Overview
Non-academic position at the Department of Design and Furniture, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology
Research area: knowledge transfer, ecodesign, circular economy, sustainable materials and technologies, development and application of composite materials, material and product innovations for industrial use
The Department of Design and Furniture at Mendel University in Brno is one of the leading institutions in the field of research, development, and innovation in furniture, interior design, and wood processing. It has long integrated academic research with industrial practice and collaborates with both Czech and international companies on projects focused on the digitalization of production, ecodesign, circular economy, and the development of new materials or design solutions. The research team unites experts in furniture design, CAD/CAM technologies, ergonomics, and environmental product assessment (LCA/LCC) and actively transfers research results to the corporate sector.
The knowledge transfer technician will be part of a project team implementing a project in collaboration with Plastic Europe s.r.o. and MENDELU within the program OP TAK – Knowledge Transfer Partnership. The project focuses on the implementation of ecodesign and circular economy principles in the development of new material and product solutions, the transfer of know-how from the academic environment to practice, and supporting the implementation of innovations with an emphasis on sustainability and ESG principles. The position operates in a multidisciplinary environment connecting researchers, practitioners, and industrial partners.
What will your responsibilities be?
- Contributing to the implementation of a project focused on knowledge transfer and the introduction of ecodesign into practice
- Collaborating on the development, testing, and validation of new material and product solutions
- Providing technical support during the implementation of research results at the industrial partner Plastic Europe s.r.o.
- Collecting, processing, and evaluating data, and preparing materials for project outputs
- Communicating and coordinating between the research team and partners
- Preparing technical documentation, presenting results, and supporting project administration
What do we expect from you?
- University education at least at the bachelor’s level (technical focus preferred – wood science, materials engineering, design, engineering, etc.)
- Excellent knowledge of the Czech language
- At least 1 year of experience in research, development, technologies, or collaboration with industry (experience with applied research or knowledge transfer is an advantage)
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team, organizational skills, and an active approach
- Proficient PC skills (MS Office), experience with technical documentation or data processing is an advantage
- Good communication skills and knowledge of the English language for working with professional texts and collaboration with partners
What research experience do we require?
Previous research experience is not a requirement. Involvement in student, research, or applied projects or experience gained during the preparation of theses is an advantage.
What additional qualities will we appreciate?
- Familiarity with ecodesign, circular economy, ESG, or sustainable technologies
- Experience with applied research, development, or collaboration with industrial practice
- Experience with experimental activities, technical documentation, or data evaluation
- Knowledge of CAD/analytical software
- Knowledge of the English language
- Driver’s license category B is an advantage
What can we offer you?
- Involvement in the real transfer of research results into industrial practice
- The opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team connecting academia and industry
- The chance to participate in addressing issues of ecodesign, circular economy, and sustainability
- Opportunities for professional and academic development in the field of applied research
- Access to modern technologies, laboratories, and research facilities
- The chance to contribute to innovations with a real impact in practice
- 6 weeks of vacation
- The opportunity for professional training and development, qualification improvement, courses and training
- Support for work-life balance
- Meal contribution (Edenred Card/canteen)
- Discounted MultiSport card
- ALIVE card, with which you can access various discounts
- The opportunity to benefit from university resources, such as sports courses at the Center for Sports Activities, Advisory and Career Center, Botanical Gardens, recreation centers, libraries, and purchasing university products (game, eggs, beer, wine, Christmas trees, etc.)
- University nursery school, summer day camps for employees’ children
Number of available positions: 2
Expected start date: end of June or July 2026, or as agreed
Duration of employment: fixed term until August 31, 2028
Workload: 0.4 (16 hours per week)
Workplace: Brno
Are you interested in becoming 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 we conduct selection processes? https://orlz.mendelu.cz/en/selection-procedure
We look forward to hearing from you!