Overview

Non-academic position at the Department of Design and Furniture, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology

Research area: eco-design and sustainable furniture development, digitization and automation of technical production preparation processes (TPP), digital product passports (DPP) and data integration of CAD/ERP systems, product life cycle assessment (LCA/LCC), circular economy and environmentally friendly materials, knowledge transfer and implementation of innovations into industrial practice

The Department of Design and Furniture at Mendel University in Brno is one of the leading research, development, and innovation facilities in furniture design, interior design, and wood processing. It long-term connects academic research with industrial practice and collaborates with both domestic and international companies on projects focused on production digitization, eco-design, circular economy, and the development of new materials or construction solutions. The research team comprises experts in furniture construction, CAD/CAM technologies, ergonomics, and environmental product assessment (LCA/LCC) and actively transfers research results into the business sphere.

The position of Knowledge Transfer Assistant is created in collaboration with HON a.s. and MENDELU within the OP TAK – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships program. The project focuses on the practical implementation of eco-design principles, the preparation of digital product passports (DPP), and the digitization of processes in production. The Assistant will operate at the interface between the academic and corporate environment – participating in the creation of methodologies, supporting TPP/ERP systems, conducting pilot LCA/LCC analyses, and training employees. The main goal is to transfer academic know-how into practice and contribute to the modernization and sustainable development of furniture production.

What will your job responsibilities be?

  • Implementing eco-design principles, digitization, and circular economy into the development and production of furniture at HON a.s.
  • Collaboration on the creation and management of data templates for digital product passports (DPP), including integration with CAD/ERP systems
  • Support for environmental analyses (LCA/LCC) and evaluation of production process impacts in terms of sustainability
  • Organization and implementation of training, workshops, and methodological support for employees
  • Collaboration with MENDELU and HON a.s. teams on the transfer of research into practice and pilot testing of methodologies
  • Preparation of methodological materials, internal guidelines, and documents for project management

What do we expect from you?

  • Completed master’s degree (Ph.D. or ongoing doctoral study is an advantage) in the field of furniture design, wood engineering, wood processing technology, industrial design, environmental engineering, or a related technical field
  • Excellent knowledge of the Czech language
  • Knowledge of eco-design, circular economy, production digitization, or technical production preparation (TPP) issues in the furniture or related industry
  • Ability to work independently, with an analytical and systematic approach to solving technical and process tasks
  • Communication and organizational skills for collaboration between the academic and corporate environment, ability to lead training and present results
  • At least 1–2 years of professional experience in research, development, construction, manufacturing technology, project management, or innovation implementation

What research experience do we require?

Previous research experience is not a requirement. Participation in student, research, or applied projects or experiences gained from writing theses is an advantage.

What additional skills will we appreciate?

  • Familiarity with CAD/CAM, ERP, or similar systems for designing, constructing, and manufacturing furniture
  • Basic knowledge of LCA/LCC, digital product passports (DPP), or environmental certifications (FSC/PEFC)
  • Experience in the furniture industry, furniture construction, wood processing, or technical production preparation
  • Active knowledge of English for working with professional literature and communicating in international projects

What can we offer you?

  • Involvement in a project connecting research and practice (HON a.s.)
  • Opportunity to work on eco-design, circular economy, and digitization (DPP) topics
  • Collaboration in an interdisciplinary team of experts
  • Opportunity for professional growth, participation in projects and conferences
  • Direct impact on innovation and sustainable development of the furniture industry
  • Flexible environment and experience with applied research
  • Prospect of long-term collaboration
  • 6 weeks of vacation
  • Opportunity for professional education and development, qualification enhancement, courses, and training
  • Support for work-life balance
  • Meal contribution (Edenred Card/cafeteria)
  • Discounted MultiSport card
  • ALIVE card, which allows you to take advantage of various discounts
  • Access to university benefits such as sports courses at the Sports Activity Center, Counseling and Career Center, Botanical Garden and Arboretum, recreational facilities, libraries, and purchasing university products (game, eggs, beer, wine, Christmas trees, etc.)
  • University kindergarten, summer day camps for employees’ children

Number of vacancies: 2

Expected start date: end of June and July 2026, or according to agreement

Duration of the employment contract: for a fixed term until August 31, 2028

Workload: 0.5 (20 hours per week)

Workplace: Brno, business trips to HON a.s. facilities in Opava

Are you interested and want to become part of the research team at the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology?

Apply for the selection process by June 5, 2026, and send us:

  • professional CV
  • cover letter

How do our selection processes work? https://orlz.mendelu.cz/en/selection-procedure

We look forward to hearing from you!

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