Open position

PhD. in Physics: Use of cold plasma and photocatalytic effect in indoor air decontamination.

Job Information

Organisation/Company Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava
Research Field Physics » Applied physics
Researcher Profile First-stage researcher (R1)
Country Slovakia
Application Deadline 24 Apr 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Bratislava)
Type of Contract Temporary
Job Status Full-time
Hours Per Week 37,5
Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026

Offer Description

The Division of Environmental Physics of the Comenius University in Bratislava is dedicated to the research of non-equilibrium plasmas, including their fundamental aspects and various applications such as biomedical, agriculture, air and water decontamination, etc.

Generated in ambient air, cold atmospheric plasmas produce a rich chemistry, including ions, electrons and Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS). Their unique features offer great potential for industrial applications. Among them, the possibility to use cold atmospheric plasmas (combined or not with catalytic material) for the cleaning of contaminated indoor air. It has been proven that cold plasmas are able to decompose Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and to inactivate bacteria.

Our research group is looking for a highly motivated and PhD student to work on the topic of air decontamination using cold atmospheric plasma and photocatalysis. The research includes, but is not limited to, plasma physical and chemical processes, and design of a plasma-photocatalytic reactor to achieve a high decomposition rate of chemical pollutants at low concentrations, and inactivation of airborne microorganisms. One of the challenges will be to scale up the reactor, in order to reach a high gas flow rate treatment. The work will be done in close collaboration with our industrial partners and related to ESA project. The candidate should be very motivated not only to develop and strengthen his academic record, but also to comply with the industrial needs.

Objectives:
The key objectives are investigations of the use of cold plasma and photocatalytic effect in indoor air decontamination.
The particular objectives are:

  • Experimental investigations of electrical parameters of various dielectric barrier setups in (contaminated) airflows
  • FTIR and UV-vis and mass-spectroscopic measurements of gaseous contaminants (e.g. formaldehyde) and reactive species (ozone, NOx)
  • Testing the performance of the DBD setup alone and in combination with UV-photocatalyst (TiO2 layer) against selected chemical pollutants in a closed-loop and single-pass setting
  • Testing the performance of the DBD setup alone and in combination with UV-photocatalyst (TiO2 layer) against selected bio-aerosols contaminated with bacteria/yeasts

The candidate's main tasks will be:

  • Design and build a device combining cold plasma and photocatalysis for the treatment of air at large gas flow rates (> 100 L/min)
  • Assess the efficacy of the device for the treatment of chemical pollutants and bio-aerosols
  • Investigate the physico-chemical processes
  • Characterize the plasma discharge using electrical and optical measurements
  • Study and optimize the interaction between plasma and the pollutants
  • Publish and present the obtained results in high-impact scientific journals and in international conferences
  • Prepare technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to Bc., Ms., and visiting students when required.
  • Actively participate in research projects of the group.

Requirements

Research Field Physics » Applied physics

Master or equivalent

Chemistry >> Heterogeneous catalysis

Master or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

  • Background in experimental techniques for the characterization of atmospheric pressure plasmas
  • Experience working with chemicals and bio-aerosols
  • Ability to independently plan, execute, and analyze experiments involving atmospheric pressure plasmas and catalysts
  • Professional knowledge of written and spoken English
  • Experience working in an international environment is welcome
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills demonstrated through publications or presentations
  • Being able to work with industrial partners (meetings, writing deliverable) and conduct the research in order to satisfy both academic and industrial interests

Specific Requirements

Curriculum vitae that includes details on your education and training to date, your experience, a bibliography of any publications. Proof of receiving the Master (or equivalent) degree (e. g. scan of the diploma).

The potential candidate should be an enthusiastic person with solid knowledge and experience with experimental physics/spectroscopy/plasma physics/biophysics/microbiology. He/she will work in the dynamic multi-disciplinary research group conducting studies at the frontiers of cold plasma science and environmental technologies. His/her work will be related to the European Space Agency (ESA) project CLEAN. The collaboration will be between Environmental Physics group of Comenius University Bratislava, Mechanical Engineering faculty of TUKE, SME IQ Capital, and international partner Thales Alenia Space Italy. Previous practical experience in working with non-thermal plasma and air decontamination will be welcome. Laboratory research experience is required. The minimal requirements include a completed Master level degree in the intended area of study or a closely related area. The topic is also related to our project of the Slovak Research and Development Agency (APVV): Plasma-liquid interactions and the effects/applications of plasma activated liquids in medicine and agriculture.

Languages ENGLISH

Level Excellent

Years of Research Experience 1-4

Additional Information

Benefits

The student is entitled to receive a tax-free monthly scholarship of 1174.50 EUR, further increased to 1367.50 EUR after passing qualification exams. Accommodation in a student dormitory is offered. Additional funds are often available to the most successful and productive students.

Eligibility criteria

First Stage Researcher (R1) ( https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/europe/career-development/training-researchers/research-profiles-descriptors )

Selection process

The candidate should submit Cover letter including motivation, C.V. with the list of publications, and the Proof of receiving of the MSc degree (e.g. scan of the diploma) before 23 Apr 2026. If selected, the candidate will be invited for preliminary online interview. Then he/she must prepare the formal application for PhD at Comenius University Bratislava together with his potential supervisor.

Applications should be sent via email to machala@fmph.uniba.sk.

Additional comments

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1

Company/Institute Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics Comenius University in Bratislava

Country Slovakia

City Bratislava

Postal Code 84248

Street Mlynska dolina F2

Where to apply

E-mail machala@fmph.uniba.sk

Contact

City Bratislava

Website https://fmph.uniba.sk

Street Mlynska dolina

Postal Code 842 48

E-Mail machala@fmph.uniba.sk

Phone +421260295618