Open positions - research at UCT Prague

The group of Dr. Pavla Perlíková (https://uoch.vscht.cz/research-groups/perlikova-en) at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the University of Chemistry and Technology (UCT) in Prague is looking for PhD students in organic/medicinal chemistry. Two PhD topics are announced for 2024/2025.

Synthesis of inhibitors of the Arp2/3 complex

Migrastatics represent a new concept of drugs with a great potential to improve the outcome of the current cancer treatment strategies by inhibiting metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Our goal is to use rational design to develop new inhibitors of actin polymerization by targeting the Arp2/3 complex (actin-polymerization nucleator). The project includes a synthesis of hits from virtual screening and its optimization and structure-activity relationship studies. The position is funded by a prestigious Junior STAR grant by the Czech Science Foundation.

Synthesis of inhibitors of transcription factors involved in metabolic diseases

Transcription factors play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Deregulation of key protein synthesis leads to a variety of metabolic diseases. The aim of this work is to use rational drug design to prepare suitable inhibitors of selected transcription factors and to further investigate the structure-activity relationship. The position is funded by the Excellent Research Call OP JAK project.

We offer:

• Study at the largest higher education institution devoted to education and research in the field of chemistry in Central Europe
• Work in a small team and friendly environment
• 36-month contract (salary + scholarship)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage

Study in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

We are looking for

• Highly motivated candidates with background in synthetic organic chemistry
• MSc. degree in organic/medicinal chemistry (or soon-to-be graduate)
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible students
• Excellent command of English (oral and written)

Timelines:

•  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Expected start: September 2024

How to apply

Please send a motivation letter covering the reason for application, skills and abilities, professional interests and expectations (maximum one page), your CV, and a letter of recommendation by the MSc. advisor via email to pavla.perlikova@vscht.cz. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network HORIZON – MSCA – 2021 – DN EXBRINER (http://exbriner.unical.it) is designed with the ambition to provide high level training to a talented cohort of 10 PhD students who will work in a multidisciplinary and international environment with the aim to develop next-generation membrane technologies for sustainable exploitation of desalination brine resources, thus accelerating the transition towards a Circular Blue Industry. EXBRINER is implemented through a cross-sectoral Network, composed by 9 European Universities, 2 Research Centres and 4 leading Industrial Companies from 8 EU Countries (Italy, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark France, Germany, Portugal, Spain), all with recognized excellence in the field of membrane engineering.

The doctoral program EXBRINER is built on three main pillars:

• Design next-generation functional membrane materials for hypersaline brine treatment;
• Implement membrane-based crystallization techniques for recovery of minerals;
• Develop innovative electrochemical membrane processes for brine valorisation /energy generation.

Duties

The considered PhD project will contribute to EXBRINER WP2 – Next-generation functional membranes for hypersaline brine treatment.

The main objectives are Development of novel high permselective and low-resistance membranes made by sulfonated thin film incorporating MOFs (i.e. ZIF-8, H-KUST-1, UiO-66) highly selective to monovalent alkali metal ions, including Lithium.

The work will consider 1) optimization of the sulfonation degree – determined by elemental analysis and 1H NMR – of polymers (polysulfone, poly ether-ether-ketone-WC, poly-ethersulfone etc.) as a function of mechanical properties and permselectivity after preparing mixed matrix membrane via phase inversion method by blending MOFs in polymer-solvent-[co-solvent] solution; 2) mathematical modelling of electrically-driven ions transport through ion-selective membranes: Donnan potential, Nernst-Planck equation for the ionic flux, transport numbers, resistance of boundary layers, ion selectivity etc., coupled with experimental determination of ohmic/non-ohmic resistances (Membrane/Electrical Double Layer/Diffusion Boundary Layer resistances) at high salinity by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy; and 3) comparative permselectivity tests against commercial CEMs.

Requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated, responsible and interested. A suitable applicant has an outstanding master's degree in Materials Engineering (preferably with a focus on polymer materials), Chemical Engineering (preferably with focus on Membranes Engineering), Physical Chemistry or similar. The project requires many skills, and an applicant should have a good knowledge in at least one, but preferably several, of the polymers synthesis techniques and membrane characterization methods, electroanalytical techniques and mathematical modelling in chemical engineering fields. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, motivation, independence, communication and social skills. Very good written and oral communication skills in English are necessary. The mandatory eligibility requirements for a Doctoral Candidate position include (1) not having resided, worked or studied in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months within the 3 years prior to the start date of the PhD research and (2) being in his/her early research career and not to have been awarded a doctorate yet.

About the employment

Employment contract from UCTP for a full-time position of doctoral research for 36 months, with a monthly salary. Preferred starting date is the 1^st of April, 2024. A monthly gross salary equals to 2,458.4 EUR. An additional family allowance is eligible when the researcher has a family upon recruitment or anytime during her/his employment.

Organization and supervision

The applicant (first stage researcher R1) will be recruited at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCTP). The UCTP ( in Czech “Vysoka skola chemicko-technologicka v Praze (VSCHT Praha)”) is the largest higher education institution devoted to teaching and research in the field of applied chemistry, biochemistry, material engineering and process design and control in the Central Europe. The main part of the PhD research (30 months) will be performed at UCTP under supervision of prof. Karel Bouzek (and co-supervised by Dr. Jaromir Hnat and Dr. Roman Kodym). The PhD project includes two academic research internships (2 months each) at Aalborg Universitet and Universidade Nova de Lisboa and one industrial secondment (2 months) at PCCell GmbH.

Application procedure

To apply for the position, kindly provide the following before the 31^st of January, 2024 to hnatj@vscht.cz:

1. Copy of the first two and last two pages of the Passport for non-EU citizens or Identity card for EU citizens.
2. Signed Letter of motivation, in English, covering the reason for application, skills and abilities, which make the applicant a good candidate, professional interests and expectations. Maximum one page.
3. CV, in English, detailing academic studies, professional career, publications and other relevant achievements.
4. Copy of academic qualification(s)/parchment(s) – in original language and translated to English or Czech language. Specify the name of the university issuing the degree, the date of graduation, the final score (list of exams and marks granted), and any other document considered useful (e.g. University Diploma Supplement).
5. Letter of recommendation (max.2)
6. Concise recognition on the state-of-the-art on the topic of ion transport in cation-selective membranes for hypersaline brine treatment. Concise recognition should be written in English in the range up to 4,000 characters.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The work will be carried out in the research group of prof. Zdenek Sofer (sofergroup.cz) at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT Prague). The recruited Early Stage Researchers will be enrolled in the PhD programme at UCT Prague.

PhD Research Summary

Research in the field of

1. 2D materials CVD deposition, crystal growth or fabrication of nanoelectronics and optoelectronic devices. Advanced characterization of 2D materials by microscopy, electrical and spectroscopic methods.
2. Energy storage with focus on batteries and supercapacitors.

Description

The Early-Stage Researchers will explore the crystal growth of novel 2D materials and fabrication of devices and their characterization by mechanical exfoliation methods for applications in nano- and opto- electronic. The second topic will focus on applications of materials in energy storage including supercapacitors and lithium batteries.

Job Requirements

• university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in physics or chemistry
• experimental background in 2D materials (crystals/thin film growth) and their applications in electronic devices (FET, photodetectors, printed electronic) and in energy storage/catalysis
• well-organised, motivated researcher with excellent communication skills
• very good command of written and spoken English

 We Offer

• full-time contract for 48 months
• work on the individual research topic described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment for 2D material research
• enrolment in a 4-year PhD programme in Inorganic Chemistry
• competitive salary
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation and catering allowance

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, motivation letter, publication list (if applicable) and reference letter electronically as a single pdf file to research.sofergroup@gmail.com.  Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the form of video conferences.

