Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Physic, Department of Condensed Matter Physics
Topic: Preparation and study of catalysts for the production of green hydrogen by photoelectrolysis of water.
Annotation: The postdoctoral research will be focused on the synthesis of low-cost active and stable catalysts for photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution. The aim is to improve the catalytic capabilities of mixed iron and copper oxides (CFO) by using appropriate preparation techniques. Accordingly, various strategies will be used to synthesize CFO-based samples, such as sputtering and surface treatment of the catalysts with various layers in order to improve the stability and activity of the catalyst. Selected methods of structural and morphological characterization will also be used to investigate the physical properties of the produced catalysts.
Host professor: Prof. Ing. Martin Orendáč, DrSc.
Email: martin.orendac@upjs.sk
Supervisor: Doc. Mgr. Vladimir Komanický, Ph.D.
Email: vladimir.komanicky@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate: The applicant for this position must have experience in research in the field of photoelectrocatalysis, electrocatalysis, fuel cells and electrolyzers, must have strong theoretical and practical experience in the field of condensed matter physics, physical chemistry and materials research. One of the main requirements is also practical skills in the preparation of thin catalytic layers using magnetron sputtering and electrodeposition. The applicant’s professional qualifications must be supported by publications or patents in the field of electrocatalysis or photocatalysis.
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Physic, Department of Condensed Matter Physics
Topic: Optimized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Nucleic Acid Separation Processes.
Annotation: Magnetic nanoparticles have high surface area to volume ratio, high binding rate with detection substances, and can perform magnetically controllable aggregation and dispersion and separation of nucleic acids simple and easy. Magnetic separation of nucleic acids has several advantages compared to other techniques used for the same purpose. Nucleic acids can be isolated directly from crude sample materials such as blood, tissue homogenates, cultivation media, water, etc. Due to the possibility of adjusting the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles, they can be removed relatively easily and selectively even from viscous sample suspensions.
The aim of the postdoctoral researcher position will be the preparation, structural and magnetic characterization of magnetic nanoparticle systems of different shapes and chemical compositions and the subsequent verification of the quality of magnetic nanoparticles for the isolation of nucleic acids.
The work will focus on the systematic study of the influence of different shapes and different chemical compositions of nanoparticles, as well as the influence of functional groups bound on the surface of nanoparticles on their physicochemical properties, magnetic separation and affinity for nucleic acids. Magnetic measurements and experimental methods such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as tests to determine the separation efficiency of the nanoparticles such as fluorescence displacement assays of ethidium bromide and RNA extraction using nanoparticles will be used to characterize the nanoparticles produced. The goal is to optimize surface chemical functionalization for maximum yield and specificity of separation of genetic material from complex biological samples.
The results of this research will contribute to the development of novel, high-efficiency magnetic extraction systems that will find applications in advanced diagnostic technologies and biomedical research.
Host professor: prof. RNDr. Pavol Sovák, CSc.
Email: pavol.sovak@upjs.sk
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Adriana Zeleňáková, DrSc.
Email: adriana.zelenakova@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate: Completed a PhD on a topic dealing with the preparation and characterization of nanoparticles. The candidate should have experience in nanoparticle synthesis as well as experience with protocols and experiments to determine the separation efficiency of magnetic nanoparticles. For the postdoctoral position, the applicant will submit at least two published papers registered in Current Contents and a list of participation in at least 8 scientific conferences.
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Physics, Department of Condensed Matter Physics
Topic: Magnetization processes in soft magnetic materials in application conditions
Annotation: The project is focused on the study of selected soft magnetic materials with outstanding features such as electrical steels and compacted composite materials. The influence of preparation parameters on magnetic properties in various magnetization conditions, which are crucial for applications, will be studied. The aim will be to optimize the properties of the studied materials based on the understanding of the active magnetization processes.
Host professor: prof. Ing. Martin Orendáč, DrSc.
Email: martin.orendac@upjs.sk
Supervisor: doc. RNDr. Ján Füzer, PhD.
Email: jan.fuzer@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate:
- PhD. in Condensed Matter Physics, Materials Science, Electronics or a related field
- experience in the field of magnetic and/or structural characterization of soft magnetic materials
- at least three publications in scientific journals listed in the WoS database, at least one of them as the first or corresponding author
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry
Topic: Development of green analytical procedures based on the combination of microextraction methods with innovative devices for UV-Vis and fluorescence detection
Annotation: The main objective of the project will be the development of new analytical methods in line with current requirements for innovation, efficiency and environmental friendliness. In this respect, combinations of microextraction techniques, mainly based on the use of alternative green solvents, with UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrometry methods are seen as very promising. However, such combinations need efficient tools for measuring the analytical signals, which include optical and fluorescence probes. The introduction of these innovative devices will be beneficial for online detection of selected analytes when coupled with green microextraction techniques, or alternatively, with extraction-free procedures. This not only greatly simplifies and speeds up the analysis, but also allows us to analyse composite samples directly at the specified location and in real time with high sensitivity. The reliability of the developed methods and procedures will be verified by chemometric evaluation of the obtained results.
Host professor: Prof. Dr. Yaroslav Bazeľ, DrSc.
Email: yaroslav.bazel@upjs.sk
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Yaroslav Bazeľ, DrSc.
