The MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Poland is offering 15 fully funded postdoctoral positions with approximately €4,350 gross monthly basic salary, additional mobility and eligible family allowances, and a three-year employment contract. The Institute of Organic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IOC PAS) in Warsaw is recruiting international researchers through this MSCA COFUND programme. Opportunities are available in organic chemistry, advanced materials, synthetic methodology, computational chemistry, and related fields.
Applications close on 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET. Candidates must hold a PhD or have successfully defended their doctoral thesis, meet the MSCA mobility rule, and obtain a signed statement from a prospective IOC PAS principal investigator. Selected researchers are expected to begin their 36-month appointments on 1 August 2027.
MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027: Quick Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | MATERIALIZE MSCA COFUND Fellowship |
| Host institution | Institute of Organic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences |
| Location | Warsaw, Poland |
| Number of positions | 15 |
| Research level | Postdoctoral (R2) |
| Fellowship duration | 36 months |
| Basic monthly salary | Approximately €4,350 gross |
| Mobility allowance | Approximately €418 gross/month |
| Family allowance | Approximately €334 gross/month, if eligible |
| Research budget | Up to €1,200/month |
| Eligible nationalities | All nationalities, subject to eligibility requirements |
| Application deadline | 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET |
| Expected starting date | 1 August 2027 |
| Application method |
What Is the MATERIALIZE Fellowship?
MATERIALIZE stands for Methodology and Synthesis Advancement to Empower Researchers in Advanced Optoelectronic Materials.
It is an international postdoctoral research and training programme designed to help researchers develop independent projects in organic synthesis, synthetic methodology, and materials chemistry.
Unlike positions where researchers primarily contribute to an existing project, MATERIALIZE fellows propose their own research ideas and implement them with guidance from an IOC PAS principal investigator.
The programme combines independent research with professional training and international collaboration. Each fellow must undertake at least one international or intersectoral secondment lasting a minimum of three months, typically three to six months.
Fellows also develop an individual Career Development Plan and participate in scientific workshops, research seminars, and career development activities.
Another MSCA COFUND opportunity is the TIES2 Fellowship Finland 2027, which offers seven three-year postdoctoral positions at the University of Turku. Both programmes include international mobility requirements, but TIES2 focuses on different academic fields and requires collaboration outside higher education.
Available Research Areas
The MATERIALIZE programme welcomes interdisciplinary proposals connected to organic chemistry and advanced materials.
Relevant research areas include:
- Organic synthesis and synthetic methodology
- Organic optoelectronics and π-conjugated molecular systems
- Applied and computational chemistry
- Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis
- Photoredox catalysis and electrochemistry
- Reaction mechanisms and dynamics
- Supramolecular materials and molecular sensing
- Circularly polarised luminescence and photophysical studies
Research may contribute to applications such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), molecular sensing, and advanced bioimaging.
Can computational researchers apply? Yes. The programme explicitly welcomes computational chemistry proposals, including projects that do not require laboratory work.
However, proposals must remain aligned with MATERIALIZE’s scientific objectives. A computational project unrelated to organic synthesis or relevant molecular materials would not automatically qualify.
MATERIALIZE Fellowship Salary and Benefits
Selected researchers receive full-time employment contracts with IOC PAS for 36 months, working 40 hours per week.
The remuneration package includes:
| Salary component | Approximate gross monthly amount |
|---|---|
| Basic salary | €4,350 |
| Mobility allowance | €418 |
| Family allowance, if eligible | €334 |
| Basic salary + mobility allowance | €4,768 |
| Total including eligible family allowance | €5,102 |
The mobility allowance is part of the monthly remuneration package. The announcement does not identify a separate, guaranteed reimbursement for flights or relocation expenses. These amounts are approximate and subject to applicable deductions.
The programme also reports total funding of €5,200 per month for the basic salary component, €500 for mobility, and €400 for family support. These larger funding figures include employer contributions and should not be confused with take-home salary.
Researchers are paid in Polish zloty (PLN), with income tax and applicable social insurance deductions.
Additional employment benefits
Fellows also receive:
- 36 days of paid annual leave.
- Public healthcare coverage and additional private medical care.
- Maternity and parental leave under applicable employment provisions.
- Access to an individual research budget of up to €1,200 per month.
- Opportunities for funded training, workshops, and conferences.
- Access to advanced research laboratories and computational infrastructure.
- Co-financed sports programmes and institutional social benefits.
- Possible temporary guesthouse accommodation upon arrival, subject to availability.
The research budget is intended for approved research-related expenses. It is not additional personal salary.
Researchers interested in developing independent projects may also explore the Branco Weiss Fellowship 2027, which offers up to CHF 600,000 over five years for eligible postdoctoral researchers across disciplines. Unlike MATERIALIZE, it allows fellows to pursue research at suitable academic institutions worldwide.