The deadline for applications is 30 October 2023.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

How to enroll (PSI): To be officially advertised, in the meantime please contact Dr. Pavel
Trtik directly (e.g. via email: pavel.trtik@psi.ch).
Expected start: September 2023
What is needed: Finished Ph.D. degree in natural sciences, English, cooperativeness,
intention to design and operate advanced neutron imaging hardware and software
processing tools, support for students and other project members, enthusiasm, previous
publication activity in natural sciences.
Knowledge of German and Czech are welcome.
Assoc. prof. Pavel Trtik, Ph.D. pavel.trtik@psi.ch

• Physical chemistry, Analysis, Neutron imaging, International cooperation, funding - as above.

 By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

Ph.D. topic title: Neutron-imaging insight into liquids exposed to pressurized methane,
ethane and hydrogen (topic IDs in https://student.vscht.cz: 42193, 42199).
How to enroll (UCT): see https://fchi.vscht.cz/studium/zajemci/phd/temata-disertacnich-praci
Programme: Molekulární chemická fyzika a senzorika / Molecular chemical physics and
sensorics
Expected start: September 2023
What is needed: Finished Master degree in natural sciences, English, cooperativeness,
intention to operate and design advanced devices, elemental knowledge of algebraic systems
(e.g. Maple), enthusiasm, intent to travel CZ-CH and to contribute the shift of the economy
from natural gas to hydrogen.
Knowledge of Czech and German are welcome.
Assoc. prof. Ondřej Vopička, Ph.D. ondrej.vopicka@vscht.cz

• Physical chemistry
  Gas absorption, diffusion, phenomena at phase
  interfaces, partial molar volume, models at
  macroscopic and molecular level.
  Focus on Hydrogen.
• Analysis
  Image analysis of neutron radiographies,
  differential equations, optimization, fitting,
  correlation, uncertainty analysis, chemical
  analysis, etc.
• Neutron imaging
  Highly advanced methods of neutron imaging
  Design and execution of experiments
  Development of sample environments
• International cooperation, funding
  UCT Prague (Czechia, www.vscht.cz)
  Paul Scherrer Institute (Switzerland, www.psi.ch)
  International project GACR 23-04741K.

The research group of prof. Zdeněk Sofer based at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry of UCT Prague is keen to welcome highly motivated, talented postdocs seeking to conduct cutting-edge research in the field of 2D materials via the prestigeous MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship funded by the European Commission.

Choose UCT Prague to boost your chances

Thanks to additional sources of funding available in the Czech Republic, the overall rate of UCT Prague proposals receiving funding reached 64% in 2022. UCT Prague provides comprehensive support and training to applicants every year and regularly secures funding from all the available sources: i) MSCA PF, ii) ERA Fellowships available to the Czech Republic as one of the Widening Countries of Horizon Europe and iii) national ESIF Programme (for proposals scoring above the passmark of 70%).

UCT Prague is one of the largest higher education institutions in Central Europe devoted to excellence in teaching and research in a wide range of chemistry areas. The Sofer group focuses on layered 2D materials including graphene and other monoelemental 2D materials (silicene, germanene, phosphorene, metal chalcogenides, halides, Mxenes) and on their use in wide range of application including energy storage and conversion, electrochemistry, electronics, optoelectronics and sensors. The team, currently bringing together 35 researchers of diverse origins, is actively engaged in collaborations all over the world and successful in attracting national and international grants.

What we offer

Successful candidates will:

• conduct their research under the supervision of the internationaly recognised group leader, prof. Zdeněk Sofer, who has a rich record of supervision of postdocs and doctoral candidates, incl. MSCA fellows;
• be employed full-time under a standard employment contract, incl. 40-hour working week, flexible working hours, 6 weeks of vacation, meals allowance, access to in-house language courses and also to institutional childcare;
• be granted a fixed budget per month covering salary (living, mobility and family allowance), health insurance and social security as well as research, training and networking cost;
• be provided qualified assistance with relocation and other formalities by experienced staff of the Welcome Office (including assistance to the family members);
• be supported in the grant administration by the Project Center;
• work at facilities located in the city of Prague, with excellent transport connection to the city center (3 metro stations off the Old Town) and the airport.

The fellowship lasts up to 24 months and may involve a secondment in another academic or non-academic institution. More information may be found at our website.

Who can apply

Researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the following eligibility criteria:

• (first) PhD degree obtained by 13/9/2023 (PhD thesis defended);
• maximum 8 years of full-time equivalent experience in research since the date of PhD award, not counting career breaks such as maternity/paternity leave, compulsory national service, long term sickness or years of experience outside research;
• mobility rule - the researcher must have not resided or carried out his/her main activity in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the period 14/9/2020 - 13/9/2023.

Any doubts regarding eligibility may be consulted via anna.konecka@vscht.cz.

How to apply

Researchers interested to prepare the MSCA PF project proposal are invited to provide the following to anna.konecka@vscht.cz and zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz:

1. CV in the MSCA PF format (download template here);
2. Scan of PhD diploma or details regarding the expected date of thesis defence (in English);
3. Outline of the research going beyond state-of-the-art, max. 500 words, focusing on one of the topics below and describing your motivation to work with the host supervisor in Prague:

• 2D materials for application in energy storage and electrocatalysis -Exploration of novel 2D materials and composites for batteries and supercapacitor applications
• 2D materials for functional electronics and optoelectronics - Exploration of various 2D materials for development of novel devices including photodetectors, transistors, memristor and other electronic and optoelectronic devices including printed electronic.
• 2D materials in catalysis and electrocatalysis - Development of novel 2D materials for application in chemical catalysis and electrocatalysis / photoelectrocatalysis, including water splitting, nitrogen reduction, carbon dioxide reduction and other important catalytic and electrocatalytic processes.

Candidates accepted by the supervisor will be invited to start the proposal preparation with view of the submission by the MSCA PF deadline on 13 September 2023 and will benefit from:

• consultation of the research topic and methodology with the supervisor;
• guidance through call rules and proposal instructions
• online sessions on the proposal drafting (end of June/July)
• proof-reading and feedback to draft proposal (Part B)
• administrative check of the proposal (Part A)
• assistance with the proposal creation and submission via the Funding Portal.

The group of Dr. Červinka at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (@CervinkaGroup, https://sites.google.com/view/cervinkagroup) calls for a PhD student in the field of computational chemistry. This position is opened in connection to a JUNIOR STAR research project funded by the Czech Science Foundation.

Large structural and chemical variability of organic semiconductors raises the need for computational screening of key electronic parameters of the bulk phase, such as the band gap or the charge-carrier mobility. The latter property remains rather low for most existing organic semi-conductive materials when compared to the traditional inorganic crystalline platforms of the optoelectronic devices. Understanding relationships among the bulk structure, non-covalent interactions therein, electronic properties, conductivity, and the response of all such properties to temperature and pressure variation will greatly fasten the material research in the field of organic semiconductors. This thesis will employ the established electronic structure methods with periodic boundary conditions, as well as fragment-based ab initio methods to map the cohesion of bulk organic semiconductors with the charge-carrier mobility is both crystalline and amorphous structures of these materials. Ab initio calculations and the Marcus theory will be used as the starting point for a detailed investigation of the impact of local structure variations, due to chemical substitution, thermal motion, or polymorphism on the conductivity of target materials.

