Selection Procedures
J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position Expert in Neutron Diffraction and Neutron Scattering.
Position Opening: Expert in Neutron Diffraction and Neutron Scattering
Location: J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry, Prague, Czech Republic
Contract Type: Fixed-term (6 months)
Starting Date: June–July 2025
Application Deadline: 19.05.2025
Website: https://www.jh-inst.cas.cz
About the Project
The methanol-to-hydrocarbons (MTH) process, enabling sustainable production of essential chemicals from renewable resources, faces a major challenge: zeolite catalyst deactivation caused by micropore fouling with coke deposits. Building on recent advances using Powder Neutron Diffraction (NPD) to map coke structures within zeolite micropores, this project aims to develop and refine in situ/operando neutron diffraction methodologies to directly observe and understand coke evolution under reaction conditions.
This short-term position will support the data processing methodology development within a Czech Science Foundation–funded project:
“Neutron Diffraction Mapping of Coke Evolution in Zeolite Micropores.”
Responsibilities
- Develop advanced data-analysis protocols for NPD-based studies of zeolite catalysts under reactive conditions.
- Perform Rietveld refinements, Difference Fourier Mapping, and Simulated Annealing to model guest species within zeolite structures.
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
- Strong background in Condensed Matter Structure and Crystallography.
- Minimum 3 years of experience with neutron-scattering techniques (especially powder neutron diffraction).
- Hands-on experience with diffraction beamlines and operando/in situ setups.
- Proficiency with diffraction-data analysis tools (e.g., GSAS-II, FullProf, TOPAS).
- Excellent command of English (both spoken and written).
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with isotope-labeling methods (e.g., D₂O exchange) to enhance neutron-scattering contrast.
- Knowledge of heterogeneous catalysis and zeolite-based systems.
- Experience in neutron beamtime proposal writing and execution.
Benefits
- Work within an internationally recognized team with leading expertise in neutron scattering and catalysis.
- Access to top-tier experimental facilities (e.g., PSI, ILL).
- Supportive and dynamic research environment at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry.
- Opportunities for networking and career development.
- Flexible working hours, including the possibility of part-time or hybrid work arrangements.
How to Apply
Please send your Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages) to:
recruitment@jh-inst.cas.cz with the subject line: SC2025_13 by 19.05.2025.
Important
By submitting your CV, you consent to the processing of your personal data solely for the purpose of recruitment at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry. All information provided must be true and accurate.
Application deadline: 05/19/2025