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Postdoctoral Researcher in Numerical Simulation of Elasto-Plastic Shockwave Propagation (ref. no. 0090/26_D2)

Expected Place of Work:
Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Dolejškova 1402/5, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic

Department:
Department of Impacts and Waves in Solids (D4)

Laboratory:
Laboratory of Technical Mathematics

Reference Number of this Job Offer:
0090/26_D2

About the Position

Job Description:

The Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences invites applications for a Tenure-Track Postdoctoral Researcher position in the Laboratory of Technical Mathematics, Department of Impact and Waves in Solids. This is a structured tenure-track position designed to support the transition from postdoctoral researcher to independent research group leader.

Position is intended for highly motivated early-career researchers capable of developing an independent research programme, securing competitive funding (GAČR, TAČR, ERC, Horizon Europe), and publishing high-impact scientific results.

Tenure-Track Framework
The position follows a structured tenure-track programme with annual evaluations based on scientific output, research funding, and academic activity. Successful completion leads to an offer of a permanent position, with accelerated review possible for outstanding candidates.

Tenure-Track Timeline
Year 1: research initiation, first paper and grant submission.
Year 2: publications in Q1/Q2 journals and funding competitiveness.
Year 3: independent research strategy and funding success.
Year 4: implementation, leadership and research sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:
Conduct independent research in numerical simulation of elasto-plastic shockwave propagation; publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals; actively pursue competitive research funding; present results at international conferences; build collaborative networks; and progressively develop an independent research profile including long-term strategy and leadership potential.

Candidate Profile (Requirements)

Qualification Grade:
postdoctoral fellow

Special notice for postdoctoral positions:
The postdoctoral position is limited to a maximum of 5 years from obtaining the PhD degree. Before this period expires, the employee must pass an attestation procedure, the successful completion of which guarantees career advancement to the position of Associate Scientist. The position is therefore ideal for applicants within 2–3 years of defending their doctoral thesis. Deviations caused by parental leave or career breaks will be assessed individually.

Required Education:
PhD in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Electrochemistry, Energy Engineering, or a closely related field – a must

Research Experience:
4–10 years

Required Skills and Qualifications:
PhD in computational mechanics or related field
Strong background in numerical methods (FVM/OpenFOAM)
Programming skills (C++, Python)
Publication
Independence

Language Skills:
English – strong communication and academic writing skills

Terms of Employment

Type of Contract and Duration:
A 12-month fixed-term employment contract, with the prospect of progressive extensions culminating in a permanent position through the Tenure Track Program.

Workload / FTE:
full-time

Starting Date:
Flexible start date, between 1 September and 1 December 2026

Probation Period:
3 months

What We Offer

Salary and Compensation:
The gross monthly salary is CZK 44,000. We also offer performance bonuses:
– Rewards for publications in impact factor journals.
– Semi-annual bonuses for active participation in projects.
– Extraordinary bonuses for excellent research results.

The average gross salary can reach up to CZK 54,000 per month.- Extraordinary bonuses for excellent research results.

The average gross salary can reach up to CZK 54,000 per month.

Professional Development and Research Environment:
• Creative research environment with the support of an experienced team
• Oppotunity to solve intellectually challenging problems

Institutional Culture – HR Excellence in Research Award
We hold the HR Excellence in Research award, granted by the European Commission. This award confirms our commitment to aligning our internal processes and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers. As part of this commitment, we provide, among other things, the following measures:
• An ombudsperson focused on the prevention and resolution of disputes, ensuring fair treatment and ethical principles
• Equal treatment for all employees
• Equal opportunities in all aspects of employment

More information on the HR Excellence in Research Award measures can be found here:
https://www.it.cas.cz/en/hrs4r/

Employee Benefits:
We offer a range of employee benefits supporting work-life balance:
• 5 weeks of vacation
• 5 days of paid leave (sick days or personal reasons)
• Flexible working hours
• Meal allowance
• Pocket money for foreign travel amounting to 30–40% of the per diem rate
• Paid leave for significant life events
• Possibility of part-time work (e.g., for family reasons)
• Subsidized language courses
• Recreational facilities
• Access to Czech Academy of Sciences children’s groups (subject to capacity)
• Pension insurance contribution
• Employee discounts

The full terms and conditions of individual employee benefits can be found here:
https://www.it.cas.cz/en/employee-benefits-package/

Date of Publication:
07.07.2026

Selection Committee Members:
Ing. Martin Isoz, Ph.D.,
Ing. Dušan Gabriel, Ph.D.,
Mgr. Michaela Morala
Ing. Slavomír Parma, Ph.D.,

Application Procedure

How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents to the contact email address below no later than the application deadline:
• Cover letter
• Structured CV (including a list of publications and workshops/conferences attended)
• A copy of your PhD diploma or a confirmation of the expected date of your doctoral thesis defense (applicable to postdoctoral positions)

Application Deadline:
02.08.2026

Contact Person & Contact E-mail:
Mgr. Michaela Morala, morala@nullit.cas.cz

Additional Information:
• Please read all the requirements and conditions listed here carefully before submitting your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Submit your CV, publication list and motivation letter including research vision
• Crucially, please include the reference number of this job offer in the subject line of your application email.
• Due to our holiday leave, responses regarding submitted CVs will be sent after August 2, 2026. Thank you for your understanding.

Personal Data Protection:
By submitting your response to this advertisement, you acknowledge that the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, v. v. i., as the data controller, will process the personal data provided by you for the purpose of the selection procedure for the given job vacancy, in accordance with the GDPR (EU 2016/679) and relevant national legislation.

Your personal data will be processed for the duration of the selection procedure. If you grant us your explicit consent, we may also retain it for the purposes of future selection procedures. Detailed information on the processing of personal data and your rights can be found on the page:
https://www.it.cas.cz/en/career/working-for-us/job-privacy-notice/