Výběrová řízení

The Director of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences announces a call for applications for the establishment of a New Research Group.

The purpose of this call is to support the development of new, independent research activities that will strengthen and diversify the Institute's scientific portfolio and contribute to its long-term strategic development.

The successful applicant will establish and lead a new, independent research department at the IMC. The proposed research program should either:

• introduce a new scientific research theme at the Institute; or
• develop an existing area of macromolecular science from a novel, original, and scientifically independent perspective.

In both cases, the proposed research program must be clearly distinct from the current activities and topics of the existing departments. The new research group is expected to complement and broaden the Institute's expertise while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific excellence.

The New Research Group Leader will be expected to:

• establish and lead an independent research group;
• develop an original, internationally competitive research program;
• actively pursue national and international competitive research funding;
• publish results in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals;
• establish national and international scientific collaborations;
• supervise and mentor students, as well as early-career researchers;
• contribute to the scientific activities and long-term development of the Institute.

Eligibility

Applicants should demonstrate:

• PhD in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, nanoscience, biotechnology, or a related field;
• an excellent scientific track record appropriate to their career stage;
• the ability to establish an independent research program;
• a clear scientific vision and potential for international competitiveness;
• the potential to secure external research funding;
• leadership potential and the ability to supervise students and junior researchers;
• active participation in and/or affinity with management and organizational tasks;
• excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English;
• motivation to learn the Czech language within five years (supported by the Institute).

Conditions and Support

The Institute will provide the newly established research group with laboratory and office space appropriate to the proposed research program and the planned team. The expected size of the department is approximately 4–8 people, including the Group Leader, postdoctoral researcher(s), and PhD student(s).

The group will be supported through an Institute internal project for the first three years. The internal funding will cover 100% of the approved costs in the first year, 75% in the second year, and 50% in the third year. During this initial three-year period, the Research Group Leader is expected to actively develop and secure external research funding so that the group can progressively become externally funded and financially sustainable.

The Group Leader will be appointed on a three-year contract, with the possibility of prolongation following a successful evaluation of the group's scientific performance and development. The position includes a four-month probationary period. The gross monthly salary will be in the range of CZK 60,000–80,000, depending on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and scientific track record.

The Institute offers:

• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and technical support.
• A collaborative and internationally connected research environment.
• Meal allowance and access to an on-site cafeteria located in the institute building.
• Five weeks of annual leave and three days of paid sick leave (health days).
• Employee benefits, including contributions to supplementary pension savings and other retirement savings products, or a flexible benefits card.
• Flexible start and end times of the working day.
• Subsidized language courses organized by the Czech Academy of Sciences.
• Access to training and recreational facilities, along with additional employee benefits.

Application

Applicants should submit in English or Czech to the email address personalni@umch.cz (Mrs. Petra Valešová, Personal Office, tel. +420 296 809 385) by 31. 10. 2026:

• a motivation letter;
• a curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications;
• a list of current and previous research grants and other research funding (if applicable);
• a research proposal (maximum 5 pages) describing the planned research program, its scientific objectives, originality, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the Institute's scientific profile. The proposal should clearly demonstrate that the proposed research either introduces a new research theme at the Institute or develops an existing area from a novel perspective. In addition, the proposal should include a staffing plan outlining the anticipated composition of the research team, including the key personnel to be recruited (or already identified, if applicable), their expected roles and responsibilities, and how their expertise will contribute to the successful implementation of the proposed research programme;

The Institute is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, age, disability, or background.

Evaluation

Applications will be evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by the Director.

The evaluation will be based on:

• scientific excellence and the applicant's achievements;
• originality, quality, and feasibility of the proposed research program;
• strategic relevance of the proposed research for the Institute;
• potential to establish an internationally competitive and externally funded research group.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposed research program and vision for the new department before the Selection Committee and other institute bodies. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and interview as part of the evaluation process.

Appointment

The selected candidate will establish a New Research Group within the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry under the conditions approved by the Institute's management.

Starting date: 1. 1. 2027

For further details on the offered position do not hesitate to contact Ing. Patrycja Bober, PhD., (bober@imc.cas.cz; phone: +420 296 809 450).