Overview

SCIENTIST – Optical Fiber Sensors

The Advanced Materials Department focuses on material synthesis, surface treatment , and advanced material characterization. Our goal is to understand the relationships between structure and material properties and to design new functional systems for specific applications. We are engaged in research and development in the field of thin films, in particular their deposition using plasma methods. We develop new types of films for technically important applications in optics, sensor technology, and biomedicine. We have extensive experience with surface treatment and functionalization of materials, both using chemical methods and plasma treatment. One of the key areas of our research is the development of detection systems based on functional nanostructures. We focus in particular on functionalized microporous materials and sensor layers on optical fibers, which can be used, for example, for the detection of gases or biological substances. We have long been involved in the synthesis and application of nanoparticle systems, using combinatorial chemistry, hydrothermal and solvothermal synthesis, as well as electrostatic spinning for the preparation of functional structures.

What will your job involve?

  • Research and development of optoelectronic systems for applications of functional (nano)materials in sensor technology, especially in the development of optical fiber sensors.
  • Design, implementation, and experimental verification of new sensing principles using optical methods, especially with the use of optical fibers.
  • Teamwork on the development of functionalized CVD/PVD layers as active elements of sensors for the selective detection of gases, chemical and biological substances.
  • Preparation and implementation of scientific research projects in the field of materials and application-oriented studies.
  • Publication and presentation of research results, preparation of documentation for intellectual property protection.

What we expect

  • Completed (Ph.D., CSc. or equivalent) in physics, physical engineering, (opto)electronics, or related fields
  • Theoretical and experimental knowledge in the field of wave and geometric optics
  • Interdisciplinary focus, ability to quickly acquire new knowledge and skills, communication with colleagues from various fields (materials engineering, chemistry, electronics, IT)
  • Previous laboratory experience in the field of fiber optics (focus on optical fiber sensors is an advantage)
  • Knowledge of Czech and English at least at the B2 level

Working hours and salary

  • Your position will be a research scientist (C2)
  • 60% employment (24 hours/week), or as agreed
  • Expected start date: June 1, 2026, or as agreed
  • We offer a fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of extension to an indefinite period
  • Based on your previous experience, you may be eligible for a wage supplement or performance bonus in addition to your standard wage

What else we can offer you

  • 6 weeks of vacation
  • Flexible working hours with the option of partial work from home
  • Team building and social events
  • Access to a playroom for toddlers and suburban camps
  • Multisport card, free sports at TUL sports facilities, and a range of other benefits: https://www.tul.cz/univerzita/uredni-deska/kariera/benefity

How to apply

Please send the required documents to the following email address: volnamista@tul.cz by June 30, 2026.

  • Curriculum vitae with a brief description of your professional experience to date
  • A list of your scientific and research achievements to date, i.e., impactful publications, patents, book chapters, etc.
  • Copies of documents proving your education
  • Foreign applicants are required to provide proof of Czech language proficiency at least at the B2 level; English language proficiency will be tested orally during the interview

If you have any questions, please contact your future supervisor: mateusz.fijalkowski@tul.cz

Information on selecting a suitable candidate:

The first round of the selection process will consist of an assessment of the documents submitted. If a second round is held, it will consist of a personal or online interview with selected candidates. All candidates will be informed of the result no later than 30 days after the selection of the suitable candidate.

The vacancy has been published since January 23, 2026 on the official notice board of the Technical University of Liberec (https://www.tul.cz/univerzita/uredni-deska/kariera).

Related Jobs