Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Polymer Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
- Department: Department for Biomaterials Research
- Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry; Chemistry » Physical chemistry; Chemistry » Other; Pharmacological sciences » Other; Biological sciences » Other
Offer Description
The position is aimed for a researcher, in early stages of the scientific career or a Post-Doc, with an interest to pursue scientific goals in the area of polymer chemistry and material chemistry by means of polymer synthesis, physicochemical characterization of polymeric materials, and development of advanced drug delivery systems.
The main tasks involve:
1. Design and synthesis of polymers
- Synthesis of organic compounds, including monomers, initiators, or catalysts.
- Living and controlled polymerization techniques, including living cationic polymerization, controlled radical polymerizations.
- Post-polymerization reactions.
- Fabrication of different polymeric materials (nanoparticles, conjugates, coatings, hydrogels, composites).
2. Characterization of polymeric materials
- Determination of chemical structure, including NMR, FTIR, and GPC.
- Solution properties and aggregation behavior, including DLS, Langmuir-Blodgett test.
- Spectroscopic and chromatographic methods (UV-VIS, fluorescence, HPLC)
- Maintain detailed records of material preparation conditions for reproducibility.
3. Drug delivery systems
- Perform various methods for polymer self-assembly (dialysis method, thin film method, nanoprecipitation)
- Characterize the size, charge, and colloidal stability of polymer nanoparticles
- Evaluate basic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of prepared drug delivery systems.
4. Biological evaluation of polymers and biomaterials (optional)
- Assess in vitro cytotoxicity study using cell lines according to ISO-10993 norm.
- In vitro visualization methods, staining (CLSM)
- Evaluate antibacterial activity under physiologically relevant conditions (serum proteins, pH changes, presence of organic load).
5. Data analysis and reporting
- Analyze chemical, physical, and biological data using statistical methods and appropriate software.
- Generate clear, well-structured reports summarizing results, trends, and interpretation.
- Prepare visuals (graphs, micrographs, charts) for internal meetings and publications.
6. Collaboration and interdisciplinary communication
- Work in an interdisciplinary environment.
- Provide feedback for material optimization.
- Participate in project meetings and contribute to experimental planning.
7. Compliance, safety, and documentation
- Follow safety and biosafety rules.
- Maintain precise lab notebooks and provide/follow SOPs for all used methods.
- Ensure all testing follows relevant ISO norms and research ethics guidelines.
8. Contribution to research dissemination
- Assist in writing scientific papers, patents, and grant proposals.
- Present results at internal seminars or external scientific events.
- Follow all internal rules of Polymer Institute SAS defined in the contract and other relevant documents.
- PI SAS provides an opportunity to develop your scientific career in a dynamic and modern research environment. The topic is connected to advanced polymer synthesis of polymers, nanoparticles, and other polymeric materials with novel properties for drug or mRNA delivery.
PI SAS provides an opportunity to prolong the contacts based on the evaluation in front of the Scientific Board.
Where to apply
E-mail: upolsekr@savba.sk
Requirements
- Research Field: Chemistry » Organic chemistry — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
- Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry — Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
1. Scientific and Technical Skills
- Deep knowledge in polymer chemistry, organic synthesis, and physical chemistry.
- The expertise in 2-oxazoline chemistry is strongly welcome.
- Hands-on experience with synthetic methods as well as characterization techniques.
- Experience with polymeric or biomaterial systems, connection to interfacial processes, and optionally in vitro assessment of biocompatibility and pharmacokinetics.
2. Laboratory and Analytical Skills
- Proficiency in planning and executing experiments independently.
- Accurate data recording, data processing, and statistical analysis.
- Experience using laboratory analytical instruments (e.g., DLS, HPLC, Langmuir-Blodgett, spectroscopic methods etc.).
- Ability to work in inert conditions (Glowbox, Schlenck lines)
- Ability to interpret NMR results and correlate them with material properties.
Specific Requirements
The applicants are invited to submit their applications before October 16th (including), 2026. The applications must include a Curriculum Vitae with a full list of publications, and documents of a completed PhD. Applications should be sent via email to upolsekr@savba.sk. Only complete submissions are considered.
Languages
- ENGLISH — Level: Excellent
- SLOVAK — Level: Excellent
Research Field
- Chemistry » Polymer Chemistry
Years of Research Experience
- 0 – 5
Additional Information
Benefits
- Possibility of gaining a permanent position in the team in the future.
- Flexible working time
- International collaborations
- Contribution for lunch vouchers
- For Slovak applicants, contribution to the Third pillar of the Slovak pension system
Eligibility criteria
- PhD degree (in a field of macromolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, chemical engineering, pharmacy, or related fields)
- Experience with polymer synthesis and characterization
- Computer skills (data analysis, statistical analysis, graphs preparation)
- Publication history in Q1/Q2 journals
- Ability to work within an interdisciplinary team and join collaborations
- English literacy and skills
Selection process
The applications will be considered individually, and based on the submitted documents, the promising applicants – a maximum of 5 candidates - will be invited for the internal preselection. All candidates will be informed about the selection for the interview before October 23, 2026.
Additional comments
Data protection: All application documents submitted in connection with this call will be securely stored, used solely for the preselection process, and will not be disclosed to any third party. Personal data will be retained for 6 months and then erased.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 2
- Company/Institute: Polymer Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences
- Country: Slovakia
- State/Province: Slovakia
- City: Bratislava
- Postal Code: 84541
- Street: Dúbravská cesta 9
Contact
- City: Bratislava
- Website: http://www.polymer.sav.sk
- Street: Dúbravská cesta 9
- Postal Code: 845 41
- E-Mail: upolsekr@savba.sk
- Phone: +421232294308