Who Can Apply for the MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Researchers of any nationality may apply, provided they meet the programme’s academic, mobility, and employment eligibility requirements.
1. PhD qualification
Applicants must have a PhD in chemistry, physics, biology, or a related discipline.
Candidates who have not yet received their diploma may also qualify if they have successfully defended their doctoral thesis before the application deadline.
The applicant guide specifies that the defence must be unconditional, with no outstanding corrections or further requirements.
Researchers from eligible developing countries who are exploring other funded scientific positions can also review the TWAS-FAPESP Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Brazil. This programme supports research at São Paulo institutions but requires an eligible host supervisor and follows different nationality and residence rules.
2. MSCA mobility rule
Applicants must not have resided in Poland or conducted their main research activity there for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding 15 January 2027.
The rule also covers remote work for a legal entity established in Poland.
Short holidays, compulsory national service, and time spent obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are excluded from the calculation.
3. Current employment restriction
Candidates currently employed by IOC PAS are not eligible for this recruitment.
4. English proficiency
Excellent English is required because the research environment, application evaluation, and interviews operate in English.
The announcement does not specify a mandatory IELTS or TOEFL score.
5. Research suitability
Applicants should demonstrate the scientific knowledge and technical competencies necessary to implement their proposed projects.
The call does not specify a minimum or maximum number of years of postdoctoral or any experience. Applicants are instead evaluated on their scientific record, relevant competencies, and research proposal.
Careers Help Desk Counter Angle: Secure Your PI Before Writing the Final Proposal
One of the most important details in the MATERIALIZE application process is the requirement to obtain a signed statement from a prospective principal investigator at IOC PAS.
This is not a fellowship where applicants can submit an independent proposal without first engaging with a potential host researcher.
The official applicant guide specifically instructs candidates to identify a research group, contact a prospective PI, and obtain their signed statement before submitting the application.
If you are unsure how to approach a potential host, our guide on how to email a professor for research opportunities explains how to introduce your research background, demonstrate academic fit, and write a concise first-contact email. The examples focus on PhD applications, but the same principles can help when contacting a prospective postdoctoral mentor.
Applicants should therefore approach the process in this order:
- Identify an IOC PAS research group working in an area closely related to your proposed project.
- Examine the group’s research expertise and available equipment.
- Contact the prospective PI with a concise explanation of your research idea and its relevance to the group.
- Discuss whether the project is scientifically feasible within the 36-month fellowship.
- Request the required signed PI statement before finalising your application.
This matters because 70% of the Stage I evaluation score is assigned to the research proposal.
Reviewers assess scientific originality, alignment with programme priorities, impact, implementation, and resource availability.
A technically ambitious proposal may still lose points if it depends on equipment that is unavailable or requires resources beyond the programme’s research budget.
The applicant guide recommends checking the institute’s equipment database before submission. Applicants can review the IOC PAS research equipment database to assess whether their proposed methodology is realistic.
When preparing your four-page research proposal, pay particular attention to the relationship between your research objectives, methodology, and available resources. The official assessment allocates 35 points to excellence, 20 to impact, and 15 to implementation. A strong proposal should therefore explain what is scientifically new, why the results could matter, and how the work can realistically be completed within 36 months. It should also identify important experimental or technical risks and explain how you would address them.
Required Documents for MATERIALIZE Fellowship 2027
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Research proposal: Prepared using the official MATERIALIZE template, including an ethical self-assessment and signed mobility declaration.
- Scientific CV: Including academic history, publications, patents, grants, research experience, and relevant international activities.
- Motivation letter: Explaining the chosen IOC PAS PI, the proposed research, and its connection to the applicant’s career plans.
- PI statement: Signed by the selected principal investigator at IOC PAS using the official template.
- PhD diploma or defence confirmation: Official evidence of the required qualification.
- Personal data processing consent: Using the required institutional form.
Recommendation letters from previous supervisors are optional.
Qualification documents must be issued in English or translated into English.
Research proposal formatting requirements
The official Guide for Applicants specifies:
| Requirement | Format |
|---|---|
| Main proposal | Maximum 4 pages |
| Abstract | Maximum 1,000 characters, including spaces |
| Font | Times New Roman, 11 pt |
| Line spacing | Single |
| Paper size | A4 |
| Margins | At least 15 mm |
| Ethics section | Mandatory |
| Mobility declaration | Must be signed |
| Submission format |
The total size of all submitted documents must not exceed 25 MB.
The programme also specifies document naming conventions, which applicants should follow when preparing their final files.