We offer

• Start from September 2023
• Doctoral scholarship and a work contract
• Catering allowance
• Work in a dynamic young research team funded by a prestigious national grant
• Access to state-of-the-art computational hardware and software
• Mastering the automation of complex quantum-chemical simulation procedures

  We are looking for

• Highly motivated and responsible graduate student
• Master degree in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or computational chemistry
• Experience with performing quantum-chemical calculations of electron structure of molecules or bulk materials is welcome
• Knowledge of Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++ or similar language is welcome.
• Excellent language skills and communication in English (level B2 or higher)
• Willingness to travel for conferences or internships abroad
• Ability to work both independently and to cooperate in a research team

How to apply

Please send your CV, a motivation letter and a potential list of publications. Include also at least one contact reference being able to confirm your profile. Send all documents via email to ctirad.cervinka@vscht.cz. Applications are accepted until April 15 or until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

 By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The group of Dr. Červinka at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (@CervinkaGroup, https://sites.google.com/view/cervinkagroup) calls for a PhD student in the field of computational chemistry. This position is opened in connection to a JUNIOR STAR research project funded by the Czech Science Foundation.

Organic semiconductors represent a specific class of molecular materials. Bulky character of their molecules often renders their crystallization difficult, increasing the importance of computer-aided crystal structure predictions or polymorphs ranking. Concurrently, performing such computations requires the availability of sufficiently accurate but cost-efficient method for evaluations of energies and forces of particular molecular clusters or crystal unit cells. Prevailing aromatic and heterocyclic nature of the target materials favorises bulk structures dominated by pi-pi stacking or herringbone packing motifs. Both classical force fields and first-principles methods in their canonical form typically fail to provide an accurate description of the non-covalent interactions. Advanced ab initio methods up to the coupled clusters then prove too expensive for performing high-throughput calculations of interactions of target bulky molecules. This thesis will address the question whether there could be a first-principles method that would be accurate enough and applicable to large conjugated systems of organic semiconductors. A benchmark set of archetypal molecules and their clusters will be created to assess the performance of established and developed computational methods. Finally, delta machine learning techniques will be adopted to develop a cost-efficient approach to correct results of a low-tier cheap method to the accuracy of a high-tier expensive one.

We offer

• Start from September 2023
• Doctoral scholarship and a work contract
• Catering allowance
• Work in a dynamic young research team funded by a prestigious national grant
• Access to state-of-the-art computational hardware and software
• Mastering the automation of complex quantum-chemical simulation procedures

  We are looking for

• Highly motivated and responsible graduate student
• Master degree in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or computational chemistry
• Experience with performing quantum-chemical calculations of non-covalent interactions or cohesion of bulk materials is welcome
• Knowledge of Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++ or similar language is welcome.
• Excellent language skills and communication in English (level B2 or higher)
• Willingness to travel for conferences or internships abroad
• Ability to work both independently and to cooperate in a research team

How to apply

Please send your CV, a motivation letter and a potential list of publications. Include also at least one contact reference being able to confirm your profile. Send all documents via email to ctirad.cervinka@vscht.cz. Applications are accepted until April 15 or until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

 By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The group of Dr. Červinka at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (@CervinkaGroup, https://sites.google.com/view/cervinkagroup) calls for a PhD student in the field of computational chemistry. This position is opened in connection to a JUNIOR STAR research project funded by the Czech Science Foundation.

Organic semiconductors represent a broad material class offering interesting properties such as potential biocompatibility, large structural variability, mechanical flexibility, or transparency. These promising properties, however, cannot outweigh insufficient conductivity of the organic matter when compared to crystalline silicon, which impedes wider spread of alternatives to the traditional inorganic platforms for optoelectronic devices. This work will concern development and applicability testing of quantum-chemical methods for modelling polymorphism of molecular crystals similar to relevant organic semiconductive materials. Larger molecular size, high degree of conjugation and frequent heterocyclic nature of the target molecules represent the challenges that the computational chemistry has to face in order to provide accurate description of molecular interactions in this field. Crystal structure prediction, accurate quantum-chemical treatment of the non-covalent interactions, their relationship to the bulk structure, and the stability ranking of individual polymorphs at various conditions will be targeted within this thesis. Finally, an interpretation of the impact of subtle variations of bulk structure on the charge-carrier mobility in organic semiconductors will be searched for.

We offer

• Start from September 2023
• Doctoral scholarship and a work contract
• Catering allowance
• Work in a dynamic young research team funded by a prestigious national grant
• Access to state-of-the-art computational hardware and software
• Mastering the automation of complex quantum-chemical simulation procedures

  We are looking for

• Highly motivated and responsible graduate student
• Master degree in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or computational chemistry
• Experience with performing first-principles crystal structure prediction or quantum-chemical calculations of cohesion of bulk materials is welcome
• Knowledge of Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++ or similar language is welcome.
• Excellent language skills and communication in English (level B2 or higher)
• Willingness to travel for conferences or internships abroad
• Ability to work both independently and to cooperate in a research team

 How to apply

Please send your CV, a motivation letter and a potential list of publications. Include also at least one contact reference being able to confirm your profile. Send all documents via email to ctirad.cervinka@vscht.cz. Applications are accepted until April 15 or until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The Laboratory of Molecular Electronics and Smart Materials at the Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics opens a MSCA-funded PhD position, supervised by assoc. prof. Dušan Kopecký, with a starting date on 1st September 2023.

Background information

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks are joint research and training projects funded by the European Union. Funding is provided for doctoral candidates from both inside and outside Europe to carry out individual project work in a European country other than their own. The training network “MiEl” is made up of 10 partners, coordinated by Fraunhofer ICT in Germany. The network will recruit a total of 12 doctoral candidates for project work lasting for 36 months.

New industrial production strategies like “production on demand” and “Industry 4.0” are increasing the demand for new digital concepts for the chemical industry that are easily scalable and can work like a construction kit. In addition, the reduction of fossil fuel consumption requires novel synthesis concepts with on-demand capabilities paired with the use of electrical energy as a primary source for chemical processes.

MiEl will address this demand from the chemical industry, combining the advantages of electrochemistry, micro process engineering and flow chemistry. The recruited researchers will explore new models for electrodes and electrochemical flow cells, and develop innovative integrated prototype cells using printed circuit board (PCB) technology as a mass-scalable and flexible tool. These cutting-edge technologies will be applied to promising fine chemical and pharmaceutical synthetic routes, which will be further accompanied by techno-economic evaluation defining new business opportunities. The new MiEl technologies and processes will allow safe, flexible and sustainable synthetic routes for the chemical industry of the future.

Job description

A subproject dedicated to „Sensors for Microfluidic Electrochemical Cells”, fully funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Training Network „MiEl“, will be carried out by one doctoral candidate at University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) over a period of 36 months. The doctoral candidate will be enrolled in a PhD programme Measurement and Signal Processing in Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

The PhD research will be carried out under the supervision of assoc. prof. Dušan Kopecký. The research work aims at obtaining of accurate process information for feedback control and finding of boundary conditions of the microfluidic electrochemical cells used in the production of fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The main activities include 1) identification of process and ambient conditions, 2) concept of sensors integration into cell, 3) selection of a suitable sensor principle and design, 4) testing of sensors, data acquisition and feedback evaluation and 5) signal processing and statistical evaluation.

As part of the research, a 3-month secondment will take place at University of Continuous Education – Danube University in Krems, Austria.

Salary

The Doctoral Network “MiEl” is financed by the European Union under the framework of the program HORIZON Europe, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. The doctoral candidate will be hired full-time for 36 months under contract by University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, with a monthly gross salary of approx. 2450 € (including mobility allowance, but excluding other allowances that depend on eligibility, e.g. family allowance, special needs allowance).