Email: yaroslav.bazel@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate:
- PhD. degree in Analytical Chemistry
- experience in spectral and separation (microextraction) methods
- active scientific activity: at least 5 publications in Q1 and Q2 category journals registered in WoS or Scopus database, participation in scientific conferences, foreign internship
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Analytical Chemistry
Topic: Development of new miniaturized solid-phase extraction methods for analysis of environmental and food samples: synthesis of new and use of conventional sorbents
Annotation: One of the current and important trends in contemporary analytical chemistry is the development of new procedures in accordance with the requirements of green analytical chemistry. There are several different ways to improve the “greenness” of analytical procedures. Among which include, for example miniaturization of analytical techniques, i.e. the development of procedures that would allow obtaining a high-quality analytical result using a significantly smaller amount of reagents, replacing commonly used dangerous chemicals with safer ones, and automation. The topic is devoted to the first two of the above-mentioned ways.
The development of miniaturized solid phase extraction (µ-SPE) methods for the determination of analytes in environmental and food samples is a current task in analytical chemistry. The research includes the development of new and/or improvement of existing µ-SPE techniques for the concentration and separation of target analytes using known sorbents as well as the synthesis of new sorbents based on LDH (layered double hydroxides) in order to improve their analytical characteristics. The developed methods will be verified by the analysis of real samples. µ-SPE methods can significantly reduce and sometimes completely eliminate the use of organic solvents during analysis. That is why these techniques are considered very attractive from the point of view of green analytical chemistry and at the same time enable the development of robust and highly competitive analytical methods. It is necessary to emphasize the high publication and citation potential of similar research in Q1-Q2 category journals. Modification of the surface of sorbents using various types of green solvents, use of various types of porous/fibrous materials as sorbents (e.g. nonwoven material of disposable medical masks), or synthesis of new types of sorbents (e.g. LDH) makes the scope of application of µ-SPE methods in analysis almost unlimited.
Host professor: prof. Dr. Yaroslav Bazeľ, DrSc.
Email: yaroslav.bazel@upjs.sk
Supervisor: prof. Mgr. Vasiľ Andruch, DSc.
Email: vasil.andruch@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate:
- Experience in green analytical chemistry
- Experience in microextraction methods, including: DSPE, MEPS, µ-SPEed, PT-µ SPE, etc.
- Experience with spectrometric techniques
- Experience in student supervision
- Adequate publication activity in the field
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Chemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry
Topic: Functional Coatings for Controlled Degradation of Absorbable Metals
Annotation: This project focuses on the development and electrochemical evaluation of functional surface coatings for absorbable metals intended for biomedical applications, particularly temporary implants. The main goal is to tailor degradation rates and improve biocompatibility through surface modifications. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the electrochemical behavior of coated materials and optimizing coating properties to ensure predictable and safe metal resorption in physiological environments.
Host professor: prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
Email: renata.orinakova@upjs.sk
Supervisor: prof. RNDr. Renáta Oriňaková, DrSc.
Email: renata.orinakova@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate:
- PhD in a Physical chemistry or related field
- demonstrated experience in metal-based material research
- solid understanding of chemical principles, including material structure, properties, and composition
- solid understanding and experience with electrochemical methods (linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, e.g.)
- proficiency in experimental design and characterization techniques, such as spectroscopy and microscopy
- strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex data
- excellent problem-solving abilities to tackle material chemistry-related challenges and optimize processes
- effective communication and collaboration skills to work within multidisciplinary teams
Workplace: Faculty of Science, Institute of Mathematics, Department of Discrete Mathematics
Topic: Aggregation by operators of nonadditive and nonlinear analysis
Annotation: Data aggregation (the process of combining multiple values into a single representative value) has taken on an entirely new dimension with the advent of computing technology. With technological advancements, it becomes increasingly essential to develop advanced aggregation methods that can effectively address the challenges posed by the growing dynamism of information. Modern approaches no longer rely solely on basic arithmetic operations; instead, they employ sophisticated nonlinear and nonadditive methods, such as OWA operators and the Choquet integral. These techniques enable a more precise capture of interactions and subtle nuances in data, which is critically important in fields such as image processing, cybernetic analysis, economic modelling, and risk management. Research conducted at Faculty of Science of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice confirms that the use of non-additive and nonlinear aggregation significantly improves edge detection, inpainting, and noise reduction in digital images. Such enhancements have direct potential applications in systems for autonomous control, medical diagnostics, and computer vision in general. The aim of the project is to build upon previous research and continue the development of advanced nonadditive and nonlinear aggregation operators, including their software implementation and experimental validation, with the goal of more effectively modelling complex and nonlinear interactions among data elements. Such an interdisciplinary methodology not only provides significant theoretical and educational benefits but also offers concrete innovative solutions that enhance the accuracy and adaptability of systems working with complex data structures.
The applicant’s role in this project will be to:
- Develop the theoretical aspects of nonlinear aggregation operators;
- Design and implement new aggregation techniques and evaluate their effectiveness in image processing tasks, data classification, and other data science applications;
- Present the achieved results at international conferences.
Host professor: prof. RNDr. Tomáš Madaras, PhD.
Email: tomas.madaras@upjs.sk
Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jozef Kiseľák, PhD.
Email: jozef.kiselak@upjs.sk
Professional requirements/criteria for the candidate:
- completed doctoral studies in Mathematics
- at least three published articles in international journals indexed in the Web of Science Master Journal List and Scopus, including at least one with full (100%) sole authorship
- active involvement in scientific projects with active presentation at international forums
- advanced programming skills and relevant experience in data aggregation within the field of computer vision, including data analysis
