FAroGels research program on food-grade, bio-based, and biodegradable aerogels and their application in sustainable food systems. The selected candidate will be employed by AGH University of Krakow and will be required to enroll as a PhD student at the Doctoral School at AGH University of Krakow, in accordance with the relevant admission and enrolment requirements. The doctoral project will focus on: The doctoral project will focus on: The doctoral project will focus on the development of hybrid electrospun fiber–aerogel systems that combine the structural benefits of nanofibrous mats with the high porosity and functionality of biopolymer aerogels. The main scientific challenge is to achieve precise control over material architecture while ensuring mechanical stability and functional performance relevant to food packaging applications. Food-grade polymers will be processed via electrospinning to produce high-surface-area fibers with tunable porosity and flexibility. Key processing parameters, including applied voltage, flow rate, tip-to-collector distance, and environmental humidity, will be systematically optimized to tailor fiber morphology and network structure. These fibrous materials will be integrated with aerogel matrices to form hybrid systems with enhanced properties. The resulting materials will be comprehensively characterized to establish structure–function relationships. Morphology will be analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while chemical properties will be examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical behavior and barrier performance, including water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and oxygen permeability, will be evaluated. The project will deliver hybrid systems with controlled morphology and validated structural integrity, supported by complete characterization data. It will also demonstrate the incorporation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Ultimately, the research will enable the development of packaging-relevant prototypes with improved barrier properties and active functionality, alongside a predictive framework linking processing conditions to material performance for industrial application. The position will involve laboratory-based research, data analysis, scientific communication and close collaboration with other FAroGels Doctoral Candidates, supervisors and partner organizations. Where to apply E-mail: ustachew@agh.edu.pl Requirements Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications The Doctoral Candidate will be expected to: Conduct research on electrospinning and characterization of electrospun fibers Plan, perform, document and analyse experimental work using relevant laboratory, analytical, processing and/or modelling methods. Participate actively in FAroGels network meetings, workshops, training schools, seminars and transferable-skills activities. Undertake planned secondments at FAroGels partner organisations, as specified for the DC project. Work collaboratively with academic and non-academic partners across the FAroGels network. Prepare scientific reports, project deliverables, presentations, publications and, where relevant, other dissemination or exploitation-related outputs. Specific Requirements Educational Background : Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field, e.g., chemistry, materials science, food technology, or chemical engineering. Skills : Strong laboratory and analytical skills in electrospinning and polymer chemistry Languages : Proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required. Strong motivation to pursue doctoral research in an international and interdisciplinary environment. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to collaborative research activities. Good organization, communication and problem-solving skills. Willingness to travel for planned secondments, network meetings and training activities. Commitment to responsible research conduct, inclusion, collegiality and professional development. Languages: ENGLISH Level: Excellent Research Field: Engineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4 Additional Information Benefits A full-time doctoral position funded through the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network. A fixed-term employment contract for 36 months at AGH University of Krakow. A competitive salary and employment conditions in accordance with the MSCA Doctoral Networks funding provisions, applicable national legislation and the policies of AGH University of Krakow. Social-security coverage and other employment-related benefits in accordance with the applicable national and institutional framework. A Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP), prepared with the supervisory team and reviewed and updated during the project. Access to research facilities, infrastructure, training and support services at the Host Institution and within the FAroGels network. Participation in a structured doctoral training programme including scientific and technical training, transferable skills, career development and innovation-oriented activities. Planned secondments at FAroGels partner organizations, offering complementary scientific, technical and cross-sectoral experience. An international research environment and opportunities to build a professional network across academia and non-academic organizations. This position is funded by the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network (HORIZON-MSCA-2025-DN-01-01, Grant Agreement No. 101312450). The salary is based on the following monthly MSCA allowances: Living allowance: EUR 4,010, adjusted by the country correction coefficient of the country of the recruiting organisation to ensure equal treatment and comparable purchasing power for all researchers. Mobility allowance: EUR 710, contributing to mobility-related costs such as relocation and travel. Family allowance (if applicable): EUR 660, paid for the months in which the Doctoral Candidate has a family during the project, including where family obligations arise after recruitment. ‘Family’ means persons linked to the researcher by marriage (or a relationship with equivalent status recognised by the legislation of the country where it was formalised) or dependent children actually being maintained by the researcher. The allowance is paid in accordance with the rules of the recruiting organisation, and supporting documents may be requested. This Doctoral Candidate position is funded by the FAroGels MSCA Doctoral Network for a maximum period of 36 months. The overall period required to complete a PhD degree may, depending on the regulations of the PhD awarding institution and applicable national requirements, extend beyond the 36-month FAroGels funding period. Please note: any employment, scholarship or other financial support beyond the 36-month FAroGels funding period is not covered or guaranteed by FAroGels. Any potential continuation of employment or funding would need to be considered separately between the relevant institution and the Doctoral Candidate, subject to institutional regulations and the availability of funds. Eligibility criteria Applicants are strongly advised to read the position description and the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. Each application must include: A detailed curriculum vitae (education, research experience, technical skills and relevant achievements), including the dates and countries of residence, studies and employment for the last 36 months. A motivation letter explaining your interest in this position and your suitability for the project. Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s diplomas and academic transcripts, or evidence that the Master’s degree will be completed before the recruitment date. Contact details for two referees and reference letters, according to the requirements of AGH University of Krakow. Proof of English-language proficiency, if required by the PhD awarding institution. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Selection process To apply, please submit your application: Method of application: by email. Please send applications to: ustachew@agh.edu.pl (Prof. Urszula Stachewicz). Please include “PhD FAroGels” in the subject line of the email. The position is advertised at https://fibers.agh.edu.pl/news/ and https://www.metal.agh.edu.pl/ . Indicative timeline Application deadline: 09 December 2026, 23:59 (CET) Interviews: January 2027 Evaluation: February 2027 Selection outcome: February 2027 Expected start of employment: March 2027 (earliest) Please note: Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted before the stated deadline. Please note that a separate PhD admission and/or enrolment procedure may apply at AGH University of Krakow. FAroGels follows an open, transparent and merit-based recruitment process in line with the European Charter for Researchers: Eligibility check by the FAroGels Project Manager. Evaluation of the eligible applications by an Interview Committee (primary supervisor, co-supervisor(s) and a representative of a non-academic partner) with a standardised scoring matrix; the three to five best-ranked candidates are shortlisted. Online interview with the shortlisted candidates. Approval of the selection by the FAroGels Supervisory Board, after which an offer is made. All applicants are informed of the outcome and receive feedback on request Additional comments FAroGels and AGH University of Krakow are committed to equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome, irrespective of gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnic or social origin, nationality, disability, age, religion or belief. Personal data submitted with applications will be processed by AGH University of Krakow exclusively for recruitment purposes and in accordance with the applicable data-protection legislation and institutional privacy policies. Scientific questions about the project: Prof. Urszula Stachewicz, Electrospun Fibers Group, email: ustachew@agh.edu.pl Application process and PhD admission: Doctoral School at AGH University of Krakow https://sd.agh.edu.pl/en/candidates email: sdbiuro@agh.edu.pl General questions about FAroGels and the recruitment process: FAroGels Project Management Team, Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Türkiye – farogels@metu.edu.tr General information on FAroGels: https://farogels.eu/ Website for additional job details: https://www.metal.agh.edu.pl/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/DC13_FAroGels_Position_AGH-1.pdf Work Location(s) Number of offers available: 1 Company/Institute: AGH University of Krakow Country: Poland State/Province: Non-US/Other City: Krakow Postal Code: 30-059 Street: al. A. Mickiewicza 30 Contact City: Krakow Website: https://fibers.agh.edu.pl/ Street: Al. Mickiewicza 30, building A2, room 015 Postal Code: 30-059 E-Mail: ustachew@agh.edu.pl
