PhD Studentship from University of Warsaw

Development of self-organised catalyst using highly robust PSI particles for sustainable molecular hydrogen production

A tax-free bursary of 37,200 PLN per annum
Applications are invited for a 3-year PhD studentship in the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Poland. The studentship has been recently funded by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education within the EuroSolarFuels programme coordinated by the European Science Foundation (http://tinyurl.com/eurosolarfuels). EuroSolarFuels is a consortium of 8 laboratories located in Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and UK aiming at the modular design of a bio-inspired nanostructured heterojunction tandem cell for molecular hydrogen production. It offers an excellent predoctoral and postdoctoral training environment in biochemistry and biophysics with the emphasis on solar-to-fuel conversion.
The main aim of the project is to develop a stable and efficient self-organised photocatalyst based on immobilised photosystem I (PSI) particles for the production of water-derived molecular hydrogen. A highly stable complex of PSI and associated light harvesting antenna from the extremophilic red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae will be used as a robust natural cathodic component within the organic-inorganic heterojunction tandem nanodevice performing solar energy-to-fuel conversion. The successful candidate will develop a methodology for efficient immobilisation and interfacing of the platinised C. merolae PSI particles to the energy-compatible semiconductors within a hydrogen-producing heterojunction tandem device. The work will be conducted in the newly established laboratory of Dr. Joanna Kargul at the University of Warsaw in collaboration with the world-class European laboratories. As part of the project, frequent travel to the collaborating partners of the consortium is expected. Additional funds are available to attend regular consortium meetings, workshops and international conferences.
Additional Job Details
PhD bursary: 3,100 PLN/month (37,200 PLN p.a.)
Start date: 3 October 2011
PhD candidates should:

• hold an MSc or equivalent in biology, biotechnology or a related field
• provide a transcript from the last completed cycle of studies (with a cumulative average grade)
• provide a list of publications and conference abstracts (if applicable)

Successful PhD candidates will have the opportunity to enrol for a PhD programme at the Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw.
Previous experience with cell culture, chromatographic (AEC, SEC), spectroscopic and standard biochemical techniques will be a major advantage. A fluent command of spoken and written English is essential. Knowledge of Polish is not a requirement.
Applicants should send a curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, cover letter, and contact details of 3 referees to Dr. Joanna Kargul (j.kargul@imperial.ac.uk), quoting EuroSolarFuels in the subject line. Informal enquiries are welcome. The closing date for the receipt of applications is 1 August 2011. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be scheduled for the week beginning 12 September.