Researcher II
Masaryk University Zobrazit všechny práce
- Brno, Jihomoravský
- Dočasný pracovní poměr
- Plný úvazek
Deadline: 15 May 2026
Start date: negotiable
Job type: full-time
Job field: Science and research | Education and schoolingBursar of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the positionResearcher in high-entropy ceramic thin filmsIIWorkplace: The Department of Plasma Physics and Technology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic
Type of Contract: temporary position (with possible extension), non-academic
Working Hours: 1,0 FTE (full-time employment of 40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date: negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates
Number of Open Positions: 1
Application Deadline: 15. 5 .2026
: R2About the Workplaceis the second-largest university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 5000 staff, and more than 30 000 students., a proud holder of the by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University provides courses and guarantees fundamental and applied research in the fields on plasma physics, plasma applications including deposition of thin films by PVD and nanotechnology. It has a tradition of more than 50 years.The R&D Centre for Plasma and Nanotechnology Surface Modifications ( ) was established in 2010 as part of the Department of Physical Electronics and was funded by the European Structural Funds and has been recognized by the European Union as a Key Enabling Technologies (KET's) centre. CEPLANT is also included on Roadmap of Large Research Infrastructures of the Czech Republic. CEPLANT boasts a rich network of cooperating institutions in the world. Cooperation with colleagues in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary is expected within the proposed position.Job DescriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the PVDLab at CEPLANT (Masaryk University, Czech Republic), working at the forefront of plasma-enabled materials design for next-generation energy storage.Our research explores high-entropy ceramic thin films as a new platform for all-solid-state alkaline-metal-ion batteries, using magnetron sputtering as a non-equilibrium materials design tool. This position sits at the intersection of physics, materials chemistry, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on fundamental research with high application potential.You will work in a state-of-the-art experimental environment, combining thin-film synthesis with advanced characterisation techniques including SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation, cyclic voltammetry, and EIS, complemented by access to European partner facilities (e.g. TEM, tribology, high-temperature and oxidation testing).The exact research direction will be shaped by your expertise and aligned with ambitious ongoing projects currently under evaluation by major funding agencies.Key Duties:
- Design and optimise magnetron sputtering processes for complex, multicomponent thin films.
- Independently carry out thin film deposition experiments.
- Perform advanced materials characterisation, analyse results, and drive iterative experiment design.
- Publish results in leading international journals. A
- ctively shape new research directions within the group.
- Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Proven experience in thin film or coating deposition, materials characterisation, and a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong command of spoken and written English.
- Experience with nanostructured and/or high-entropy materials.
- Background in plasma-based deposition techniques (e.g. magnetron sputtering).
- Scientifically curious and highly motivated, with a strong interest in fundamental research.
- Capable of independent work, while also thriving in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
- Creative and proactive, able to contribute new ideas and shape research directions.
- Well-organised, with the ability to plan and execute complex experimental studies.
- Willing to engage in international collaborations and contribute to a dynamic research network.
- Interested in mentoring and co-supervising students.
- International workplace with a motivated team of researchers and students.
- Access to modern deposition and analysis techniques.
- Worldwide contacts with specialised measurement equipment.
- An interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area.
- Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility.
- Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, pension insurance contribution, a financial meal allowance, lunches in canteens of MU, Multisport card, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone, childcare group-Campus.
- Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city (for more information on costs of living, you can refer to Numbeo).
- International Staff Office provides support with your relocation to Brno.
- CV (max two pages).
- Cover letter describing candidate's research interests and experience, especially regarding the topics listed above as important for this position.
- Summary of research outputs and publications.
- Names and contact details of at least 2 references.
Times Higher Education