Benefits

The recruited researcher will have the opportunity to work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team of 12 doctoral candidates, based at universities and industrial firms throughout Europe. She/he will be supported by two mentors within the MiEl project, and will have multiple opportunities to participate in professional and personal development training. Through her/his work she/he will gain a unique skill-set comprising electrosynthesis, flow chemistry and process analytical technologies, as well as modern control engineering techniques. She/he is expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and to disseminate the results through patents (if applicable), publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

UCT Prague is one of the largest higher education institutions devoted to teaching and research in a wide range of chemistry areas, including measuring and control engineering for chemical, food and biotechnological industry. The host group Laboratory of Molecular Electronics and Smart Materials deals with the research and development in the field of organic electronics, sensors, and energy storage devices.

The recruited researcher will be enrolled in a PhD programme at the Faculty of Chemical Engineering, one of the four UCT faculties, and employed full-time for 36 months in the framework of the MiEl project. The employment contract includes 40-hour working week, flexible working hours, 6 weeks of vacations, meals allowance, access to in-house language courses and also to institutional childcare. Assistance with relocation and other formalities is provided by experienced staff of the Welcome Center.

UCT buildings, including labs, are located in the city of Prague, with excellent transport connection to the city center (3 metro stations off the Old Town) and the airport.

Requirements

Qualifications / experience

Candidates meeting the following requirements will be considered for the position:

• must NOT yet have a PhD, in accordance with the European Union’s funding rules for doctoral networks;
• must be in possession of a degree allowing for enrollment in a PhD programme, at the latest on the expected starting date of employment;
• degree in Chemical Engineering (preferably specializing in Process Engineering, Measuring and Control Engineering or similar), Cybernetics or Electronics (preferably Measuring Technique, Sensors and similar)
• knowledge of electrochemistry and electrochemical and microfluidic processes is an advantage
• experience with Printed Circuit Board technology (e.g., within own hobby projects) is an advantage
• DIYers and tinkerers are welcome (presentation of previous own hobby projects from electrical/measuring and control engineering, physics or chemistry and similar is an advantage)
• knowledge of programing languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, LabVIEW, etc.) is an advantage
• very good command of written and spoken English
• motivation, communication and cooperation skills, pro-active and responsible attitude

Mobility

The applicant must not have resided or carried out her/his main activity (work, studies etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the past 3 years.

How to apply

Please send the following in a single pdf file, by e-mail to kopeckyd@vscht.cz and also in CC to koneckaa@vscht.cz, quoting the reference “PhD position MiEl” in subject of the email:

1. CV providing details of your education and research interests, 2 reference contacts and, if applicable, also any professional experience, contribution to publications and other relevant achievements;
2. Motivation letter of max. 1 page, covering the reason for application, relevant skills and abilities, professional interests and expectations;
3. Descriptions or hyperlinks to previous own hobby projects (e.g., YouTube videos, blog, etc.) from electrical/measuring and control engineering, physics, or chemistry can be added to the motivation letter. This is optional but advantageous.

 Application deadline:  extended till 19 March 2023

Online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates . All candidates will be informed about the outcome of the preselection. A second round of interviews may be organized with selected candidates.

By providing your personal data in your application, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file the provided documents for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted documents is true and accurate.

The group of Dr. Pavla Perlíková (https://uoch.vscht.cz/research-groups/perlikova-en) at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the University of Chemistry and Technology (UCT) in Prague is looking for two PhD students in organic/medicinal chemistry. The candidates will focus on the development of Arp2/3 inhibitors with antimetastatic activity.

Migrastatics represent a new concept of drugs with a great potential to improve the outcome of the current cancer treatment strategies by inhibiting metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Our goal is to use rational design to develop new inhibitors of actin polymerization by targeting the Arp2/3 complex (actin-polymerization nucleator). The project includes a synthesis of hits from virtual screening and its optimization and structure-activity relationship studies. The positions are funded by the Czech Science Foundation.

We offer:

• Study at the largest higher education institution devoted to education and research in the field of chemistry in Central Europe
• Work in a small team and friendly environment
• 36-month contract (0.75 FTE + scholarship)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Study in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

We are looking for:

• Highly motivated candidates with background in synthetic organic chemistry
• degree in organic/medicinal chemistry (or a soon-to-be graduate)
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible students
• Excellent command of English (oral and written)

Timelines:

• Interviews to be conducted in March 2023
• Expected start: September 2023

How to apply

Please send a motivation letter covering the reason for application, skills and abilities, which make the applicant a good candidate, professional interests and expectations (maximum one page), your CV including a list of publications, and a letter of recommendation by the MSc. advisor via email to pavla.perlikova@vscht.cz. Applications are accepted until February 28^th 2023. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

This topic will cover both experimental and modelling activity. PhD student will be involved in the development of methodology for characterization of colloidal stability of polymer latexes under elevated shear forces. To cover broad range of conditions, latexes composed of nanoparticles with various sizes and surface functionalization will be tested under elevated shear forces generated in high shear mixer and rheometer. Experimental findings will be used to formulate the rate expression for nanoparticle aggregation and its application to predict colloidal stability of polymer latexes under industrially relevant operating conditions.

 We offer

• Immediate start
• Work in a dynamic international research team
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation programs and experimental instrumentation
• Employee benefits (i.e. catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

 We are looking for

• Highly motivated PhD candidate with excellent research experience
• Master degree in chemical or colloidal engineering, colloidal science or polymer chemistry
• Proven hands-on knowledge of colloidal stability characterization (i.e., light scattering, zeta potential measurement, rheology of suspensions)
• Knowledge of modelling approaches for aggregation processes
• Knowledge of Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++ or similar. Knowledge of CFD would be an asset
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleague with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Starting date January 2023 or earlier

How to apply

Please send your CV (including a list of publications and contact details for at least two references), brief motivation letter and transcripts of marks via email to miroslav.soos@vscht.cz.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview where further details regarding the position and the research project will be discussed.

Multiphase flows represent significant part of industrial process including microbial fermentations, emulsification process of polymerization processes. All these systems are characterized with interaction of continuous and dispersed phases significantly affecting mass and momentum transfer, as well as properties of the final product. Within this PhD thesis the candidate will be responsible for modelling of gas-liquid and gas-liquid-solid systems occurring during fermentation process or during polymerization when gaseous monomer is used. Developed models will be validated against our own experimental data collected in laboratory-scale systems.

 We offer

• Immediate start
• Work in a dynamic international research team
• Access to state-of-the-art simulation programs
• Employee benefits (i.e.  catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

 We are looking for

• Highly motivated PhD candidate with excellent research experience
• Master degree in chemical or mechanical engineering
• Proven hands-on knowledge of CFD modelling
• Capability to code (writing its own subprogram in Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++).
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleague with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Starting date January 2023 or earlier

How to apply

Please send your CV (including the list of publications and contact details for at least two references), brief motivation letter and transcripts of marks via email to miroslav.soos@vscht.cz.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview where further details regarding the position and the research project will be discussed.

The open position is a part of larger initiative to develop and apply CFD modelling of gas-liquid multiphase flow to describe and optimize the flow field and mass transfer in the stirred and sparged bioreactors. In addition, optimization will also include metabolism of main nutrients and products of microbial fermentation. Selected candidate will be responsible for bioreactor geometry buildup, development of the CFD model including modelling of bubble coalescence and breakup and consequent optimization of conditions in bioreactors of various scales employing commercial CFD software.

