Overview

Offer Description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral researcher to join our research team working on advanced hydrogen technologies, including PEM fuel cells and electrochemical hydrogen compression (EHC). The successful candidate will focus on developing novel electrode materials using spark ablation synthesis and in situ electrode deposition, and on integrating them into next-generation electrochemical compression systems.

The position involves leading experimental research activities, advancing material innovation for electrochemical compression, and contributing to both fundamental and applied research in hydrogen energy techniques within a multidisciplinary academic environment.

Key responsibilities

• Design and develop advanced electrode materials using spark ablation synthesis
• Implement and optimize in situ electrode deposition processes for EHC and PEMFC
• Fabricate and characterize membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) for EHC and PEMFC applications
• Design and conduct electrochemical testing under pressurized hydrogen conditions (up to 100 bar)
• Analyze the performance, durability, and efficiency of EHC and PEMFC
• Perform data processing and visualization of experimental results using Python
• Develop novel technical concepts to improve the performance and stacking of EHC and PEMFC
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications and contribute to research grant proposals
• Present research findings at conferences and scientific meetings

Where to apply
E-mail: morala@it.cas.cz

Requirements
Research Field
Engineering  “Chemical engineering”

Education Level
PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Electrochemistry, Energy Engineering, or a closely related field – a must
• Strong background in electrochemical systems (Fuel cells and Electrolyzers preferred) – must
• Demonstrated experience in catalyst synthesis or nanoparticle synthesis
• Experience in electrode fabrication and MEA development
• Experience in electrochemical characterization is advantageous
• Proficiency in Python for scientific data analysis, visualization, and experimental data processing
• Experience working with hydrogen systems
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hydrogen and pressurized systems
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment
• Ability and willingness to develop knowledge and skills
• Knowledge of safety procedures for handling hydrogen and pressurized systems
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an academic environment
• Ability and willingness to develop knowledge and skillsLanguages
  ENGLISH
  Level
  Good
• Research Field
  Engineering

Years of Research Experience
4 – 10

Additional Information
Benefits
Compensation

The gross monthly salary for this position is 45,000 CZK. We also offer a performance-based bonus structure that includes:

Bonuses for publications in journals with Impact Factor (IF).
Discretionary semi-annual bonuses for active participation in research projects.
Spot bonuses for outstanding research outreach.
While the base salary is standardized and non-negotiable, these additional incentives may bring the average gross monthly compensation up 54,000 CZK.

What We Offer

Professional Growth & Stimulating Environment

We are committed to supporting your professional development in a collaborative atmosphere. You’ll benefit from:

A creative research environment with direct support by an experienced team.
Intellectually stimulating problems

Our Organizational Culture: HR Excellence in Research

We are proud holders of the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. This award recognizes our commitment to aligning our policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. As part of this commitment, we actively foster:

An Ombudsperson service dedicated to preventing and resolving disputes, ensuring fair treatment, and upholding ethical principles within the institution.
Fair treatment for all employees.
Equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Comprehensive Benefits Package

We offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance, including:

Generous Vacation: 5 weeks of annual leave.
Paid Sick or personal Leave: 5 days per year.
Flexible Working Hours.
Subsidized Meal Arrangements.
National Health Insurance Coverage.
Travel Allowance: 30-40% additional allowance for international travel.
Comprehensive Paid Leave: Covering significant life events such as the birth of a child, family care, child’s marriage, relocation, and bereavement.
Work-Life Balance Support: Possibility to request a temporary reduction in working hours for health or family reasons.
Language Courses: Subsidized English, Czech, German, and French courses, with discounted rates for Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
Recreational Facilities: Access to our own recreational facility.
Child Care: Eligibility for Czech Academy of Science child care groups (subject to availability).
Pension Contribution: Supplementary pension insurance contribution (available to full-time employees eligible for a Czech pension).
Employee Discounts: Access to the “SSČ” client card for various benefits.
For a complete overview of our employee benefits, please visit our Employee Benefits Package page.
Eligibility criteria
The successful candidate will be appointed to a position as a Research Scientist, Research Fellow, or Postdoctoral Researcher based on their experience and qualifications within our internal career ladder system.

We value diverse career paths, and variations in CV chronology due to parental leave or non-academic career paths will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the selection committee.

Selection process
The selection committee for this position includes:

Garapati Meenakshi Seshadhri, Dr. – Head of Laboratory, Department of Electrical Engineering and Electrophysics

Šonský Jiří, Ing., Ph.D. – Head of Department of Electrical Engineering and Electrophysics

Morala Michaela, Mgr. – HR Manager

Additional comments
Before applying, carefully read all requirements and ensure you meet them.
Applications that do not conform to these instructions will not be considered.
Crucially, please include the reference number “0089/26_D6” in the subject line of your application email.