| Code | SD-NChem-G69 |
|---|---|
| Organizational unit | Doctoral School of Exact Sciences |
| Area/discipline | Chemical sciences |
| Form of studies | Full-time |
| Level of education | Third cycle |
| Language(s) of instruction | English, Polish |
| Admission limit | 1 |
| Duration | 8 semesters |
| Recruitment committee address | Szkoła Doktorska Nauk Ścisłych, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 8, Poznań mgr Agnieszka Kurzajak |
| Office opening hours | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
| WWW address | https://amu.edu.pl/doktoranci/szkola-doktorska/rekrutacja/rekrutacja-20262027 |
| Required document | |
| Ask a question | |
Additional recruitment to the Doctoral School of Exact Sciences beyond the limit of places
Project description:
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This project aims at the synthesis and evaluation of a new class of iron-sensitive hybrid molecules based on stable 1,2,4-trioxolane scaffolds, obtained via Griesbaum co-ozonolysis. These hybrids will be chemically conjugated with biologically active natural products, in particular salinomycin (SAL), monensin (MON), and selected artemisinin derivatives, to generate multifunctional molecules with dual activity against cancer and malaria. Scientific Goals: - To synthesize structurally diverse 1,2,4-trioxolane derivatives via scalable synthetic methods. - To conjugate the obtained trioxolanes with polyether ionophores (SAL, MON) and artemisinin derivatives. - To assess anticancer activity (IC₅₀, selectivity index) against a panel of human cancer cell lines, including drug-resistant subtypes. - To investigate mechanisms of action, including ferroptosis induction, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell cycle arrest. - To evaluate antiparasitic potential against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei (hepatic and blood stages), Expected Outcomes: - Identification of highly potent hybrid compounds with low micromolar/nanomolar concentration activity and high selectivity towards cancer vs. normal cells. - Elucidation of ferroptosis as a therapeutic pathway, providing mechanistic insight into peroxide-driven cell death. - Gathering of structure–activity relationship (SAR) data to guide the rational design of future compounds. |
- Expansion of the medicinal chemistry toolbox for peroxide-based drug design.
Principal investigator: prof. dr hab. Adam Huczyński umowa 2025/57/B/ST5/00178
Recruitment
Selection Committee
Schedule of the Doctoral School enrolment procedure:
- acceptance of documents: from 5 to 12 october, 2026
- admission process: 16 October, 2026
- announcement of the list of candidates qualified for admission: 20 October, 2026
Recruitment fee
The recruitment fee is 75 EUR.
Language of the selection procedure, including interviews:
Polish or English language.
Required documents:
Candidates applying based on exceptional academic achievements must include a scan of the following:
1) For first-cycle graduates: the diploma and supplement.
2) For students completing the third year of a unified master’s programme: a certificate indicating their academic average from years 1 to 3, along with a transcript.
Candidates educated outside Poland must additionally submit:
1) A scan of a document certifying education – a diploma with a diploma supplement for first- and second-cycle studies (Bachelor’s, MSc, or MA degrees) in the original language; if the document is not in English, a copy of the diploma in English or Polish, or a certified translation of the diploma into English or Polish, shall also be provided;
2) A scan of a diploma or certificate confirming knowledge of a modern foreign language at a level of at least B2;
3) A scan of a passport, in the case of foreign nationals.
Evaluation criteria
1) The grade obtained in second-cycle studies or a uniform master’s degree programme (no more than 3 points); the candidate shall receive:
a) 3 points for a grade of at least very good or equivalent;
b) 2 points for a grade of good plus or equivalent;
c) 1 point for a grade of good or equivalent;
d) 3 points in the case of candidates applying for admission on the basis of the highest quality of scientific achievements (e.g. leadership of a project under the “Pearls of Science” programme).
In the absence of a diploma grade, the average grade from the course of studies shall be taken into account.
2) Points for maximum three documented scientific achievements, in accordance with the detailed criteria for the candidate’s achievements, attached during electronic registration in the IRK system; no more than 22 points may be awarded.
3) Points for other documented activities, based on a maximum of three achievements, in accordance with the detailed criteria for the candidate’s achievements in a given discipline; no more than 5 points may be awarded.
4) Points for a research project prepared for the purposes of admission, and in the case of admission conducted in connection with the implementation of a research project – an original concept for the implementation of a grant project (no more than 20 points), with particular emphasis on:
a) the ability to formulate the research objective and present the research problem;
b) the originality of the research idea and the ability to select an appropriate method for solving the research problem;
c) methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline;
d) knowledge of existing research, supported by a basic bibliography;
e) the significance of the project for the development of the chosen discipline;
f) risk analysis of research tasks.
5) The result of the interview, the scope of which shall include:
a) knowledge and competences appropriate to the chosen discipline;
b) elements of research methodology appropriate to the chosen discipline.
No more than 50 points may be awarded for the interview, and the maximum duration of the interview shall be 30 minutes.
Condition of admission to the Doctoral School
Education Program
Education at the doctoral school lasts 8 semesters. Education is conducted on the basis of a curriculum and an individual research plan, and concludes with the submission of a doctoral thesis. The doctoral school curriculum comprises a catalogue of compulsory, compulsory elective, and optional modules.
Supervisors
A doctoral student works under the supervision of a supervisor or supervisors, or a supervisor and auxiliary supervisor, who will be appointed by the Deputy Rector at the request of a doctoral student (within 3 months of the start of his or her studies at the Doctoral School).
Scholarships
A scholarship of 5,000 PLN per month for the first two years and 6,500 PLN per month for the two years (gross amounts) for a total period of 48 months.