 We offer

• Immediate start
• Full-time contract for 18 months
• Salary 1700-1900 Euro/month
• Work in a dynamic international research team
• Employee benefits (i.e., 6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

 We are looking for

• Highly motivated postdoc with excellent research experience
• PhD degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with proven hands-on knowledge of CFD modelling of multiphase flow
• Strong understanding of mass transfer modelling, bubble coalescence and breakup phenomena with the capability to code (writing its own subprogram in Python, C++ or similar)
• Selected candidate should have at least some knowledge of Lattice-Boltzmann approach to model the flow field
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleague with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills

How to apply

CV and a brief motivation letter should be sent miroslav.soos@vscht.cz, including a list of publications and contact details for at least two references.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview where further details regarding the position and the research project will be discussed.

The group of Dr. Červinka at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (@CervinkaGroup) is looking for a Post-doctoral fellow in the field of computational chemistry.

This position is opened in connection to a JUNIOR STAR research project funded by the Czech Science Foundation. The post-doc fellow will work on implementation of a simulation engine combining ab initio calculations of non-covalent interactions, Monte Carlo simulation sampling, and machine learning. Primary focus of the project is laid on organic materials with potential to behave as semiconductors. Relationships among microscopic structure of both crystalline and amorphous solids, non-covalent interactions therein, phase behavior and electronic properties will be searched from first principles.

 We offer

• Immediate start and long-term work horizon
• Full-time contract
• Six weeks of payed vacation
• Catering allowance
• Work in a dynamic young research team funded by a prestigious national grant
• Access to state-of-the-art computational hardware and software
• Mastering the automation of complex quantum-chemical simulation procedures
• Living in a tolerant and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage

 We are looking for

• Highly motivated post-doctoral fellow with an excellent research profile
• Doctoral degree in physical chemistry, chemical physics, or computational chemistry
• Experience with performing at least one of the following:
  • ab initio calculations for condensed systems
  • ab initio calculations of non-covalent interactions
  • Monte Carlo simulations of phase equilibria
  • machine learning in quantum chemistry
• Knowledge of Fortran, Matlab, Python, C++ or similar language.
• Excellent language skills in English (level B2 or higher)
• Responsible and active fellow able to work independently and to supervise younger team members
• Starting date January 2023

How to apply

• Please send your CV, a motivation letter and a list of publications, along with a detailed specification of your personal input for creating five most important publications.
• Include also at least two contact references being able to confirm your profile.
• Send all documents via email to ctirad.cervinka@vscht.cz.
• Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

 By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The group of Dr. Pavla Perlíková at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague is looking for a postdoctoral fellow in organic/medicinal chemistry. The candidate will focus on the synthesis of new cytochalasan analogues with antimetastatic activity.

Migrastatics represent a new concept of drugs with a great potential to improve the outcome of the current cancer treatment strategies by inhibiting metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Our goal is to use rational design to prepare new inhibitors of actin polymerization by targeting actin itself or the Arp2/3 complex (actin-polymerization nucleator). The project includes a synthesis of natural-product analogues as well as structural optimization of hits from virtual screenings.

We offer:

• Work in a small team and friendly environment
• Full-time contract for 12 months with a possibility of extension
• Competitive salary (1.2 of the national average)
• Employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

We are looking for:

• Highly motivated postdocs with excellent research experience
• PhD degree in organic/medicinal chemistry
• Excellent knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleagues willing to supervise younger team members
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills

Timelines:

• Interviews to be conducted in December 2022
• Expected start: January 2023

How to apply

Please send your CV, a brief motivation letter, at least two reference letters, and a list of publications, togehter with a detailed specification of your personal contribution to the five most important publications, via email to pavla.perlikova@vscht.cz. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Short-listed candidates will be invited to an online interview.

If not fulfilling some of the requirements but you are enthusiastic to join us, please describe clearly your situation in the cover letter.

Junior Researcher Position in Polymer Science

Junior Professor in Polymer Science

• Ph.D. degree in Polymer Science or related field
• Preferential expertise of candidate is in polymer synthesis with focus on chemical recycling, biodegradable polymers and efficient catalytic approaches
• Ambitions and capabilities to start her/his independent research career as junior group leader
• Strong publication record as reflected by international peer-reviewed papers in top journals
• Research experience from abroad (post-doc) for minimum two years
• The potential to successfully secure external funding through European and other international and national agency grants
• Willingness to teach and develop Polymer Sciences courses of the Department of Polymers, previous teaching experience is appreciated
• Ambition to grow professionally with the aim of pursuing habilitation/professorship
  
  

We offer

• Starting package for establishing a research group (possibility of IOCB support in the form of a joint lab) in Dejvice campus
• Logistical and administrative support for procuring external funding
• Competitive group leader salary
• Assistance and support for families with children
• Support and help with relocation

The initial appointment will be for five years with the perspective of continuing at UCT as a group leader and faculty member after successful habilitation (associate professorship).

How to Apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a single PDF-file containing:

• Motivation letter
• CV with publication list
• Short summary of previous research activities (max. 3 pages)
• Research proposal for the initial five-year period at UCT (max. 5 pages)

The deadline for applications is 13.10. 2022. Interviews will be conducted in November 2022, expected start in March 2023.

More information

The work will be carried out in the research group of prof. Zdenek Sofer at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague - UCT Prague (contact zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz; www.sofergroup.cz). The recruited Early Stage Researchers will be enrolled in the PhD programme at UCT Prague.

PhD Research Summary

Research in the field of 2D materials CVD deposition, crystal growth or fabrication of nanoelectronics and optoelectronic devices. Advanced characterization of 2D materials by microscopy, electrical and spectroscopic methods.

Description

The Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) will explore the crystal growth of novel 2D materials and fabrication of devices and their characterization by mechanical exfoliation methods for applications in nano- and opto- electronic.

Job Requirements

• University degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in physics or chemistry.
• Experimental background in 2D materials and their applications in electronic devices (FET, photodetectors and others).
• Well-organised, motivated researcher with excellent communication skills.

We Offer

• full-time contract for 48 months
• work on the individual research topic described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment for 2D material research
• enrolment in a 4-year PhD programme in Inorganic Chemistry
• competitive salary
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation and catering allowance

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, motivation letter, publication list (if applicable) and reference letter electronically as a single pdf file to zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the form of video conferences.

The deadline for applications is 20.9.2022.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT Prague) opens a position in the field of Macromolecular Chemistry: Polymerization catalysis, with a specific focus on RAFT/ATRP for stimuli-responsive polymers connected to polyolefins prepared by chain-walking catalysis. The position is supported by EU funds in the framework of the UCT Prague project ChemJets2.

The research project is focused on combination of chain-walking catalytic polymerization with techniques of controlled radical polymerizations in order to prepare amphiphilic block and grafted copolymers. Blocks and grafts will be based on stimuli-responsive polymers in order to prepare smart core-shell nanoparticles dispersible in water, which under stimuli can release encapsulated compounds. Such particles could be applied as nanoreactors or nanocarriers in biomedical field.

The research will be conducted at the Department of Polymers under the supervision of assoc. prof. Jan Merna (merna@vscht.cz). More information about the research group can be found at merna.eu.

Planned activities:

• synthesis of randomly end end-functionalized polyolefins using chain-walking catalysts
• RAFT/ATRP grafting of the polyolefin backbone in order to prepare precise block and grafted copolymers
• detailed characterization of obtained products
• preparation of publications.

Who can apply?

