Selection Procedures
Institute of Thermomechanics 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 Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Modeling of Martensitic Microstructures.
The Institute of Thermomechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, is a non-university public research organization conducting basic and applied research in the field of applied physics. Within the EU co-funded project Ferroic Multifunctionalities (FerrMion, www.ferrmion.eu), we are seeking a suitable candidate for the position of Postdoctoral Researcher in Theoretical Modeling of Martensitic Microstructures for the Materials Characterization Laboratory, Department of Ultrasonic Methods.
Project and Position Description
The FerrMion project focuses on the characterization, development, and design of smart materials based on active microstructures-ferroelastic, ferromagnetic, ferroelectric, and multiferroic. It builds on the synergy and collaboration between multidisciplinary research teams from three institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and two Prague universities, involving materials scientists, physicists, mathematicians, and engineers.
The FerrMion team at the Department of Ultrasonic Methods, Institute of Thermomechanics, Czech Academy of Sciences, is internationally recognized in the field of laser-ultrasonic characterization of phase-transforming materials, particularly shape memory alloys, multiferroic alloys (magnetic shape memory materials), and metastable biomedical alloys. The group also develops theoretical and mathematical models and conducts numerical simulations of these materials and their behavior.
The successful candidate will work in a highly multidisciplinary team on the mathematical description of twinning disconnections and inclined twin interfaces in ferroelastic alloys, under the supervision of Prof. Hanuš Seiner (Principal Investigator of the FerrMion project) and in close collaboration with Dr. Barbora Benešová (Charles University in Prague, work package leader in FerrMion).
Position Details
Researcher profile: Postdoctoral Researcher (R2)
Application deadline: 31 December 2025
Number of positions: 1
Type of contract: Fixed-term, 12–18 months
Job status: Full-time
Salary: 56 kCZK/month (on contract) + up to 6 kCZK/month (variable remuneration)
Required degree: PhD in mathematics, applied physics, engineering, or materials science, completed before the start date.
Candidates applying before their PhD defense must provide a written statement from their PhD supervisor or from their university’s Office for Student Affairs confirming the expected defense date.
Start date: Flexible, between 1 April 2026 and 1 October 2026
Location: Prague, Czech Republic, Europe
Candidate Profile
We are looking for highly motivated candidates with experience in non-linear elasticity theory of martensite, crystal plasticity, or related topics in applied mathematics or theoretical mechanics. The candidate should be capable of working effectively in an international, multidisciplinary team and possess strong writing and presentation skills. Good proficiency in English is required.
Desired Soft Skills
- Willingness and ability to develop new knowledge and skills
- Capacity to conduct independent research in the field
- Flexibility and readiness to travel as needed
Application Requirements
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications and attended workshops/conferences
- Written statement confirming the envisaged PhD defense date (if applicable, can be included in a recommendation letter)
- Up to two recommendation letters (optional but welcomed)
Formal Eligibility Criteria
According to the regulations of the Czech Academy of Sciences, postdoctoral appointments are open only to researchers who obtained their PhD less than five years prior to the planned end of the contract. Therefore, to be eligible, applicants should have earned their PhD no more than 3–4 years ago. Variations due to parental leave, career breaks, or non-academic employment will be considered individually by the selection committee.
What We Offer
Professional Growth & Stimulating Environment
We are committed to supporting your professional development in a collaborative atmosphere. You’ll benefit from:
- A creative research environment with direct support by an experienced team.
- Intellectually stimulating problems at the cutting edge of thermodynamics.
Our Organizational Culture: HR Excellence in Research
We are proud holders of the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. This award recognizes our commitment to aligning our policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. As part of this commitment, we actively foster:
- An Ombudsperson service dedicated to preventing and resolving disputes, ensuring fair treatment, and upholding ethical principles within the institution.
- Fair treatment for all employees.
- Equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
We offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance, including:
- Generous Vacation: 5 weeks of annual leave.
- Paid Sick or personal Leave: 5 days per year.
- Flexible Working Hours.
- Subsidized Meal Arrangements.
- National Health Insurance Coverage.
- Travel Allowance: 30-40% additional allowance for international travel.
- Comprehensive Paid Leave: Covering significant life events such as the birth of a child, family care, child’s marriage, relocation, and bereavement.
- Work-Life Balance Support: Possibility to request a temporary reduction in working hours for health or family reasons.
- Language Courses: Subsidized English, Czech, German, and French courses, with discounted rates for Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
- Recreational Facilities: Access to our own recreational facility.
- Child Care: Eligibility for Czech Academy of Science child care groups (subject to availability).
- Pension Contribution: Supplementary pension insurance contribution (available to full-time employees eligible for a Czech pension).
- Employee Discounts: Access to the “SSČ” client card for various benefits.
For a complete overview of our employee benefits, please visit our Employee Benefits Package page.
About Us
At the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, a distinguished non-university public research institute within the Czech Academy of Sciences, we conduct interdisciplinary basic and applied research. Our work spans critical areas such as:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
- Solid Mechanics
- Interactions of Fluids and Solids
- Environmental Aerodynamics
- Biomechanics
- Mechatronics
- Electrophysics, Electrical Machines, Drives, and Electronics
- Material Diagnostics
Our mission extends beyond research; we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists through student mentoring and supervision, and actively contribute to the broader scientific community through our science outreach and knowledge transfer initiatives.
Discover our mission.
How to Apply
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please send your application, including a structured CV and a short motivation letter, to Mrs. Michaela Morala, HR manager, at morala@it.cas.cz.
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee after the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, and all interviewed applicants will be informed of the outcome via email. Application Deadline: December 31, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
The successful candidate will be appointed to a position as a Research Scientist, Research Fellow, or Postdoctoral Researcher based on their experience and qualifications within our internal career ladder system.
We value diverse career paths, and variations in CV chronology due to parental leave or non-academic career paths will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the selection committee.
Selection Committee
The head of the selection committee for this position is:
- Prof. Ing. Hanuš Seiner, PhD. DsC., Head of the Ultrasonic Methods Department
Important Notes
- Before applying, carefully read all requirements and ensure you meet them.
- Applications that do not conform to these instructions will not be considered.
- Crucially, please include the reference number “0087/25_D5” in the subject line of your application email.
Important notes: The yellow-highlighted sections are subject to double-checking and potential modification, so please do not overlook them.
Application deadline: 12/31/2025