Description of the research project:

The aim of the project is to pioneer the use of SERS and PIERS spectroscopy as a tool for hybrid research nanomaterials to induce and observe photocatalytic reactions. The research is guided by three innovative directions: 1/ assessment of the morphological features and photocatalytic properties of nanostructured semiconductors before and after the deposition of noble metal nanoparticles, 2/ correlation of these properties with the induced SERS and PIERS effect, and 3/ induction and monitoring of selected photocatalytic reactions.

We focus primarily on substrates that can obtain precise shapes and sizes, ensuring repeatable Raman scattering. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms that generate the charges needed for the photocatalytic reaction is also necessary to achieve long-lasting and repeatable Raman signal amplification. In the project's final phase, molecular identification of photocatalytic reactions in model systems is planned, including in situ time-resolved and spatially resolved techniques. This project represents a significant advance in spectroscopy based on plasmonic effects, with the potential to revolutionize the field. It has the potential to increase the performance, stability, and versatility of photocatalytic nanomaterials and rapidly assess their applicability, thereby contributing to the advancement of science and technology.

Candidate profile:

• expected knowledge of English at least at B2 level;
• Master of Science degree in the field of chemistry, physics, and related disciplines;
• basic knowledge about physical chemistry, and operation of spectroscopic instrumentation;
• preferable experience with the fabrication of nanomaterials.

The competition will be conducted by the Admission Committee and the results will be the basis for the admission of the selected candidate(s).

Competition schedule:

1. Announcement of the competition on the Doctoral School website: 03.06.2024
2. Opening of the competition (start accepting applications in the IRK): 17.06.2024
3. Deadline for submitting applications (closing date for IRK applications): 21.06.2024
4. Entrance examinations: 27-28.06.2024
5. Announcement of results: 09.07.2024
6. Enrollment: 10-31.07.2024
7. Enrollment (reserve list): 11-13.09.2024
8. Expected start date of education: 01.10.2024

Admission procedure

• Detailed recruitment conditions and procedures - tailored to the Chemistry education programme
• Application documents and documents required for admission
• For Preludium BIS 5 competition, the recruitment rules and the conditions for granting the scholarship also include the criteria specified in Annex 2 to the Terms and Conditions of Awarding Funds for the Implementation of Tasks Funded by the National Science Centre under research projects, Resolution of the Council of the NCN no 50/2023 of May 11, 2023, point 2.1.3 (available only Polish version of the resolution). Entrants in the call may only be persons who have no doctoral degree and are not readers of a Doctoral School. 
• The committee evaluates candidates on a point scale, taking into account competences to carry out specific tasks in the research project and the candidate's scientific achievements to date, and on this basis prepares a ranking of candidates according to the following criteria:
  • competences to carry out specific tasks in the research project (70% of the final grade): 
    • 3 points very good; 
    • 2 points good; 
    • 1 point weak; 
    • 0 points lack of competence. 
  • scientific achievements of the candidate, including publications in renowned publishing houses/scientific journals (30% of the final grade): 
    • 4 outstanding points; 
    • 3 points very good; 
    • 2 points good; 
    • 1 point weak; 
    • 0 points no scientific achievements.

 

Additional information

In the case of exposure to factors that are harmful, strenuous, or hazardous to health, the candidate is referred to a medical examination by an occupational physician at the time of enrolment. The candidate is required to provide a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to undertaking education within the deadline set by the education programme co-ordinator (applies to selected education programmes only).

Higher education certificates obtained abroad should:

1. bear an Apostille when the country issuing the document is covered by the Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, done at The Hague on 5 October 1961 (Journal of Laws of 2005, No. 112, item 938), or
2. by subject to legalisation, in other cases. In particularly justified cases, at the request of the Grant Manager, the Director of the NŚiP Doctoral School may waive the requirement to provide apostille or to submit diplomas of higher education or other documents for legalisation. Any document issued in a language other than Polish or English must be accompanied by a certified translation into Polish or English.

Accommodation:

It is possible to apply for a place in the Doctoral House. Receipt of a place is determined by the availability of vacant places and the fulfilment of the conditions described on the Doctoral Student Society website.

IMPORTANT:

A person admitted to a doctoral school commences education and acquires the rights of a doctoral student upon taking the oath. The taking of the oath is done by personally signing the oath in the office of the Education Programme.

Health Insurance

During grant-funded employment, health insurance will be paid by the employer (Jagiellonian University) regardless of the PhD student's country of origin. In case of resignation from employment, the general rules for PhD students apply:

1. Citizens of Poland, European Union [EU], European Free Trade Association [EFTA] and holders of the Pole's Card, up to the age of 26 should be insured as members of their families, if these have insurance in the EU/EFTA. The insurance is confirmed by a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) card issued in the country of insurance application. Once they have reached the age of 26, they will apply for health insurance coverage at the Jagiellonian University.
2. Other doctoral students (from outside the EU, EFTA) have to pay for their own voluntary health insurance at the Social Security Health institution [ZUS] (on the basis of a contract concluded with the Polish National Health Fund [NFZ] facility) or take out a commercial insurance with a guarantee amount of no less than EUR 30000. They may have both of these insurances. It is insufficient to have only medical packages (subscriptions) in private facilities, as these do not cover the costs of possible hospitalisation. We recommend that each candidate, in particular a foreign candidate, takes out insurance for the duration of the journey and a minimum of the first month of stay in Poland (until the formalities have been completed upon arrival).