PhD student

Application deadline:  20 March 2026

Job type: employment contract (full time)

Scientific discipline: Physics, astrophysics, medical scanner, detector development, data analysis, and data science

Monthly gross salary before taxes: 7 925 PLN gross/month (estimated value “on hand” = 6 037 PLN net/month, i.e. approx. 1 420 EUR)

Maximum period of contract: Until the end of the Project (31.12.2029), with the possibility of extension

Position starts on: 01.04.2026

Link to the job offer on Euraxess

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Offer description

Institution: Astrocent Department of the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Project leader: Marcin Kuźniak

Project title: Astrocent: Particle Astrophysics Technology Centre
(Supported by the Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agendas Programme, financed from the European Funds for a Modern Economy programme)

Project description:

The Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center offers the opportunity to carry out a research project leading to a PhD degree. We search for candidates interested in subjects pursued at the Particle Astrophysics Technology Centre (Astrocent) implemented at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center as part of the International Research Agendas Programme (IRAP) of the Foundation for Polish Science, supported by the European Funds for a Modern Economy. The main focus of Astrocent is to conduct scientific research in the areas of particle astrophysics that deal with exploring the hidden Universe, and to develop commercial applications of the technologies developed in that context.

Candidates should contact their potential supervisors to obtain more details on the proposals.

Subject: Development of cryogenic photosensors with digital readout systems for medical scanners and scientific experiments

Advisor: Prof. Masayuki Wada (masayuki@camk.edu.pl)

The research group is developing a clinical Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner by using xenon-doped liquid argon (Xe-LAr) as a monolithic scintillating medium read out by cryogenic silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with custom digital proximity readout. This combination enables sub-100 ps time-of-flight (TOF) precision and millimetre-scale spatial resolution, surpassing the limits of conventional crystal-based scanners. The Xe-LAr offers superior light yield, fast scintillation response, and ultra-low noise due to cryogenic operation, leading to a significant increase in sensitivity, the key factor enabling radiation dose reduction.

The PhD student will work on the development of the photosensor with digital readout, which includes testing and subsequent data analysis. The same technology will be applied to dark matter searches, and there will be opportunities to participate in them.

Astrocent (https://astrocent.edu.pl) was established on 1 July 2018 within the framework of the International Research Agendas Programme of the Foundation for Polish Science. Its significant expansion has been recently made possible with a combined 30 MEur of funding from the Horizon Europe Teaming of Excellence programme, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the Foundation for Polish Science.

At Astrocent, research is focused primarily on the areas of the detection of neutrinos, gravitational waves and dark matter using advanced technological instruments, whose development will be among the prime areas of activity of the Centre, as well as on theory.

Astrocent has developed close collaborative links with institutions in Europe and worldwide, in particular with our strategic partners APC (Astroparticle and Cosmology Laboratory) in Paris and the McDonald Institute in Canada.

Currently, IRAP Astrocent project comprises three international research groups of physicists and engineers:

1. Photonics for astroparticle physics and sustainable energy (leader: Prof. Marcin Kuźniak);
2. Medical physics and radiation detectors (leader: Prof. Masayuki Wada);
3. Electronics, seismic and environmental sensors (leader: Dr. Mariusz Suchenek).

Astrocent is formally an administrative division of Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center of the Polish Academy of Sciences (http://www.camk.edu.pl) – an internationally leading institute in astronomy and astrophysics. The transformation of  Astrocent into a new independent institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences is currently in progress (https://astrocent.edu.pl/astrocent-becomes-a-new-international-institute-of-the-polish-academy-of-sciences/).

Astrocent strongly values the diversity of candidates and is committed to the equality of opportunities.

Key responsibilities

1. Development of cryogenic digital photodetectors, including data readout software
2. Characterisation and evaluation of the photodetectors at cryogenic temperatures
3. Actively participate in the research program in Astrocent
4. Co-operation with the other research teams at Astrocent
5. Readiness to apply for grants

Requirements

1. A potential candidate should have a background in physics, a Master’s degree in physics, or a relevant field.
2. Ability to work and collaborate in research teams in a competitive environment.
3. Other requirements:

• Programming skills (C, C++, Matlab, Python, LabView)
• Knowledge of designing detectors with 3D CAD software like SolidWorks or Autodesk Inventor
• Hardware experience with cryogenic systems, fluid handling systems, or photosensor evaluation systems
• English language skills allow for work in an international environment

Required documents

1. GDPR statement following the template available at  GDPR statement following the template available at https://dream.camk.edu.pl/index.php/s/xxBVGNexqbFy2GB  or  https://dream.camk.edu.pl/index.php/s/iipbk0Fjm7s2KM3
2. A copy of their Master/University and Bachelor degree diplomas. In case Master degree diploma is not yet available, it must be provided before the candidate is admitted to the school;
3. A transcript of grades (Bachelor and Master Courses);
4. A Curriculum Vitae including an education and employment record, list of publications, information on involvement in scientific activities – membership in scientific groups/societies, participation in scientific conferences, internships and training, awards and distinctions;
5. A letter of motivation containing a short description of the candidate’s interests and scientific achievements, and justification of the intention to undertake education at our institution;
6. English language certificate(s), if available;
7. At least one recommendation letter should be sent directly by the referee to ac_recruitment@camk.edu.pl before the deadline.

We offer

1. An open, stimulating and friendly research environment with access to all the facilities.
2. Close collaboration with foreign institutions, with the necessary financial support for travel and scientific visits.

Please submit the following documents to: ac_recruitment@camk.edu.pl

Interviews for shortlisted  candidates are planned for 23 March 2026.

Apply now