Postdoctoral Researcher in novel photodetectors

Application deadline:  20 April 2026

Job type: employment contract (full time)

Scientific discipline: Physics, condensed matter physics, astroparticle physics, electronics, detector development, data analysis

Monthly gross salary before taxes: 9361 PLN gross/month (estimated value “on hand” = 7925 PLN net/month)

Maximum period of contract: The initial term is for two years with an option of renewal if mutually agreed.

Position starts on: immediately

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:

We offer 1 postdoctoral position in the field of novel photodetectors and experimental particle astrophysics at the Particle Astrophysics Technology Centre (Astrocent) implemented at the Nicolaus Copernicus Astronomical Center as part of the International Research Agendas programme of the Foundation for Polish Science, supported by the European Funds for a Modern Economy. The main focus of Astrocent is to conduct research in science and technology in the areas of particle astrophysics that deal with exploring the hidden Universe.

Subject:  Development of novel organic and organic-inorganic hybrid photodetectors

Supervisor: Prof. Marcin Kuźniak (mkuzniak@camk.edu.pl)

Our group is involved in the development and testing of novel large-area silicon photomultiplier-based modules for applications, among others, in very large dark matter and neutrino detectors.

As an additional line of research, we intend to push the limits of the organic and hybrid (perovskite-based) photosensor technology. According to recent literature, in some aspects, such devices can already match or outperform silicon-based devices, with the added benefit of the intrinsic scalability of the production method (for details see https://indico.cern.ch/event/1485254/contributions/6355108). The successful candidate will lead work on prototyping and testing multiple configurations of such sensors, and on applying methods of printed electronics for their scale-up.

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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 include

1. Leading the R&D program on novel wavelength shifters and scintillators, with support from a PhD student, technicians and external national and international partners.
2. Simulation and modelling to optimise the performance.
3. Oversight, coordination, and active involvement in prototyping, characterisation and testing of the material samples.

Required Qualifications

1. Ph.D. in Physics, Applied Physics, Electronics Engineering, Electrochemistry or a closely related field;
2. Proficient in programming in C++ or Python for data analysis, laboratory automation, and control systems;
3. Strong background in signal processing and data analysis;
4. English language skills sufficient to communicate and collaborate effectively in an international research environment.

Desired Qualifications (optional but advantageous)

1. Practical experience with the development or testing of photodetectors or photovoltaic solar cells
2. Practical experience in laboratory work with, ideally:

• Experience with thin film deposition techniques (spin coating, PVD, CVD)
• Experience with surface and material characterisation techniques (SEM, profilers), spectrophotometry and fluorometry, elipsometry
• Familiarity with techniques of printed electronics
• Experience in laboratory work with chemicals

3. Experience with transparent electrode coatings and/or graphene

Required documents

1. 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;
2. A brief statement of research interests and career goals (1–2 pages);
3. A publication list;
4. A photocopy of the PhD diploma;
5. A copy of the PhD thesis (if not confidential);
6. At least two, preferably three, letters of reference emailed by the referees directly to ac_recruitment@camk.edu.pl before the deadline;
7. A scan of the signed GDPD form (available at https://dream.camk.edu.pl/index.php/s/xxBVGNexqbFy2GB  or  https://dream.camk.edu.pl/index.php/s/iipbk0Fjm7s2KM3 )

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 21-22 April 2026

Apply now