Important Dates

1. Application deadline: 7 August 2026.
2. Recruitment interviews will take place from 2 to 11 September 2026.
3. Applicants will be informed of the recruitment outcome by approximately 15 September 2026.

Funding Source

The scholarship will be awarded in accordance with applicable Polish law and Resolution No. 25/2024 of the NCN Council of 4 March 2024 on the Regulations for the Awarding of NCN Scientific Scholarships in Research Projects Funded by the National Science Centre, for a period of four years. The first three years will be financed under the SONATA 21 research project pursuant to grant agreement No. UMO-2025/59/D/ST2/02050, while the fourth year will be financed from other sources.

Project Details

Project details are available at:
https://warsaw4phd.eu/en/candidates-2/research-projects/ (CTP PAS tab)
and on the project website: https://asymptotia.cft.edu.pl/

About Us

The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CTP PAS) is a research institute focused on theoretical physics. CTP PAS was founded in 1980 and is based in Warsaw, Poland.

CTP PAS conducts research in various fields of physics, including quantum information, space and gravity research, semiconductors, and atomic gases. The Institute's strategy is to employ outstanding scientists and give them the freedom to pursue their research. This has resulted in CTP PAS's strong standing in Poland, world-class publications (including papers in Nature and Science), a large number of grants (approximately 30 projects), and participation in international consortia. In terms of citations per researcher, CTP PAS ranks among the leading institutions in Polish physics.

CTP PAS also hosts a range of scientific events, including seminars, workshops, and conferences open to the public, and produces educational content available on the Institute's YouTube channel.

About the Role

We are seeking a PhD Student Scholarship Holder (f/m/x) to join the Geometry and Physics group as part of the SONATA 21 research project entitled “Geometry of Spacetime Asymptotics in General Relativity”, funded by the National Science Centre, grant No. DEC-2025/59/D/ST2/02050. The project is led by Dr Jarosław Kopiński and focuses on applications of modern methods in differential geometry to the study of asymptotic regions of spacetime.

Aims of the project:

• relate conformal boundary geometry of asymptotically de Sitter spacetimes to the stress–energy tensor;
• construct quasi-local and global conformal invariants of spacelike conformal boundaries;
• use projective compactification to study boundary data in asymptotically flat spacetimes.

The project will be conducted in collaboration with researchers at the University of California, Davis and the University of Auckland.

About You

Essential qualifications, experience and knowledge

• master's degree in physics or mathematics;
• background in general relativity and/or differential geometry;
• very good spoken and written English;

Desirable qualifications, experience and knowledge

• experience using Mathematica.

What We Offer

• a scholarship comprising: before the mid-term evaluation: PLN 6,195.50 gross per month, including PLN 4,420.85 funded by the project and PLN 1,774.65 from statutory funds (approximately PLN 5,700 net); after receiving a positive mid-term evaluation: PLN 6,461.50 gross per month, including PLN 5,500.50 funded by the project and PLN 961.00 from statutory funds (approximately PLN 5,800 net).
• a scientifically stimulating research environment,
• a friendly and flexible working environment,
• opportunities to share knowledge and experience,
• flexible working hours,
• a diverse and inclusive culture where mutual support, teamwork and respect are highly valued,
• a Multisport card subsidy,
• a housing subsidy.

We will consider applications to work on a part-time or flexible basis wherever possible. We encourage you to discuss your flexible working needs during the interview process.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via the recruitment system at https://warsaw4phd.eu/register.php between 24 July and 7 August 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview. Please direct all enquiries to recruitment@cft.edu.pl or directly to the project principal investigator at jkopinski@cft.edu.pl.

How We Recruit

We carefully review every application. Candidates whose experience and competencies match our needs and requirements are invited to an interview (usually held online).

We remain in contact with candidates throughout the process, ensure interviews take place in a friendly atmosphere, and provide feedback afterwards. We take an individual approach to every candidate, including consideration of the needs of people with disabilities.

We welcome all feedback received after the recruitment process. It helps us improve our recruitment practices.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

CTP PAS operates in an inclusive environment, regardless of personal, physical or social characteristics. We highly value teamwork, recognise and appreciate individual strengths, and support the career development of every employee.

Equality, respect and openness are fundamental values in an academic environment in which diversity is essential. We strive to provide a safe and inclusive space for all members of our scientific community.

CTP PAS has regulations on reporting breaches of law and protecting whistleblowers.