Mapping European Research Careers (R1–R4) to Internal Qualification Levels at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS

This page outlines how the European Framework for Research Careers (R1–R4) maps directly onto the internal qualification levels of the Czech Academy of Sciences (grades V1 to V6) at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS (IT CAS).

While the R1–R4 framework defines four key stages of researcher development across Europe, IT CAS aligns these profiles with its internal career structure to provide a transparent reference point for career progression, international mobility, and clear expectations at each stage of a research career.

Overview: R1–R4 Stages and Corresponding CAS Qualification Levels

R1 – First Stage Researcher

Researchers conducting research under supervision up to the point of obtaining a Ph.D. or an equivalent level of competence.

  • Corresponding CAS Qualification Levels:

    • V1 – Research Assistant (Completed Bc./Ing./MSc. degree; ability to perform professional research and development work under supervision).

    • V2 – PhD Student (Completed Ing./MSc. degree and admitted to doctoral studies; carries out research work under framework guidance).

  • Core Focus: Professional training, mastering research methodologies, and working toward a doctoral dissertation.

R2 – Recognised Researcher

Researchers with a Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) who have not yet established a significant level of independence in developing their own research, attracting funding, or leading a research group.

  • Corresponding CAS Qualification Levels:

    • V3 – Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Ph.D. degree, up to 5 years after graduation; demonstrated ability to publish results independently or within a team).

  • Core Focus: Deepening expertise, publishing independently in peer-reviewed journals, building scientific autonomy, and presenting at international conferences.

R3 – Established Researcher

Researchers capable of independently developing their own research agenda, securing grant funding, and leading research teams or projects.

  • Corresponding CAS Qualification Level:

    • V4 – Associate Scientist (Ph.D. degree; performs specialized creative research under framework guidelines).

    • V5 – Research Scientist (Ph.D. degree; independently solves complex basic research tasks, regularly publishes, writes grant proposals, and supervises teams or doctoral candidates).

  • Core Focus: Scientific independence, leadership, project management, supervision of early-career researchers, and active international collaboration.

R4 – Leading Researcher

Top-tier researchers recognized by peers as leaders in their scientific field.

  • Corresponding CAS Qualification Levels:

    • V6 – Senior Research Scientist (Meets V5 criteria + recognized as an international authority making significant contributions to the advancement of the field).

    • Emeritus Research Fellow (Distinguished senior scientists with long-standing achievements continuing after retirement).

  • Core Focus: International scientific leadership, driving research strategy, advancing scientific disciplines globally, and mentoring future generations of researchers.

The Institute’s Commitment to Career Development

Aligned with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS strives to maintain a supportive working environment for its staff across all R1–R4 stages:

  • Research Freedom & Environment: Ensuring the freedom to choose research methodologies and providing basic informational and technical resources needed for research tasks.

  • Transparent Evaluation (Attestations): Conducting regular performance reviews based on research outputs, publications, project involvement, and team leadership.

  • Skill Development & Mobility: Encouraging researchers to take advantage of educational courses provided centrally within the Czech Academy of Sciences, and supporting staff in applying for competitive national or CAS mobility grants. International stays are formally recognized as part of the regular staff attestation scheme.

  • Equal Opportunities & Work-Life Balance: Fostering a non-discriminatory environment, promoting equal opportunities, and creating conditions that help staff balance professional and personal responsibilities.

 

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