Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science

Organisation/Company Jagiellonian University Department Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science Research Field Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Poland Application Deadline 17 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Project is being carried out within First Team FENG, Grant agreement no. FENG.02.02-IP.05-0212/23, competition no. 1/2023, PRIORITY 2 OF THE PROGRAMME EUROPEAN FUNDS FOR SMART ECONOMY 2021-2027 (FENG).

Project title: Non-invasive sensor for detecting hazardous materials in the aquatic environment

The aim of the project is to test in close to real conditions a portable device that allows for remote detection and identification of hazardous substances such as war remnants, war gases, etc., in the aquatic environment. The principle of operation of the device is based on the phenomenon of neutron activation of the substance and measurement of characteristic spectra of gamma quanta created after irradiation of the substance with a neutron beam. In contrast to commonly used methods, the solution proposed in the project allows for determining the chemical composition of a suspicious object remotely, without endangering human life and health. Neutrons emitted by the elemental source or generator are absorbed or scattered inelastically on the atomic nuclei of the tested object, which causes their excitation to higher energy states. These nuclei, when passing to the ground state, emit gamma quanta, the energy of which depends on the type of nucleus. These quanta can be registered, for example, using scintillation detectors. Taking into account the probability of neutrons interacting with different nuclei and the detectors efficiency in registering gamma quanta of a given energy, we obtain the numbers of atoms of elements that make up the tested object (stoichiometry). Thanks to the development of this technology, it will be possible to increase the safety of sailors, civilians and public services, especially in the Baltic Sea, where dumped ammunition and heavy fuel from World War II pose a serious threat to navigation, and toxic substances contained in some projectiles, e.g. war gases, are a serious environmental problem.

Where to apply

E-mail agata.hadasz@uj.edu.pl

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Other Education Level PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• MSc in physics or related field;
• PhD student status required during the contract period;
• Experience in working with radiation detectors;
• Passion for experimental work;
• Ability of programming in C++ or Python languages;
• Knowledge of the ROOT, GEANT4 environment and basic data analysis methods;

The scholarship may be awarded to a person who does not receive another research scholarship under another program implemented by the Foundation for Polish Science, regardless of the source of their financing, with the exception of the Start program.

Eligibility criteria

• Testing and characterizing the detector in terms of energy and time resolution.
• Conducting preliminary tests in water and collecting spectra for TNT and war gas simulants.
• Conducting preliminary tests in water and collecting spectra for TNT and war gas simulants.
• Optimization of the sensor geometry and final tests, determination of the minimum detectable amounts of the substance, and optimal scanning time of objects.
• Opportunities to work within an interdisciplinary research team.

Required documents

• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications and a description of previous scientific work and other experiences/achievements;
• Documents confirming experience and education;
• Letter of recommendation written by the candidates academic supervisor

Selection process

• The first stage of the competition procedure is formal verification of the submitted documents. Offers that successfully pass formal verification are subject to substantive evaluation, during which a recruitment interview will be conducted (directly or via electronic communication channels), after prior arrangement of the date with the Candidate;
• Candidates will be assessed by the Recruitment Committee appointed at the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science of the Jagiellonian University;
• The Recruitment Committee reserves the right to invite only selected candidates for an interview;
• The Recruitment Committee reserves the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate.
• The competition results will be announced before January 10, 2026.

Additional comments

• For more details about the position please visit: fais.uj.edu.pl
• Position starts on: Not earlier than 1st January 2026
• Maximum period of contract/scholarship agreement: to 30th September of 2026 r.

Due to technical reasons, the announcement on the website of the Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Applied Computer Science of the Jagiellonian University was published one day later than on the Euraxess portal (02.12.2025).

The application deadline has been extended to 17.12.2025 (original deadline: 16.12.2025) to ensure full transparency of the recruitment process and equal opportunities for all applicants.

All other terms and conditions of the call remain unchanged

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1

Company/Institute Jagiellonian University – Marian Smoluchowski Institute of Physics Jagiellonian University

Country Poland

City Krakow

Postal Code 30-348

Street Łojasiewicza 11 Geofield