We are looking for postdoc researchers who:

• hold PhD degree in organic/organometallic/macromolecular chemistry
• obtained PhD degree in May 2015 or later (max. 7 years prior to employment for this position; prolongation of the eligibility period by maternity leave/long term sickness/military service)
• were employed outside the Czech Republic for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
• published at least 2 publications in the last 3 years
• may start in May 2022 or earlier

What do we offer?

• 14-month research fellowship at UCT Prague, supported by EU funds
• full-time contract
• monthly salary of 2800 EUR + consumables
• support of excellent mentor & integration in the research team
• employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• possibility to apply for own research projects and establish an independent research group
• international creative environment
• enjoyable city life in a tolerant and safe country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• excellent transport connection with the whole world

Selection criteria

• research excellence (publications, citations, projects, etc.)
• clear vision and research objectives
• know-how, international experience, skills
• motivation, creativity, activity, flexibility, independence, responsibility
• excellent knowledge of written and spoken English (level B2 or higher)
• organisational, communication and presentation skills
• ability and willingness to publish results in reviewed highly impacted journals
• ability and willingness to prepare and submit a research project during the mobility

Specific requirements

• PhD in organic/organometallic/macromolecular chemistry
• experience in RAFT/ATRP for preparation of stimuli responsive polymers, self-assembly
• experience with Schlenk techniques

experience with basic structural characterization methods (NMR, MS, IR, X-ray)

How to apply?

• download and fill in the application form
• submit your application via e-mail to research.positions@vscht.cz with “ChemJets2 application” in subject by 20 January 2022
• online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates during the week of 31 January 2022

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The group of Prof. Soos at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (http://labsoos.vscht.cz) is seeking a post-doctoral fellow in a field of mechanical and chemical engineering.

Requirements

• PhD degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with proven hand-on knowledge of CFD modelling of multiphase flow
• Strong understanding of mass transfer modelling, bubble coalescence and breakup phenomena with the capability to code (writing its own subprogram in Python, C++)
• Selected candidate should have knowledge of Lattice-Boltzmann approach to model the flow field
• Enthusiastic and flexible candidate keen to learn new things and apply them for industrially related topic 
• Good level of English language
• Suitable for fresh graduates (ideally within 2 years after PhD)

Position description

• Open position is a part of larger initiative to develop and apply CFD modelling of gas-liquid multiphase flow to describe and optimize the flow field and mass transfer in the stirred and sparged bioreactors. In addition, optimization will also include metabolism of main nutrients and products of microbial fermentation.
• Selected candidate will be responsible for bioreactor geometry buildup, development of the CFD model including modelling of bubble coalescence and breakup and consequent optimization of conditions in bioreactors of various scales employing commercial CFD software.

We offer

• Full-time contract for 18 months
• Six weeks of payed vacation
• catering allowance
• industrially related project
• working in a very dynamic team
• practical training in industrially related areas

How to apply

• Please send your CV and a Reference letter to: Miroslav.Soos@vscht.cz
• Selected candidates will be invited for the on-line interview

The deadline for applications is 21.1.2022. 

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The group of Dr. Kovaricek at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Czechia (https://uoch.vscht.cz/research-groups/kovaricek-en) is seeking a post-doctoral fellow in the field of organic materials for (opto)electronics. We investigate self-assembly of organic molecules at phase interfaces and study the charge/energy flow across interphase for novel catalysts and optoelectronic devices.

Requirements:

• Solid experience in organic chemistry (Ph.D. degree or equivalent)
• Insight into materials’ properties research (spectroscopy, electrochemistry, semiconductor characterization and related fields) – to be justified and explained in the application letter
• Enthusiasm to participate in education and mentoring of undergraduate and early-stage researchers in the laboratory
• Team-player personality
• Fluent level of spoken and written English

Position description:

• The post-doctoral fellow will plan and perform synthesis of target molecules, investigate their spectro/electro/chemical properties and design their integration into functional optoelectronic or catalytic devices
• The post-doctoral fellow will co-supervise undergraduate and early-stage researchers to provide them with direct training-through-research experience, in particular involving multistep synthetic strategy design, training in advanced laboratory techniques and advanced spectroscopic/electrochemical techniques
• The post-doctoral fellow will be motivated and guided towards independent research career, including grant/fellowship applications

We offer:

• Full-time contract for 12 months with possible extensions, given mutual willingness
• Competitive salary (>1.2 of the national average)
• Possibility of salary bonuses
• Six weeks of payed vacation
• First-hand experience with advanced instrumentation
• Full support for further career development either in academic or private sector
• International environment in the work group

How to apply:

• Please send your CV, list of relevant publications (if applicable) and a cover letter to: petr.kovaricek@vscht.cz
• If not fulfilling some of the requirements but you are enthusiastic to join us, please describe clearly your situation in the cover letter
• The group is deeply committed to gender equality, female applicants are encouraged to apply
• Short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview via a videoconference, where they will present themselves and their research experience

The deadline for applications is 19.12.2021.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

The positions are open in the research group of prof. Zdenek Sofer at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague - UCT Prague (contact zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz; www.sofergroup.cz). The recruited Early Stage Researchers will be enrolled in the PhD programme at UCT Prague.

PhD Research Summary

1. Research in the field of 2D materials CVD deposition and fabrication of heterostructure based nanoelectronics and optoelectronic devices
2. Research in the field of energy storage applications of 2D materials with focus on batteries and supercapacitors.

Description

1. The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will explore the crystal growth of transition metal dichalcogenides, their alloys and doping using vapor transport methods and flux growth methods as well as development of CVD deposition methods including deposition of heterostructures. Fabrication of devices.
2. The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will explore synthesis, exfoliation and chemical modifications of 2D materials and their utilization in energy storage devices including batteries and supercapacitors.

Job Requirements

• university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in physics or chemistry
• experimental background in 2D materials and their applications in energy storage and electronic devices (FET, photodetectors and others).
• well-organised, motivated researcher with excellent communication skills

We Offer

• full-time contract for 48 months
• work on the individual research topic described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment
• enrolment in a 4-year PhD programme in Inorganic Chemistry
• competitive salary
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation and catering allowance

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, motivation letter, publication list (if applicable) and reference letter electronically as a single pdf file to zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the form of video conferences.

The deadline for applications is 15.12.2021.

By providing your personal data in your CV, you give consent to the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague to process and file your CV for the purposes of this selection procedure. At the same time you confirm that your personal data in the submitted CV is true and accurate.

Two postdoctoral positions supervised by prof. Zdeněk Sofer are available at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. The candidates will join an international team working on a project funded by the ERC-CZ project and focus on synthesis of two-dimensional materials, their exfoliation and chemical modifications, exploration of their applications for electrocatalysis, supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries.

For more information on the research conducted by prof. Sofer and recent publications of the group please consult:

• https://sofergroup.cz/
• https://scholar.google.cz/citations?user=uF5Lf8sAAAAJ&hl=cs
• https://publons.com/researcher/2845394/zdenek-sofer/

We offer

• work in a dynamic international research team
• access to state-of-the-art equipment
• full-time contract for 12 months with possibility of two extensions
• competitive salary (approx. 650 000 CZK or 25 000 EUR/year)
• employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• low cost of living in a tolerant and safe country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connection to the whole world

We look for

• highly motivated postdocs with excellent research experience
• PhD degree in chemistry or material science and related area
• experience with 2D materials synthesis, electrochemistry, electrocatalysis and energy storage research, 2D material exfoliation and functionalization and fabrications of devices (sensors, FET devices and others)
• track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• pro-active, flexible and responsible colleagues with a collaborative mindset
• excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• organizational, communication and presentation skills
• start in November 2021

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter via email to Zdenek.Sofer@vscht.cz, including the list of publications and contact details for at least two references.

