The Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry under the NCN-funded Post-doc – Isobase project. The position focuses on carbon and nitrogen isotope variability in terrestrial ecosystems, with applications in Quaternary palaeoecology, archaeology, and environmental research. Applications close on 31 August 2026.
The postdoctoral researcher will join the Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group in Warsaw and contribute to the project “Variability of carbon and nitrogen isotopic baselines in Quaternary terrestrial ecosystems”. The research examines whether multiple stable isotope baselines exist within plant and mammalian herbivore communities.
The project investigates modern and fossil terrestrial ecosystems through stable isotope analysis of plant tissues and herbivore bone collagen. The researcher will study isotope patterns from temperate forests, mammoth steppe assemblages, and tundra records to improve palaeoecological interpretations.
The position combines laboratory analysis, geochemical methods, and scientific interpretation. The researcher will conduct isotope measurements, develop analytical approaches, prepare publications, and present findings at international conferences within an interdisciplinary research environment.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry
- Official Reference Number: Post-doc – Isobase
- Institution: Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland
- Department: Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group
- Research Discipline(s): Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry, Geochemistry, Palaeoecology, Environmental Science, Quaternary Research
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
- Contract Duration: 48 months
- Start Date: November 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary/Funding: PLN 11,600 per month gross-gross under the National Science Centre (NCN), OPUS-29 Programme
- Required Qualification: PhD degree in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or related disciplines
Research Areas
The research project covers:
- Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis;
- Isotopic baselines in terrestrial ecosystems;
- Plant and herbivore trophic relationships;
- Quaternary palaeoecology and fossil ecosystem reconstruction;
- Amino acid isotope analysis;
- Geochemical methods for environmental research.
Eligibility/ Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A doctoral degree in Earth science, environmental science, chemistry, biology, or related disciplines;
- A PhD degree awarded within the eligibility period specified by NCN requirements;
- Experience in biochemical or geochemical analyses supported by scientific publications;
- Laboratory experience involving chemical compounds and analytical techniques;
- Experience with methods such as GC, LC, mass spectrometry, IRMS, or related approaches;
- Previous experience in stable isotope analysis will be considered an advantage;
- Experience operating, maintaining, or developing measurement equipment is beneficial;
- Ability to write scientific publications in English;
- Very good spoken and written English skills for international research communication;
- Strong organisational skills, independence, and analytical thinking.
Funding and Benefits
The position offers:
- A full-time employment contract for 48 months;
- Salary of PLN 11,600 per month gross-gross;
- Participation in an NCN-funded international research project;
- Access to geochemical research facilities;
- Collaboration with researchers working in Quaternary geoecology;
- Opportunities to participate in international conferences and research activities.
Key Responsibilities
The selected researcher will be responsible for:
- Conducting research on isotopic variability in amino acids from modern and fossil plant and animal tissues;
- Preparing samples, extracting collagen and amino acids, and documenting laboratory procedures;
- Performing EA-IRMS, GC-FID/MS, and GC-C-IRMS analyses;
- Improving analytical methods for GC-C-IRMS measurements;
- Analysing and interpreting isotope datasets from research materials;
- Preparing scientific articles and presenting research outcomes at conferences.
Application Process
Applicants must submit all required materials as a single PDF file in the specified order and send the application by email to the recruitment office and project leader using the subject line “Post-doc – Isobase”.
Required documents include:
- A curriculum vitae covering education, employment history, publications, research projects, training, awards, and scientific activities;
- A cover letter describing research experience and motivation for applying;
- A copy of the doctoral diploma or official confirmation of PhD award;
- Documents confirming research placements, internships, fellowships, training, and other scientific activities;
- Lists of publications, conference presentations, research projects, inventions, patents, awards, and distinctions;
- Additional documents confirming qualifications and academic achievements;
- Required employment statement and consent for personal data processing;
- English language certificates, if available;
- Two recommendation letters, including one from the doctoral thesis supervisor.
Important Dates
- Applications Open: July 2026
- Application Deadline: 31 August 2026, 15:00
- Recruitment Results Announcement: By 30 September 2026
- Expected Start Date: 1 November 2026
Access the full official notification and application details through the link above. Review the complete eligibility criteria, required documents, and submission instructions before applying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the research focus of this postdoctoral position?
The position focuses on stable isotope biogeochemistry, studying carbon and nitrogen isotope variability in modern and fossil terrestrial ecosystems.
Which institution is offering this postdoc position?
The position is offered by the Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, located in Warsaw, Poland.
What is the duration of the postdoctoral contract?
The position provides a full-time employment contract for 48 months starting from November 2026.
What qualifications are required for applicants?
Applicants must hold a PhD in Earth sciences, environmental sciences, chemistry, biology, or related disciplines with relevant analytical research experience.
Institutional Overview
The Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences (IGS PAS), is a research institute in Warsaw, Poland, dedicated to geological and environmental investigations. As part of the Polish Academy of Sciences, it develops studies on Earth processes, geochemistry, palaeoecology, and Quaternary environments. The institute combines field observations, laboratory techniques, and analytical methods to explore changes in natural systems. The Quaternary GeoEcology Research Group examines ecological developments, fossil evidence, and past landscapes through interdisciplinary research. Its work contributes to understanding environmental transformations and long-term interactions between climate, ecosystems, and geological processes.
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