Post-doc position within the OPUS 30 project
Job Title: Post-doc position within the OPUS 30 project
Project Title: Protoporphyrin IX–photosensitized isomerization of a photoswitchable cisplatin analogue and palladium complexes for application in combined therapy integrating photoactivated chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and photodynamic therapy – in vitro studies
Project Summary:
The project aims to develop anticancer metal complexes whose cytotoxicity and radiosensitizing activity can be precisely controlled with visible light, using photochemical E/Z isomerization as a reversible molecular switch. The complexes change between less and more toxic isomers upon irradiation with different wavelengths, and they outperform cisplatin as radiosensitizers in cell studies. To overcome the limited tissue penetration of the original switching wavelengths, the project employs protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) to mediate Z→E isomerization with red light in the phototherapeutic window, taking advantage of its preferential accumulation in cancer cells and its established roles in photodynamic therapy and radiosensitization. Ultimately, combined complex–PpIX systems will be evaluated as an integrated photo/radiotherapeutic platform that merges photoactivated chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and PDT under biologically accessible illumination conditions.
Position: Assistant Professor (Post-doc)
Requirements:
- PhD degree in natural sciences in chemistry, biology, biotechnology, or related disciplines, or expected completion in 2026 (official confirmation required). According to National Science Centre regulations, the PhD degree must have been obtained no earlier than 12 years before employment under the project.
- Documented scientific experience (publications and conference participation) in radiation chemistry, analytical chemistry, medical chemistry, and/or cell biology.
- Documented experience in cell culture.
- Experience in flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy.
- Good knowledge of analytical techniques such as LC/MS; experience in analysis of organometallic complexes.
- Ability to work in a team.
- Reliability and ability to independently solve scientific problems.
Responsibilities:
Optimization and maintenance of 2D and 3D cell cultures involving healthy and cancer cells. Studies of cytotoxicity and cellular response (flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy) to ionizing radiation in the presence of selected radiosensitizers. Coordination and supervision of PhD students.
Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
Additional Information:
Required documents:
- Cover letter.
- Academic CV including publication list.
- Copy of PhD diploma or confirmation of obtaining a PhD degree in 2026 (scan or electronic version accepted).
- At least one letter of recommendation from a previous mentor. Candidates applying for a post-doc position for the first time must submit a recommendation letter from their PhD supervisor. The letter must be sent directly by the referee to: janusz.rak@ug.edu.pl
- Applications may be submitted in person to the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul. Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, by post addressed to Prof. J. Rak, or by email to janusz.rak@ug.edu.pl (preferred). In the latter case, the cover letter may be included in the email body, with scanned documents attached.
- Applicants must also submit a signed consent clause and information clause regarding personal data processing, available at:
https://ug.edu.pl/strona/76189/przykladowa_klauzula_informacyjna:
- „Sample consent clause (specimen)”
- „Sample information clause (specimen)”
After the deadline, applications will undergo initial screening, and selected candidates will be invited for an interview conducted either remotely or at the Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk. Candidates will be notified of the interview date via email.
For inquiries, please contact Prof. J. Rak at: janusz.rak@ug.edu.pl
Employment Conditions:
- Full-time employment contract (100%) for 12 months, extendable up to an additional 36 months (maximum 4 years total).
- Gross salary (employer cost): 168,000 PLN per year (including mandatory social security contributions).
- Estimated start date: October 1, 2026`