Applications are accepted until the positions are filled. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview where further details regarding the position and the research project will be discussed.

The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT) seeks to appoint a highly motivated and internationally recognized expert in drug discovery and development for a prestigious position: Chair in Medicinal Chemistry. The candidate will be expected to establish an excellent research group at UCT and to initiate novel national and international projects. As a faculty member, the candidate is further expected to participate in teaching activities, including the supervision of students. The Chair in Medicinal Chemistry position was established in collaboration with the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague). IOCB is traditionally active and successful in chemical research and practical applications, particularly in medicinal chemistry. IOCB’s most significant contributions to pharmaceutical development to date were the acyclic nucleotide phosphonate antivirals discovered by Prof. Antonín Holý and colleagues.

The candidate brings:

• A competitive and cutting-edge research program in drug discovery and development.
• An outstanding research record as reflected by international peer-reviewed publications in top journals.
• Experience in leading a research group.
• The potential to successfully secure external funding through European and other international and national agency grants.
• Strong academic experience with the ambition to grow professionally (teaching experience and doctoral/PhD degree with the aim of pursuing habilitation/professorship).

The university offers:

• Starting package for establishing a research group.
• Equipped laboratory space.
• Logistical and administrative support for procuring external funding.
• Competitive group leader salary.
• Assistance and support for families with children.
• Support and help with relocation.

The initial appointment will be for five years with the perspective of continuing at UCT as a group leader and faculty member after successful habilitation (associate professorship).

Application:

• Motivation letter.
• CV with publication list.
• Short summary of previous research activities (max. 3 pages).
• Research proposal for the initial five-year period at UCT (max. 5 pages).

 Directions for submitting the application: Prof. Radek Cibulka, Radek.Cibulka@vscht.cz

Timelines:

• Applications must be submitted no later than 15. 8. 2021.
• Interviews to be conducted in September/October 2021.
• Expected start:  2022

University of Chemistry and Technology Prague opens a postdoc position in the field of Macromolecular Chemistry: Polymerization catalysis. The position is supported by EU funds in the framework of the UCT Prague project ChemJets2.

Detailed description of the research topic, planned activities, candidate requirements and information about mentor is available here.

Who can apply?

We are looking for postdoc researchers who:

• hold PhD degree in organic/organometallic/macromolecular chemistry
• obtained PhD degree in May 2014 or later (ie. max 7 years, prolongation by maternity leave/long term sickness/military service is possible)
• were employed outside the Czech Republic for at least 2 years in the last 3 years
• published at least 2 publications in the last 3 years
• may start between July – September 2021

What do we offer?

• 20-month research fellowship at UCT Prague, supported by EU funds
• full-time contract
• monthly salary of 2800 EUR + consumables
• support of excellent mentor & integration in the research team
• employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, language courses, institutional childcare)
• possibility to apply for own research projects and establish an independent research group
• international creative environment
• enjoyable city life in a tolerant and safe country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• excellent transport connection with the whole world

Selection criteria

• research excellence (publications, citations, projects, etc.)
• clear vision and research objectives
• know-how, international experience, skills
• motivation, creativity, activity, flexibility, independence, responsibility
• excellent knowledge of written and spoken English (level B2 or higher)
• organisational, communication and presentation skills
• ability and willingness to publish results in reviewed highly impacted journals
• ability and willingness to prepare and submit a research project during the mobility

Specific requirements

• experience with ligand and organometallic complex synthesis
• experience with Schlenk techniques
• experience with basic structural characterization methods (NMR, MS, IR, X-ray)

 How to apply?

• download and fill in the application form
• submit your application via e-mail to research.positions@vscht.cz with “ChemJets2 application” in subject by 13 May 2021
• online interviews will be held with shortlisted candidates

The positions are open in the group of prof. Ondrej Gedeon and prof. Miroslav Šoóš, for more information please go to ChemJets2.

Deadline for applications: 20 January 2021

For the EU-funded MSCA-ITN-2020 project entitled "Developing optoelectronics in two-dimensional semiconductors" (project acronym "2Exciting"), the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT Prague or VSCHT), Prof. Zdenek Sofer, offers 1 position as Early Stage Researcher / PhD student starting indicatively on 1st of April, 2021 for 36 months, with earlier or later start negotiable.

The project is funded by the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA CURIE Innovative Training Network (ITN) within the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission. General information about the openings of the ITN 2Exciting can be found here.

The work will be carried out in the research group of prof. Zdenek Sofer at UCT Prague (contact zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz). The ESR will be enrolled in the PhD programme at UCT Prague.

PhD Research Summary

The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will explore the crystal growth of transition metal dichalcogenides, their alloys and doping using vapor transport methods and flux growth methods as well development of CVD deposition methods including deposition of heterostructures. The mechanical and chemical exfoliation methods will be developed in order to improve the yield and quality of few/monolayer materials. Materials will be characterized in detail using advanced microscopic (TEM, SEM, AFM) as well as spectroscopic methods (EDS, XPS, UPS, Raman/photoluminescence spectroscopy and others).

Job Requirements

• university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in physics or chemistry
• experimental background in solid state chemistry and crystal growth/thin film deposition is an advantage
• well-organised, motivated researcher with excellent communication skills
• for additional eligibility rules and requirements please see here

We Offer

• full-time contract for 36 months
• work on the individual research topic described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment
• enrolment in a 3-year PhD programme in Inorganic Chemistry
• participation in the 2Exciting training programme on transferable skills with half-yearly network events in partner institutions
• 2 international secondments (both industry and academia, 7 months in total)
• competitive salary including mobility allowance and family allowance (if applicable)
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation and catering allowance

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, motivation letter, publication list (if applicable) and two reference letters electronically as a single pdf file to zdenek.sofer@vscht.cz and itn-2exciting@tu-dresden.de, indicating „2Exciting PhD position“ in subject of the message. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the form of video conferences.

The deadline for applications is 15.12.2020.

3 PhD positions (duration of PhD 4 years) are open at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague within a large research project carried out in collaboration with partners from the Czech Republic and Norway. The project received funding by EEA and Norway Grants.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and utilization (CCU) are among the most urgent technologies needed to tackle the climate change and establish a carbon-neutral circular economy. Within this project we plan to prepare and test several novel composite materials, which can be utilized during carbon capture and consequent carbon utilization.

 Research Summary

The PhD candidates will be responsible for the synthesis of materials using recently developed method utilizing nanoparticles as building blocks to prepare composite polymeric porous material and their testing.

No1 PhD position will be dedicated to the synthesis and testing of various fillers (e.g. zeolites, MOF, CNT) to improve capacity of the porous materials in the capture step. Analysis of the prepared materials will be done via combination of several techniques including N2 sorption, Hg porosimeters, SEM/TEM, FTIR, XPS, TGA, CO2 capture capacity.

No2 PhD position will focus on the synthesis of photocatalytic particles (e.g. TiO2 nanoparticles) and their incorporation into suitable matrix utilized in the CO2 conversion step. Analysis of the prepared materials will be done via combination of several techniques including SEM/TEM, FTIR, XPS, photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalyst using wet synthesis route.

No3 PhD position will be dedicated to the design, optimization and application of photocatalytic reactor using material prepared by other students.

