Working Environment
The Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences (IChF), located in Warsaw, Poland, is the host institution fully responsible for the organisation and implementation of the BS4S programme.
IChF is home to numerous interdisciplinary research groups operating at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology. This dynamic and collaborative environment fosters the development of ideas from fundamental science to real-world applications and innovation, including the creation of several successful spin-off companies.
The Institute actively supports scientific training and development, offering opportunities for MSc and PhD students, and hosting two doctoral schools. It is recognised as a centre of research excellence in Poland and abroad.
IChF employs over 300 researchers, with around 30% coming from abroad, contributing to a multicultural and collaborative work environment. The Institute is supported by experienced administrative and technical staff. Warsaw, where IChF is located, offers a high quality of life, vibrant culture, and moderate living costs, making it an attractive place to live and work for international researchers.
The Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS shares a modern campus in Warsaw with the Institute of Organic Chemistry. IChF buildings cover over 10,000 m² and include research labs, offices, a 200-seat auditorium, conference rooms, social spaces, and Poland’s largest chemistry library. In recent years, the infrastructure has been significantly expanded and modernised, including two new buildings launched in 2011 and 2025 (2,500 m² each).
IChF provides excellent working conditions and facilities that support researchers at every career stage. Equipment is available in ten central laboratories, enabling advanced research in chromatography, surface analysis, soft matter, crystallography, spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and microfluidics. Examples of specialised equipment include:
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FTIR spectrometer (MIR range)
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Spectroscopic ellipsometer (UV–NIR range)
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Brewster Angle Microscope with Langmuir-Blodgett Trough
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FEI Nova NanoSEM 450
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300 and 500 MHz Bruker AVANCE II spectrometers
The institute also hosts biological labs for cellular, bacterial, and viral research, as well as BSL-2 labs for work with GMOs and an Animal Facility. Drug testing procedures and permits are in place. The Dioscuri Centre for Physics and Chemistry of Bacteria is equipped with state-of-the-art tools (e.g. Epi-fluorescent microscopes, MinION sequencers, 3D printers).
More information can be found in the IChF equipment database.
IChF maintains active collaborations with over 40 leading universities and research institutes worldwide, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Max Planck Institutes, and the University of Cambridge. At present, we are engaged in 123 international partnerships. Notable institutional partners include Leibniz-IPHT (Germany), University College London (UK), and the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
IChF also participates in international mobility and training programmes such as ERASMUS and is a member of networks including EIT Health, BERSTIC, CEEPUS, and the Polish Chemical Society.
Our collaborations extend to the industry sector as well, with past and ongoing partnerships with companies such as Samsung, Unilever, Mitsui Chemicals, General Electric, Polpharma, Polfa Tarchomin, Thermo Fisher Scientific, and the State Forests.
IChF was among the first research institutions in Poland to receive the “HR Excellence in Research” award, granted in 2014 for its commitment to implementing the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
In 2024, IChF established its International Advisory Board (IAB), composed of renowned scientists from institutions such as KIT, Leibniz IPHT, Aarhus University, IMDEA Nanoscience, Leiden University, and University College London. The IAB supports the Institute by advising the Director on strategic matters, including long-term development and the recruitment of research team leaders.
Guided by these principles, IChF strives to be an internationally attractive employer and a leading European research centre — one that actively supports researchers’ career development, attracts talented scientists from around the world, and strengthens engagement with society.
BS4S fellows will be employed at IChF under fixed-term employment contracts of 36 months. The contract will outline key working conditions. Upon signing the contract, the fellow becomes a formal employee of IChF, enjoying the same rights and responsibilities as other staff members.
According to Polish labour law, full-time employees work 40 hours per week (8 hours per day, 5 days per week). Working hours can be flexibly arranged by the fellow. Remote working may be if agreed with the IChF mentor. Time spent on training activities and business trips is considered part of working hours. Fellows are entitled to 36 days of annual paid leave. They are also eligible for maternity leave (fully paid for up to 20 weeks) and shared parental leave.
Fellows and their family members (spouses, children) will be covered by the public healthcare system and a private medical package. IChF’s Welcome Centre provides support with administrative matters such as residence permits, work authorisation, accommodation, and access to schools or kindergartens. Free Polish language courses are also offered.
In addition, fellows may benefit from the Institute’s Social Fund, which includes low-interest loans and access to integration and cultural events for the IChF community.