Call for MSCA fellowship [OPEN]
We are looking for candidates to apply for MSCA postdoctoral fellowships at the M² group, department of Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University Bratislava, Slovakia. The project proposal should be focused on the fundamental understanding of AOP water treatment mechanisms based on innovative nanomaterials for the removal of contaminants of emerging concerns. Also an emphasis on the potential impacts in sustainability and water reuse in the frame of the circular economy is required. So if you want to boost your scientific carreer and also to promote the research about the protection of the water resource, this opportunity is for you! Please, consult our call on Euraxess but also the website of Marie Curie-Sklodowska Actions on Postdoctoral Fellowship to prepare your project.
Call for PhD. candidates [OPEN] - starting on academic year 2026/2027
We are looking for PhD. candidates in the field of Inorganic Chemistry with an excellent background in Materials Chemistry or Photochemistry or Chemical reactivity of radical/non-radical species. Another requirement for considering your application is a solid knowledge in General and Inorganic Chemistry along with an experience in the preparation/characterization of advanced inorganic materials and advanced oxidation processes. The PhD. candidate should have a Master degree (i.e., validated 3 years of BSc studies + validated 2 years of MSc studies) in the above mentionned fields. An experience in publication of articles in international peer-reviewed journals is highly appreciated.
MIA lab
Supervisor: Dr. Martin Motola
Four (4) PhD topics:
- High-entropy metal-organic frameworks as photocatalytic platforms for solar water treatment and green hydrogen production
- Hybrid MOF-oxide and MOF-TiO2 nanotube interfaces for advanced (photo)electrocatalysis and sensing
- Advanced air electrodes for low-temperature reversible SOFCs: Interface engineering with novel low-sintering electrolytes
- Hierarchical architectures based on TiO2 nanotubes and nanotube-derived nanoparticles: From growth mechanism to energy and environmental applications
MR2P lab
Supervisor: Dr. Olivier Monfort
Two (2) PhD topics (Euraxess):
-Unravelling the mechanism of oxidant activation at the surface of nanomaterials in AOPs for wastewater treatment
-Preparation of efficient heterogeneous AOP catalyst for the degradation of micropollutants in water
Important dates
24th April 2026: Deadline for submitting pre-application
1st May 2026: Results of the pre-selection (via email)
4th May - 15th May: Online interview with the potential supervisor
31st May 2026: Deadline for submitting official application (via web-portal along with payment of application)
June 17th 2026: Admission phase (oral examination by the admission commission)
June 18th 2026: Results (via university web-portal)
Please, send your pre-application before the 24th of April 2026 by email to the respective lab leaders (MR2P: monfort1@uniba.sk and MIA: martin.motola@uniba.sk). Your pre-application should contain the following files:
CV
Motivation letter: briefly explain why you are interested in the selected PhD topic and why you think you are qualified for the position
Research proposal: a structured 3-page project on the selected PhD topic (short state-of-the-art, novelty and objectives, short methodology)
Incomplete pre-applications will be not considered. For pre-selected candidates, further information on the next admission phases will be send in May about (i) the interview with potential supervisor (discussion on the chosen PhD topic and examination of theoretical skills), (ii) the oral examination in front of the admission commission (about general and advanced inorganic chemistry)
Thematics for MSc. and BSc. theses [OPEN] - starting on academic year 2026/2027
We are currently seeking BSc. and MSc. students who are interested in joining our research group. We have opened the topics for MSc. and BSc. theses in the field of advanced water purification using nanomaterials! Do you want to get involved in scientific research in the field of water protection and sustainability? If yes, you are the ideal candidate.
Our main research focus
- Fundamental research in the field of wastewaters treatment
- Mechanistic elucidation of innovative advanced oxidation processes (AOPs)
- Preparation, characterisation and development of nanomaterials
Why joining us?
- Work on impactful projects that address global water challenges
- Collaborate with leading experts in the field of wastewaters treatment and nanomaterials
- Be part of a dynamic and supportive research team
What do we offer?
- Working conditions in an international environment
- Comprehensive training in materials, physical and analytical chemistry
- Personal and professional development to achieve further academic goals
How to apply?
- Just DM olivier.monfort@uniba.sk
BSc. thematics
Synthesis of Fe-based materials by solvothermal method for water treatment
Supervisor: Dr. Monfort
Preparation of thin layers by sol-gel method
Supervisor: Dr. Monfort
Testing the performance of nanomaterials in wastewaters treatment
Supervisor: Dr. Monfort
Preparation and characterization of simple metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental applications
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
Photodegradation of model organic pollutant using TiO2 nanotubes
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
Effect of electrolyte composition on the formation of anodic TiO2 nanotubes
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
MSc. thematics
Modified MXenes as promising heterogeneous AOP catalysts
Supervisor: Dr. Monfort
Investigation of mechanisms during heterogeneous AOP using nanomaterials
Supervisor: Dr. Monfort
High-entropy metal-organic frameworks (HEMOFs) for photocatalytic and electrochemical applications
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
Novel air electrodes for reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs): Correlation between microstructure and electrochemical performance
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
Advanced TiO2 nanotube heterostructures for photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic applications
Supervisor: Dr. Motola
TiO2 nanotubes prepared in fluoride-free electrolytes: Relation between growth mechanism and photocatalytic activity
Supervisor: Dr. Motola