 We Look For

• Enthusiastic students with good knowledge of inorganic chemistry, polymer science or material science (MSc. degree or equivalent) and experience with relevant analytical techniques (positions No1 and 2)
• Enthusiastic students with chemical engineering background (MSc. degree or equivalent) and knowledge of photocatalytic principles (position No3). Knowledge of mixing principles and modelling capability applicable in the design of photocatalytic reactor will be an asset.
• Very good knowledge of English (min. B2 level)

Start on February 1^st 2021

 We Offer

• full-time contract
• work on the research project described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment
• enrolment in a 4-year PhD programme
• competitive salary
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance and language courses

 How to Apply

If you are interested, please send your CV, examination results and recommendation letters by e-mail to: Prof. Ing. Miroslav Soos, PhD (miroslav.soos@vscht.cz). The recruitment process will continue until the position is filled.

A postdoc position is open at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, within a large research project carried out in collaboration with partners from the Czech Republic and Norway. The project received funding by EEA and Norway Grants and will be realized in the group of Prof. Miroslav Soos. More information about the group can be found at labsoos.vscht.cz.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and utilization (CCU) are among the most urgent technologies needed to tackle the climate change and establish a carbon-neutral circular economy. Within this project we plan to prepare and test several novel composite materials, which can be utilized during carbon capture and consequent carbon utilization.

We Look For

The postdoc will be responsible for the synthesis of materials for CO2 capture and its consequent photocatalytic conversion using wet synthesis route. It is expected that the perspective candidate will be skilled in the synthesis of porous composite materials with particular knowledge of zeolite or MOF synthesis to be used in the capture step and/or synthesis of photocatalytic particles (e.g. TiO2 nanoparticles) and their incorporation into suitable matrix utilized in the CO2 conversion step. Good knowledge of the following analytical techniques is also expected: N2 sorption, Hg porosimetry, SEM/TEM, FTIR, XPS, TGA, CO2 capture capacity, photocatalytic activity of the prepared catalyst using wet synthesis route. The proposed research project requires enthusiastic candidate with good knowledge of inorganic chemistry, polymer science or material science and relevant analytical techniques.

 Starting date: February 1^st 2021

 We Offer

Full-time contract for 12 months with the possibility of prolongation for another 12 months

Competitive salary in the range from 1500 – 1600 Euro per month

Employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance, institutional childcare and  language courses

How to Apply

If you are interested, please send your CV, list of publications and recommendation letters by e-mail to: Prof. Ing. Miroslav Soos, PhD (miroslav.soos@vscht.cz). The recruitment process will continue until the position is filled.

Postdoctoral position supervised by Dr. Pavla Perlíková is available at the Department of Organic Chemistry at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. The candidate will join a newly established junior research team working on a project funded by start-up grant and focus on the synthesis of new cytochalasan analogues with antimetastatic activity.

Migrastatics represent a new concept of drugs with a great potential to improve the outcome of the current cancer treatment strategies by inhibiting metastatic behavior of cancer cells. Our goal is to use rational design to prepare new synthetic cytochalasan analogues with antimetastatic activity. Based on molecular modelling, cytochalasan scaffold will be modified at different parts in order to simplify its synthesis while keeping strong actin binding of new analogues. In our projects we are combining synthesis of complex molecules and medicinal chemistry.

We offer:

• Work in a small team and friendly environment
• Full-time contract for 12 months with possibility of extension
• Competitive salary
• Employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance,  language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

We are looking for:

• Highly motivated postdocs with excellent research experience
• PhD degree in organic chemistry
• Excellent knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleagues
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills

Timelines:

• Applications must be submitted no later than October 31, 2020.
• Interviews to be conducted in November 2020.
• Expected start: January 2021.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter via email to cibulkar@vscht.cz, including a list of publications and at least two reference letters.

The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT) seeks to appoint a highly motivated and internationally recognized expert in drug discovery and development for a prestigious position: Chair in Medicinal Chemistry. The candidate will be expected to establish an excellent research group at UCT and to initiate novel national and international projects. As a faculty member, the candidate is further expected to participate in teaching activities, including the supervision of students. The Chair in Medicinal Chemistry position was established in collaboration with the Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague). IOCB is traditionally active and successful in chemical research and practical applications, particularly in medicinal chemistry. IOCB’s most significant contributions to pharmaceutical development to date were the acyclic nucleotide phosphonate antivirals discovered by Prof. Antonín Holý and colleagues.

The candidate brings:
- A competitive and cutting-edge research program in drug discovery and development.
- An outstanding research record as reflected by international peer-reviewed publications in top journals.
- Experience in leading a research group.
- The potential to successfully secure external funding through European and other international and national agency grants.
- Strong academic experience with the ambition to grow professionally (teaching experience and doctoral/PhD degree with the aim of pursuing habilitation/professorship).

The university offers:
- Starting package for establishing a research group.
- Equipped laboratory space.
- Logistical and administrative support for procuring external funding.
- Competitive group leader salary.
- Assistance and support for families with children.
- Support and help with relocation.

The initial appointment will be for five years with the perspective of continuing at UCT as a group leader and faculty member after successful habilitation (associate professorship)

Timelines:

• Applications must be submitted no later than 30. 9. 2020.
• Interviews to be conducted in November 2020.
• Expected start: July 2021.

Application:

• Motivation letter.
• CV with publication list.
• Short summary of previous research activities (max. 3 pages).
• Research proposal for the initial five-year period at UCT (max. 5 pages).
• Contact email: Radek.Cibulka@vscht.cz

About us:

The University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT) is one of the largest Central European educational and research centers performing cutting-edge research focused on chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food science, environmental studies, and related disciplines. Remarkably, of the more than 4,000 students at UCT, ca. 750 are enrolled in doctoral programs. Some of UCT’s programs are unique to the Czech Republic and are essential to the country’s future. UCT collaborates with more than 100 academic institutions worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, UCT Prague ranked second among Czech universities and improved globally by 13 places from the previous year, achieving a rank of 342. According to the Nature Index 2020 rankings, UCT is the third best Czech university (177th in Europe).

Postdoctoral positions supervised by prof. Zdeněk Sofer are available at the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague. The candidates will join an international team working on a project funded by the ERC-CZ grant and focus on the synthesis of two-dimensional materials, their composites and nanostructures, exploration of their applications for supercapacitors, rechargeable batteries and optoelectronic devices.

For more information on the research conducted by prof. Sofer and recent publications of the group please consult:

• Publication of the team
• Google scholar profile (Zdeněk Sofer)
• Publons profile (Zdeněk Sofer)

We offer:

• Immediate start
• Work in a dynamic international research team
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment
• Full-time contract for 12 months with possibility of extension
• Highly competitive salary
• Employee benefits (6 weeks of vacation, catering allowance,  language courses, institutional childcare)
• Low cost of living in tolerant, progressive and secure country with rich cultural and natural heritage
• Work in the heart of Europe with convenient transport connections to the whole world

We are looking for:

• Highly motivated postdocs with excellent research experience
• PhD degree in chemistry or material science and related area
• Experience in application focused on rechargeable batteries, supercapacitators and OLED devices, or synthesis of materials including Schlenk line and glovebox work
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Pro-active, flexible and responsible colleagues with a collaborative mindset
• Excellent command of English (level B2 or higher)
• Organizational, communication and presentation skills
• Availability to start as soon as possible

How to apply

Please send your CV and a brief motivation letter via email to Zdenek.Sofer@vscht.cz, including a list of publications and contact details for at least two references.

Applications are accepted until the positions are filled. Selected candidates will be invited for an online interview where further details regarding the position and the research project will be discussed.