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
Requirements
- Research Field
- Engineering “Chemical engineering”
- Education Level
- PhD or equivalent
- 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 skills
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Good
- Research Field
- Engineering
- Years of Research Experience
- 4 – 10
Additional Information
Terms of Employment
Type of Contract and Duration:
A 12-month fixed-term employment contract, with a posibility to prolong the work contract
Workload / FTE:
full-time
Starting Date:
01.05.2026 or as per agreement
Probation Period:
3 months
What We Offer
Salary and Compensation:
The gross monthly salary is CZK 45,000. 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.
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:
20.03.2026
Application Deadline:
13.04.2026
Selection Committee Members:
Garapati Meenakshi Seshadhri, Dr.
Ing. Jiří Šonský, Ph.D.
Mgr. Michaela Morala
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)
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/