Přehled

1. Job Title & Overview
The Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties of the Department D2 – Thermodynamics is looking for a research fellow in the field of thermophysical properties.

Application Deadline: August 26, 2025
Number of Open Positions: 1
Type of Contract: Temporary for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. For Czech and EU/EEA citizens, extensions can lead to an indefinite-term contract. For Non EU and EU/EEA countries, extensions will be granted for a fixed term (typically 2-3 years) depending on the validity of the necessary residence permits, with potential for indefinite status upon obtaining permanent residency in the Czech Republic.
Job Status: Full-time
Required Degree: Ph.D. or equivalent in a technical, chemical, or physical field
Envisaged Job Starting Date: September 15, 2025
Reference Number: 0086/25_D2
Location: Dolejškova 1402/5, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
EURAXESS job offer: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/361729

2. Roles & Responsibilities
We are seeking a theoretical researcher to drive advancements in thermodynamics, primarily through the development of new models for thermophysical properties of fluids, phase transition, or adsorption of fluids. Key responsibilities include:

Theoretical research in the field of thermodynamics.
Modeling thermophysical properties of fluids and phase transitions using equations of state or molecular simulation (MS) tools.
Programming support tools in, e.g., MATLAB, Python, or Fortran.
Comparing results of developed theoretical models with internal experiments and data from literature.
Collaboration with the well-established team consisting of members from the Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties and the Laboratory of Phase Transitions.
Active participation in the team’s publication activities.

3. Researcher Profile & Communication Skills
Candidates must possess a strong theoretical understanding of thermophysical properties of fluids and phase transitions and the ability to model them using equations of state or molecular simulations (MS). Proficiency in programming is a substantial asset for this position. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct independent research leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (at least B1/C1) are essential for this role.

4. Essential Skills
PhD degree in mechanical, thermal or chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemical physics or computational chemistry, statistical or chemical physics or other relevant fields.
Deep understanding of thermodynamics is perceived as a critical skill.
Demonstrated proficiency and practical experience with theoretical research in thermophysical properties, phase equilibria or phase transitions.
Strong programming skills (for example in Matlab, Python, Fortran, C/C++).
Proven track record of publishing corresponding to the research career experience.
Ability to conduct independent research in the field of specialization.
Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral, for presenting results and collaborating effectively.

5. Desired Skills
Experience with molecular simulations (MS) and related MS tools (DL_POLY, Gromacs, ms2, etc.) is an advantage for this position.
Independent and responsible attitude to solving problems.

6. Specific Application Requirements
To ensure a thorough evaluation, please include the following in your application:

Detail your research experience: Clearly outline the type and duration of your research experience for each relevant competency in your CV.
Showcase your expertise: Specify the breadth and depth of your knowledge in the relevant subject matter (e.g., in your cover letter or CV).
List your publications: Provide a comprehensive list of your publications.

7. 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.

8. 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 at the cutting edge of thermodynamics.
 

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.

9. About Us
At the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, a distinguished non-university public research institute within the Czech Academy of Sciences, we conduct interdisciplinary basic and applied research. Our work spans critical areas such as:

Fluid Dynamics
Thermodynamics
Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
Solid Mechanics
Interactions of Fluids and Solids
Environmental Aerodynamics
Biomechanics
Mechatronics
Electrophysics, Electrical Machines, Drives, and Electronics
Material Diagnostics
Our mission extends beyond research; we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists through student mentoring and supervision, and actively contribute to the broader scientific community through our science outreach and knowledge transfer initiatives.

Discover our mission.

The Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties is part of the Department of Thermodynamics at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS. The laboratory investigates thermophysical properties of fluids, such as alternative refrigerants and heat transfer liquids, and phase transitions, including nucleation of droplets in CO2 mixtures relevant for the design of CCU/S technologies. To accurately describe these properties, we develop unique experimental apparatuses and accurate mathematical models.

Learn more about our research and facilities at the Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties website.

10. How to Apply
Application Instructions

To apply for this position, please send your application, including a structured CV and a short motivation letter, to Mrs. Michaela Morala, HR manager, at morala@it.cas.cz.

Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee after the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, and all interviewed applicants will be informed of the outcome via email. Application Deadline: August 28, 2025.

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 Committee

The selection committee for this position includes:

Dr. Václav Vinš, Head of the Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties, Department of Thermodynamics
Dr. Jan Hrubý, Head of the Department of Thermodynamics
Dr. Aleš Blahut, Laboratory of Phase Transitions, Department of Thermodynamics
11. Important Notes
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 “0086/25_D2” in the subject line of your application email.