The Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, is recruiting a Scholarship Holder/PhD Student in stable isotope biogeochemistry. This is a full-time PhD position at the IGS PAS Research Centre in Warsaw, Poland, and forms part of a funded National Science Centre project.
The research will examine variability in carbon and nitrogen isotopic baselines within Quaternary terrestrial ecosystems. The project compares modern material from the Białowieża Forest with fossil assemblages from Poland to investigate isotope fluxes, trophic relationships and variation among plants and mammalian herbivores.
The successful candidate will prepare and analyse plant and herbivore samples, including proteins, cellulose, lignin and bone collagen. The research also involves stable isotope measurements, data interpretation, scientific publications, conference presentations and doctoral training through the GeoPlanet Doctoral School.
The candidate will undertake the PhD within the Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group under the supervision of Dr hab. Maciej T. Krajcarz. The project combines laboratory analysis with Quaternary palaeoecology and biogeochemical research, with applications including archaeology, anthropology, palaeontology, environmental science and palaeogeography.
Position Overview
- Position: Scholarship Holder/PhD Student
- Reference: 463769
- Institution: Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences
- Research Unit: Quaternary Geoecology Research Group and Stable Isotope Laboratory
- Department/Faculty: Institute of Geological Sciences
- Supervisor: Dr hab. Maciej T. Krajcarz
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Contract/FTE: Temporary, full-time / 40 hours per week
- Duration: 48 months
- Start Date: 1 December 2026
- Funding:
- First two years: PLN 5,000 gross-gross per month.
- Remaining two years: PLN 6,500 gross-gross per month, subject to a positive mid-term evaluation.
- Required Degree: Master’s degree in Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or a related discipline
Research Focus
Key research areas and subjects include:
- Stable isotope biogeochemistry
- Quaternary palaeoecology
- Palaeontology
- Archaeology
- Anthropology
- Palaeogeography
- Palaeoclimatology
- Biogeochemistry
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or a related discipline.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to multitask.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A strong interest in Quaternary palaeoecology and biogeochemical analyses.
- Laboratory work experience.
- The ability to think critically and analyse data independently.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
The following experience is considered an additional advantage:
- Experience in Quaternary ecology or palaeoecology.
- Experience applying stable isotope analyses.
- Familiarity with the R programming environment.
Research Responsibilities
The Scholarship Holder will contribute to the Isobase project under the supervision of Dr hab. Maciej T. Krajcarz. The main responsibilities include:
- Documenting, selecting and preparing laboratory samples.
- Extracting analytical fractions, including proteins, cellulose and lignin.
- Preparing derivatives of analytical fractions for GC analysis.
- Analysing and interpreting project data.
- Contributing to scientific articles, conference abstracts and periodic reports.
- Presenting research through oral presentations and posters at scientific conferences.
The position also includes participation in the GeoPlanet Doctoral School and relevant international training and conference activities.
Funding & Benefits
The position is funded through the National Science Centre of Poland under the OPUS-29 Programme and provides a scientific scholarship for 48 months.
- First two years: PLN 5,000 gross per month.
- Remaining two years: PLN 6,500 gross per month, subject to a positive mid-term evaluation.
- Doctoral training: Participation in the GeoPlanet Doctoral School.
- Travel support: The Institute covers relevant foreign travel for training and conferences.
The Institute states that relocation, accommodation and living expenses in Poland or Warsaw are not covered.
Application Process
Applicants should prepare the documents required for the GeoPlanet Doctoral School and submit them as one PDF file to the recruitment office and project leader.
Required documents include:
- Application to the doctoral school.
- Copy of the Master’s degree diploma.
- Academic transcript.
- CV.
- Cover letter describing scientific interests, achievements, publications, scientific activities and motivation for doctoral education.
- Certificates confirming English-language knowledge, where available.
- At least one recommendation letter from a previous academic supervisor.
The application email should include “Isobase” in the subject line. No other documents should be sent.
Submit applications to rekrutacja_ingpan@twarda.pan.pl and mkrajcarz@twarda.pan.pl.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: 30 September 2026, 16:00 Europe/Brussels time
- Expected recruitment results: 31 October 2026
- Scholarship start date: 1 December 2026
Check the official vacancy and doctoral school requirements before submitting your application using the button below.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Poland Academic Positions
- Funded International PhD Positions
- Archaeology Research Positions
- Bioarchaeology Research Opportunities
- Geosciences Research Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position?
It is a funded Scholarship Holder/PhD Student position in stable isotope biogeochemistry at the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences.
Where is the PhD based?
The position is based at the IGS PAS Research Centre in Warsaw, Poland.
What degree is required?
Applicants need a Master’s degree in Earth and environmental sciences, chemistry, biology or a related discipline.
How long is the scholarship?
The scientific scholarship is provided for 48 months.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 30 September 2026 at 16:00 Europe/Brussels time.
Is the PhD related to archaeology?
Yes. The project identifies archaeology among its application areas, alongside anthropology, palaeontology and other Quaternary research fields.
Institutional Overview
The Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGS PAS), is the host institution for this Scholarship Holder/PhD Student position in Warsaw, Poland. The research will be conducted at the IGS PAS Research Centre in Warsaw within the Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group. The doctoral research is supervised by Dr hab. Maciej T. Krajcarz and is connected with the GeoPlanet Doctoral School. The position forms part of the Isobase project, which investigates variability in carbon and nitrogen isotopic baselines in Quaternary terrestrial ecosystems. The research combines stable isotope analysis with Quaternary palaeoecological investigations and examines material from modern and fossil ecosystems in Poland. The project has applications across fields including archaeology, anthropology, palaeontology, environmental science and palaeogeography.
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