Overview
Type of Contract – Temporary
Job Status – Full-time
Application Deadline – April 15, 2026
Offer Starting Date – July 1, 2026
Work location – Prague, Czech Republic
Where to apply – recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz
MS-RADAM (“MultiScale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage”) is a European Doctoral Network project funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Georgia) to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.
MS-RADAM aims to advance the understanding of key radiation-induced biodamage phenomena at the nano- and larger scales, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radioprotection. These include the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radiosensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival and radioresistance.
The MS-RADAM research programme combines state-of-the-art computational multiscale modelling (using DFT/TDDFT methods, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo and analytical methods) and its thorough validation using advanced experimental techniques (such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry and radiobiology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems such as oligonucleotides, DNA origami, radiosensitising nanoparticles, living cells and multicellular targets).
MS-RADAM invites applications for a 36-month, full-time, fixed-term position as a Doctoral Candidate (DC). The successful candidate will be employed by J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague, Czech Republic, and enrolled in the PhD programme at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. The J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry advances scientific knowledge at an international level by fostering discovery, creativity, and original research in physical chemistry and related fields. In its activities, the Institute builds on the legacy of Nobel Prize laureate Professor Jaroslav Heyrovský and further develops it.
The DC7 research project, entitled “RADAM of DNA origami nanostructures in the presence of nanoparticles”, will focus on the molecular-level effects of DNA radiation damage enhancement (e.g. yields of DNA strand breaks and their complexity) by radiosensitizing metal nanoparticles. Single-molecule experiments on DNA origami templates in the presence of metal nanoparticles will be designed and performed, providing a benchmark for the results of multiscale modelling and being an important link between experiments in the gas phase and biological buffers. The experimental results will be compared with theoretical and computational modelling results through close collaboration with other partners within the MS-RADAM network.
In addition to specialised scientific training, the position offers extensive international mobility, secondments to partner organisations, and training in transferable skills such as research management, communication, and career development.
For further information, visit: https://www.mbnresearch.com/MS-RADAM/DC-research-projects
Requirements
Research Field – Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences
Education Level – Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
Candidates must:
(a) hold a University Master’s Degree in experimental molecular physics, physical chemistry, or a related field
(b) be available to start on 01.07.2026
(c) have excellent English language skills (both spoken and written)
(d) be able to travel internationally on a regular basis, e.g. to attend regular project meetings, conferences and training activities
(e) be able to work in an international environment, be highly motivated and reliable, be able to meet strict deadlines
Specific Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must NOT have lived or worked in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date (01.07.2026).
How to Apply:
Please send the following documents as a single PDF file to recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz before 15 April 2026:
(i) your full CV
(ii) a copy of the most recent diploma (Master’s or equivalent)
(iii) a copy of your marks and grades
(iv) a letter of motivation
(v) two letters of recommendation
Please include “MS-RADAM DC7 Application” in the email subject line. In the email, please also include the following clause: ‘I consent to the processing of my personal data for the purposes of this recruitment process in accordance with the EU GDPR’.
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
Additional information
Benefits
Annual Salary: within the range of the EU MSCA Doctoral Network programs. Monthly Mobility Supplement and Monthly Family Allowance (if eligible): according to the MSCA Doctoral Network programme rules.
Eligibility criteria
(a) The candidate must not have already earned a doctoral degree.
(b) At the time of recruitment, the candidate must not have lived or conducted their main activities (work, study, etc.) in the country of recruitment for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the recruitment date/start date of the activities.
(c) The candidate must meet ALL admission requirements for the PhD program at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. These requirements must be fulfilled at the start of the contract.
(d) Candidates of all nationalities and genders are welcome to apply.
(e) In line with MSCA requirements, candidates must be willing to undertake international mobility (four months) during the project implementation. This is a mandatory requirement.
Selection process
The selection process will consist of the following steps:
(a) Initial screening by the future supervisor and the host organisation team based on submitted documents.
(b) Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview.
(c) Final selection determined through the interview process.
Evaluation criteria
(a) The candidate’s CV and profile
(b) Graduation marks
(c) Relevance of the MSc thesis and other scientific outputs
(d) Prior work experience
(e) Candidate’s motivation