If you need help structuring your research idea, our research proposal writing guide with examples explains how to connect research questions, methodology, feasibility, and expected contributions. MATERIALIZE applicants must still follow the programme’s own four-page template and evaluation criteria.
How to Apply for MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027
Applications are submitted directly by email rather than through a general university admission portal.
Step 1: Visit the official MATERIALIZE website and review the research scope, available groups, and applicant instructions.
Review the MATERIALIZE Poland Postdoctoral Fellowship Guide for Applicants
Step 2: Identify a suitable IOC PAS principal investigator and discuss your proposed research.
Step 3: Obtain the signed PI statement using the programme template.
Step 4: Prepare your research proposal, CV, motivation letter, qualification documents, and consent form.
Step 5: Check the required formatting, signatures, file names, and total attachment size.
Step 6: Submit the complete application to:
Email: materialize@icho.edu.pl
Required email subject: Recruitment – Your Initials
Deadline: 15 January 2027, 23:59 CET (UTC+01:00)
Applicants should send their materials before the deadline and retain a copy of their submitted application.
How Are MATERIALIZE Fellowship Applicants Selected?
The recruitment process includes an eligibility check followed by two competitive evaluation stages.
Stage I: Proposal and candidate evaluation
| Evaluation area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Research proposal | 70% |
| Professional experience and competencies | 30% |
The proposal evaluation considers excellence, impact, and implementation.
The candidate evaluation considers scientific achievements, international experience, technical expertise, and professional competencies.
Applicants must achieve at least 70% of the total Stage I score to be considered for the interview stage. No more than three candidates per available position can advance.
Stage II: Interview
Shortlisted applicants attend a 30-minute interview conducted in English.
The interview includes:
- 15 minutes of scientific knowledge questions.
- A 5-minute research presentation.
- A 10-minute discussion of the presentation and proposed research.
The interview is assessed separately using the following criteria:
| Interview criterion | Maximum points |
|---|---|
| Scientific knowledge | 50 |
| Presentation skills | 30 |
| Communication and interaction | 20 |
Candidates should prepare to explain their proposed methodology, scientific novelty, technical feasibility, and potential limitations.
The programme also provides an appeal procedure for recruitment decisions, with appeals submitted within seven days of receiving the relevant decision.
Important Dates for MATERIALIZE Fellowship 2027
| Recruitment milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications opened | 15 September 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 January 2027 |
| Eligibility check | 31 January 2027 |
| Documentation completion | 7 February 2027 |
| Stage I evaluation completed | 7 April 2027 |
| Interviews completed | 7 May 2027 |
| Appointment of selected candidates | June 2027 |
| Employment begins | 1 August 2027 |
A second recruitment round may be organised if positions remain unfilled, but applicants should not rely on a future call.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting without a signed PI statement: The statement is mandatory. Contacting a prospective supervisor only a few days before the deadline may leave insufficient time to secure it.
- Misunderstanding the mobility rule: Applicants should review their residence and employment history carefully, including relevant remote work arrangements.
- Proposing research beyond available resources: The programme assesses feasibility and resource justification. Check equipment access and the available research budget before finalising the methodology.
- Ignoring proposal formatting requirements: Exceeding the page limit, omitting the ethics assessment, or failing to sign the mobility declaration can create avoidable problems during the eligibility check.
Ready to Apply for Research Jobs in Poland?
The MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 offers 15 researchers the opportunity to conduct independent research in Poland through a three-year paid appointment supported by MSCA COFUND. For prospective applicants, the immediate priorities are confirming eligibility under the mobility rule, identifying a suitable IOC PAS principal investigator, and preparing a competitive research proposal. Applications close on 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET.
Official application and programme details: Postdoctoral Researcher within MATERIALIZE Call for Applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the MATERIALIZE Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 fully funded?
Yes. Selected fellows receive a paid 36-month employment contract, mobility allowance, eligible family support, healthcare benefits, and access to a research budget. The basic salary is approximately €4,350 gross per month.
Can international researchers apply?
Yes. Applicants from all nationalities are welcome, provided they satisfy the academic, mobility, and other eligibility requirements.
Can I apply without receiving my PhD diploma?
Yes, if you have successfully defended your doctoral thesis unconditionally before 15 January 2027 and can provide official confirmation.
Do I need to contact a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Applicants must identify a prospective IOC PAS principal investigator and obtain their signed statement as part of the application.
Is IELTS required for MATERIALIZE?
The programme requires excellent English but does not specify a compulsory IELTS or TOEFL score in the published announcement.
What is the deadline for MATERIALIZE Fellowship 2027?
The application deadline is 15 January 2027 at 23:59 CET (UTC+01:00). Applications must be submitted by email to materialize@icho.edu.pl.
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