Assistant Professor (Post-doc) in the Research Staff Group

Offer Description

Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology
Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection
University of Lodz
is seeking
An Assistant Professor (Post-doc) in the Research Staff Group

INSTITUTION: Department of Immunology and Infectious Biology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz
CITY: Lodz, Poland
POSITION: Assistant Professor in the Research Staff Group
EMPLOYMENT: Full-time
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE: Biological Sciences, Medical Sciences or Chemical Sciences
EMPLOYMENT PERIOD: 1 February 2027 – 31 July 2027
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 3rd November 2026
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 3rd December 2026
UNIVERSITY WEBSITE: www.uni.lodz.pl
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Applications should be submitted electronically to: aleksandra.budzynska@biol.uni.lodz.pl
KEYWORDS: gradient structure, hydroxyapatite, titanium, composites, MXenes, laser surface structuring

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking an ambitious and committed Post-doc to join our research team within the OPUS LAP Weave 24 project entitled “Next Generation of Bioactive Laser-Structured Biomaterials Based on Ti/HAp/MXene”, carried out within an international consortium. The project focuses on the development of novel bioactive biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration, at the interface of biology, materials science and regenerative medicine.

We are seeking a candidate with a passion for research and an open mind towards interdisciplinary challenges. Experience in research on novel substances with potential therapeutic and regenerative applications, as well as potential carriers for active substances, will be an advantage.

WE OFFER

Employment in an interdisciplinary research project combining biomaterials, cell biology and biological safety assessment, carried out in cooperation with leading research institutions and external partners.

• Access to modern research infrastructure, including confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culture laboratories and molecular analysis platforms, as well as access to university IT systems and platforms.
• The opportunity to develop and pursue individual research ideas within the objectives of the project, initiate new research directions and, optionally, participate in research activities carried out within other projects of the research group.
• Subsidised sports and cultural activities, including discounted FitProfit cards and tickets to cinemas, theatres and museums through the university benefits system.
• Social benefits, including access to the University Social Benefits Fund (ZFŚS), with subsidies for holidays, cultural events and nursery/kindergarten care.
• A modern and supportive working environment based on flexibility, open communication, collaboration and professional development.
• Support for scientific career development, including opportunities for co-authorship of publications in JCR-indexed journals, participation in national and international conferences, and scientific mentoring.
• Work in a friendly and committed team that values open communication, independence and initiative.
• Administrative and project support provided by an experienced research project management team.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment on the project will be based on a full-time employment contract for 6 months. The salary will be in accordance with the NCN OPUS LAP Weave 24 regulations, approximately PLN 11,500 gross per month. The planned starting date is February 2027.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The project entitled “Next Generation of Bioactive, Laser-Structured Biomaterials Based on Ti/HAp/MXene” aims to develop an innovative Ti/HAp composite biomaterial designed to improve the durability and biocompatibility of surgical implants. The application of laser surface treatment and MXene is expected to improve the mechanical and tribological properties of the implants.

Laser-generated micropockets and pores will promote cell growth and serve as reservoirs for the lubricant, MXene, a layered material that reduces friction and wear. The project includes in vitro biological studies aimed at assessing the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells on the surface of novel Ti/HAp composites containing MXene. The effects of micropores and pockets on cell growth and activity will be investigated to assess the osteoconductive properties of the material. The project is expected to result in the development of a new generation of high-quality implants with enhanced resistance to degradation and the potential to reduce the need for revision surgery.

KEYWORDS: gradient structure, hydroxyapatite, titanium, composites, MXenes, laser surface structuring

FORMAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The candidate must meet the requirements set out in Articles 113 and 116 of the Act of 20 July 2018 on Higher Education and Science, as amended, as well as the Statutes of the University of Lodz. The candidate must have no criminal record with respect to offences specified in Chapters XIX and XXV of the Polish Criminal Code, Articles 189a and 207 of the Polish Criminal Code, and the Act of 29 July 2005 on Counteracting Drug Addiction (consolidated text: Journal of Laws of 2023, item 1939), as well as equivalent offences under foreign law.
2. A doctoral degree in pharmaceutical, biological, medical, veterinary or related sciences, obtained at an institution other than the University of Lodz no earlier than 7 years before the year of employment in the project, or completion of at least a 10-month, continuous and documented postdoctoral research stay abroad. The 7-year period may be extended by documented periods of long-term sick leave (more than 90 days) or rehabilitation benefits due to incapacity for work. In addition, periods of parental and childcare leave granted in accordance with the Polish Labour Code may be added to this period. For women, 18 months may be added for each child born or adopted, if this method of accounting for career breaks is more beneficial to the candidate.
3. The Principal Investigator of the project must not have been the candidate's doctoral supervisor or co-supervisor.
4. During the period of receiving remuneration from the project, the employed person may not receive other remuneration from direct costs of research projects financed through NCN competitions. During the period of receiving remuneration, the employed person may not receive remuneration from another employer under an employment contract, including an employer based outside Poland.

ESSENTIAL / MERITORIOUS REQUIREMENTS

• A doctoral degree in pharmaceutical, biological, chemical, health sciences or a related discipline (degree recognised in Poland).
• Fluent spoken and written English, confirmed by a language certificate (e.g. CAE, TOEFL, IELTS) or documented research experience in an English-speaking country.
• A documented publication record including at least 5 scientific articles published between 2020 and 2026 in journals indexed in the JCR, as well as active participation in scientific conferences related to the subject area of the project.
• Practical experience and specialised knowledge of the physicochemical and biological properties of active substances with potential therapeutic and regenerative applications, as well as potential carriers of active substances.
• At least one documented research placement undertaken within the last 6 years at a research institution conducting preclinical research will be considered an advantage.
• Knowledge of techniques enabling the characterisation of active substances with different potentials, including assessment of their osteoinductive potential, will be an advantage.
• Experience in conducting research projects, independent analysis and interpretation of results, preparation of manuscripts, and public presentation and discussion of research findings. Knowledge of statistical analysis of experimental data.
• Proficiency in statistical and graphical software such as Statistica, GraphPad Prism, ImageJ or equivalent, as well as the ability to select appropriate statistical tests for different types of data and interpret their results.
• High standards of research ethics.

SCOPE OF DUTIES

• Designing and conducting in vitro biological studies aimed at assessing the activity of novel bioactive substances of different characteristics and developing and evaluating methods for their delivery to cells using appropriately selected biological assays, in close cooperation with the research team and project partners.
• Independent analysis of experimental data, including statistical analysis and interpretation of results in a biological and application-oriented context.
• Preparation of graphical materials for presentations and publications, including graphs, data summaries, composite figures and processing of illustrative materials such as microscopic images.
• Active participation in the preparation of scientific publications, including manuscript preparation, data analysis, literature review and scientific editing.
• Systematic archiving of research data in accordance with project standards and FAIR principles.
• Ongoing reporting of research results, both orally and in writing, during regular project team meetings, as well as preparation of materials for project reports.
• Dissemination of project results, including participation in conferences and educational events related to the project.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with other members of the research team, external partners and institutions supporting the implementation of project outcomes.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR RECRUITMENT

Candidates applying for the position are requested to submit an employment application addressed to the Rector of the University of Lodz, together with the following documents:

• Personal questionnaire for an applicant for employment and declarations available on the University of Lodz website (https://www.uni.lodz.pl/kariera), including, among others, a declaration that the University of Lodz will be the candidate's primary place of employment and declarations required under the University of Lodz Standards for the Protection of Minors.
• Cover letter.
• CV and a list of previous scientific, organizational and other achievements, including publications, conference presentations, research placements and research projects.
• Information on the candidate's level of proficiency in Polish (for foreign candidates).
• Information on the candidate's level of proficiency in English and, where applicable, other languages.
• Copy of the doctoral diploma or certificate confirming the award of the doctoral degree.
• GDPR information clause available on the University of Lodz website (https://www.uni.lodz.pl/kariera).

Competition decision date: December 14th, 2026

We reserve the right to invite selected candidates for an interview. Winning the competition does not guarantee employment at the University of Lodz. We reserve the right to leave an application unconsidered if the required declarations are not submitted within the specified recruitment deadline