Requirements:

- completed graduate (Master’s) level in mineralogy, geochemistry, mineral-water interaction, crystallography, or related fields;

- fulfillment of the requirements set out in the NCN regulations for awarding scholarships in research projects (https://www.ncn.gov.pl/sites/default/files/pliki/uchwaly-rady/2024/uchwala25_2024-zal1.pdf);

- the scholarship holder must be a PhD student at the AGH Doctoral School as of October 1, 2025, when the scholarship begins;

-  proficiency in spoken and written English;

- excellent communication and teamwork skills;

- motivation for scientific research, high level of engagement in research work;

- desire to continuously improve and broaden skills;

- willingness to actively participate in national and international scientific conferences and research internships, including longer stays abroad;

Preferred:

- experience in laboratory work in experimental mineralogy and geochemistry;

- basic knowledge of phase analysis techniques: SEM/EDS, XRD, XRF, electron microprobe, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR;

- practical knowledge of some basic instrumental techniques for aqueous solution analysis, for example: pH determination and measurement, sample preparation and calibration for AAS and ICP, UV-VIS spectroscopy;

- laboratory experience with acids and bases sufficient to ensure safe handling;

- proven ability to conduct scientific work: publications, conference presentations, participation in workshops and training courses;

To receive the scholarship, the candidate must be successfully admitted to the AGH Doctoral School (recruitment takes place in August–September 2025). Failure to apply or a negative outcome will result in termination of the agreement.
 

The NCN OPUS 28 research scholarship is 5000 PLN/month gross for a period of 4 years, starting on October 1, 2025 (after acquiring PhD student status at the AGH Doctoral School). The student will also receive the standard AGH Doctoral School stipend (first two years: 3400 PLN, last two years: 5300 PLN).

To receive the scholarship, the candidate must be successfully admitted to the AGH Doctoral School (recruitment takes place in August–September 2025). Failure to apply or a negative outcome will result in termination of the agreement.

Please send your application to project leader Prof. Maciej Manecki at: gpmmanec@cyf-kr.edu.pl.

Deadline: 2025-08-08 16:00

Email subject line: “PhD OPUS28”. Selected candidates will be invited for interviews in English (via Teams or Zoom), to be held between August 18–20, 2025. Results will be announced on 2025.08.22.

Required Documents (PDF format, file names should include applicant’s surname):

1. Motivation letter including a description of scientific interests and future plans, justifying intended involvement in the project;
2. Detailed CV in English, including education history, research achievements, scholarships, awards, domestic and international research experience (workshops, internships, research projects), description of technical and research skills, qualifications, and scientific output (list of publications and conference presentations);
3. Contact details for two referees (including email and phone);
4. Copy of Master's thesis;
5. Signed consent for personal data processing.

Project Description:

The PhD candidate will carry out research as part of the NCN OPUS 28 project titled: "Immobilization of U and Th by Pb-activated zeolite". The aim is to do research as part of the project to obtain scientific results enabling an application for the doctoral degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The scope of work includes, among others: experimental determination of the extent and mechanism of uranium and thorium immobilization; determination of structure and incorporation mechanisms of U and Th into pyromorphite Pb₅(PO₄)₃Cl; theoretical basis and lab testing of a reactive geochemical barrier composed of a hydroxylapatite – Pb-zeolite mineral mixture for effective immobilization of U(VI) and Th via coprecipitation with pyromorphite on zeolite.

Detailed tasks include: synthesis of mineral analogs from aqueous solutions; phase and chemical characterization of precipitates; chemical analysis of solutions; dissolution and crystallization experiments of lead apatites under various conditions; sorption and desorption experiments; structural analysis of crystalline phases; scientific interpretation of observed phenomena.

The scholar will participate in the full research cycle: from synthesis, through instrumental analysis of solids and solutions, to data interpretation and presentation (in English) during regular group seminars and international conferences followed by the writing and editing of scientific papers. The work will result in co-authored publications in international journals that will serve as the basis for the PhD degree. The student is also expected to actively participate in the work of the LARG research team (https://larg.agh.edu.pl/larg/).