Organisation/Company University of Warsaw Research Field Physics » Optics Technology » Quantum technology Physics » Condensed matter properties Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Poland Application Deadline 3 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Brussels) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - EIC Reference Number 101130304 (PolArt) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

COMPETITION OPENING DATE DECEMBER 4, 2025

The Dean of the Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor (Postdoctoral Researcher) in the project PolArt – Polariton Neuromorphic Accelerator, implemented under the EIC Pathfinder Open programme, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC).

The PolArt project aims to develop a new generation of hardware artificial intelligence circuits based on polariton neural networks, serving as optical accelerators for neuromorphic computing. This solution enables the creation of compact and energy-efficient devices capable of local data processing without high-bandwidth network connections.

The technology relies on exciton–polaritons, hybrid quasiparticles of light and matter with strong interactions, low effective mass, and long coherence times. Recent progress in achieving room-temperature operation in perovskite materials opens new perspectives for practical optical and neuromorphic applications.

The researcher will conduct experimental studies of nonlinear optical phenomena in the strong light–matter coupling regime, design and test new waveguide-based perovskite structures, and explore spin–orbit coupling (SOC) effects. Tasks include preparation and operation of optical setups, performing spectroscopy measurements, analysing data, and publishing results in international journals.

The candidate will also collaborate closely with international partners, contribute to the project’s reports and deliverables, and support the supervision of students involved in laboratory work.

The candidates have to conform to the conditions stated in art. 113 of Higher Education Law dated 20.07.2018. (Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland 2024, item 1571 with further amendments )

Where to apply

E-mail barbara.pietka@fuw.edu.pl

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Optics Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Fulfilment of the requirements set out in Article 113 of the Law on Higher Education and Science (Journal of Laws of 2024, item 1571, consolidated text)
• PhD degree in physical sciences or a related field (optics, photonics, condensed matter physics, semiconductor materials).
• Experience in experimental research in optics and solid‑state spectroscopy (including photoluminescence and reflectance measurements, work with ps, fs, or cw lasers).
• Knowledge of semiconductor physics, nonlinear optics, and strong light–matter coupling phenomena.
• Experience with experimental setups, including fs/ps/cw lasers in the visible range, cryogenic techniques, and optical microscopy.
• Programming skills in at least two languages used for data analysis (e.g., Python, Matlab, LabVIEW, or equivalent).
• Documented scientific achievements relevant to the project’s scope (publications in JCR‑listed journals).
• Good command of English (spoken and written) for reading literature, preparing publications, and communicating with project partners.
• Significant scientific achievements
• Presentation of the plan for further research activities
• International experience
• Teamwork skills, independence, and strong motivation for research.

Specific Requirements

• Experience working with perovskite materials, thin‑film structures, or photonic microstructures.
• Documented participation in national or international research projects.
• Skills in numerical modelling and simulations (e.g., COMSOL, FDTD Solutions, PLaSK or equivalent).
• Experience in optical characterisation of nonlinear or polaritonic materials.
• Active participation in scientific conferences.
• Interest in neuromorphic photonics, quantum optics, and polariton‑based devices.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment (physics, chemistry, materials engineering)

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field Physics » OpticsPhysics » Solid state physics Years of Research Experience 4 - 10

Additional Information

• Workplace: Institute of Experimental Physics, Faculty of Physics, University of Warsaw
• The successful candidate will have the opportunity to: conduct independent research and publish in high‑impact scientific journals, participate in international conferences and training sessions, collaborate with research teams in Poland and abroad, develop teaching and project management skills, apply for research grants and lead independent research projects in the future.
• Scientific achievements: quality and number of scientific publications, particularly in JCR‑listed journals related to the project’s subject.
• Research experience: experience in experimental research in optics, photonics, semiconductor physics, and solid‑state spectroscopy.
• Relevance of previous research: experience in studying strong light–matter coupling, nonlinear optics, and perovskite materials.
• Technical and methodological skills: knowledge of measurement techniques, optical systems, data analysis, and programming tools (Python, Matlab, LabVIEW or equivalent).
• English proficiency: ability to communicate effectively, write publications, and collaborate internationally.
• Teamwork: ability to cooperate in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Scientific activity: participation in conferences, research projects, and collaborative networks.
• Motivation: alignment of research interests with the project goals and readiness to achieve them.

Additional qualifications: experience with perovskite materials, numerical simulations, SOC‑related research, or neuromorphic photonics (considered an asset).

Selection process

Interested candidates should submit by email to barbara.pietka@fuw.edu.pl with the reference number in the subject line, the following documents:

• Copy/scan of the PhD diploma or administrative confirmation of the submitted PhD documentation.
• List of publications from the Web of Science database indicating two most significant achievements.
• Motivation letter describing research interests and their relevance to the project.
• Description of previous experimental experience (max. 1 page), indicating expertise in measurement techniques, optical spectroscopy, or photonics.
• Contact details of at least two referees able to provide scientific references.
• Plan for further research activities

As part of the employment process, the selected candidate is required to submit the original documents.

The candidates might be asked for an interview with the commission appointed by the Dean of the Faculty.

The entire procedure will be concluded till January 31,2025.

Candidates with disabilities or special needs may report their accessibility requirements for the recruitment process.