Selection Procedures
Institute of Macromolecular 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 Postdoctoral position Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites.
Postdoctoral position Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites
Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites
Postdoctoral position
Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites
Job description
The candidate’s responsibilities will include independent research and development work in the Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
The Department’s research focuses on the design, synthesis, and characterization of new advanced multifunctional polymers and nanocomposites, and on elucidating the relationships between their multiscale structure and their properties. We exploit approaches based on self-assembly, nano-phase separation, interfacial interactions, and the functionalization of polymers and nanofillers. The materials studied include thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, hydrogels, and hydrogel-related super-elastomeric xerogels (“solvent-free gels”).
Depending on the postdoctoral fellow’s area of expertise, his or her research will focus on:
- advanced polymer nanocomposites containing inorganic or organic nanofillers, including carbon nanomaterials, nanotubes, graphene-based materials, clay nanoplatelets and other 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures;
- self-healing and stimuli-responsive polymer materials responding to temperature, pH, mechanical or other external stimuli;
- smart hydrogels and nanocomposite hydrogels with tailored mechanical and transport properties;
- dynamic polymer networks and vitrimers based on reversible chemical or physical interactions;
- self-assembled and supramolecular polymer systems with controlled nano- and microstructure;
- biodegradable, biocompatible and waterborne polymer systems, including polyurethane-based materials;
- control of polymer/nanofiller interfacial interactions and morphology to achieve tailored mechanical, thermal, rheological, transport and functional properties.
The specific research topic will be tailored to the expertise and interests of the successful candidate and will be developed in connection with ongoing research activities and projects within the Department.
The position will also involve planning and conducting experiments, comprehensive materials characterization, critical interpretation of experimental data, publication of results in international peer-reviewed journals, and active participation in national and international research projects.
Experimental approaches
The research activities will involve, in particular:
- rheological and viscoelastic characterization of polymer systems;
- mechanical testing and evaluation of mechanical properties;
- DSC, TGA and other thermal analysis techniques;
- DMA (DMTA);
- GPC/SEC and spectroscopic techniques including FTIR and NMR;
- SAXS, WAXS and XRD;
- SEM and TEM;
- microscopic and other techniques for characterization of nano- and microstructure;
- characterization of surface- and interfacial properties;
- synthesis, modification and functionalization of polymers and nanofillers;
- preparation and characterization of hydrogels, polymer networks and nanocomposites.
Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with:
- a Ph.D. degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related field;
- practical experience in the preparation and characterization of polymers, polymer networks or polymer nanocomposites;
- hands-on experience with the relevant materials characterization techniques;
- ability to independently plan experiments, process experimental data and critically interpret research results;
- experience with scientific publishing;
- very good spoken and written English;
- an active, creative and independent approach to scientific problem-solving;
- ability to work independently as well as efficiently within an international research team.
Experience with nanocomposites, hydrogels, rheology, dynamic polymer networks, self-healing or stimuli-responsive materials, polymer or nanofiller synthesis and functionalization will be considered an advantage.
We offer
- stimulating and creative research work on the development of advanced functional polymer materials, at a prestigious research institution.;
- an opportunity to develop an independent research topic within the scientific focus of the Department;
- a friendly and international research environment;
- participation in national and international research projects;
- collaboration with leading Czech and international research groups;
- opportunities to publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals;
- opportunities to attend conferences, professional training and international research stays;
- support for professional and career development;
- flexible working hours;
- 5 weeks of annual leave plus 3 sick days;
- subsidized meals and employee benefits;
- contributions to pension insurance and long-term savings schemes or a leisure benefit card;
- subsidized language courses organized by the Czech Academy of Sciences;
- access to training, sports and recreational facilities.
Additional information
Expected starting date: 1.11.2026
Place of work: Prague, Czech Republic
Application deadline: 20.10.2026
More information about the Department of Nanostructured Polymers and Composites and its research activities is available on the website of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences.
Contact person: Dr. Ivan Kelnar (kelnar@imc.cas.cz, tel. 296 809 365)
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- a CV,
- a list of publications,
- a motivation letter,
- brief description of previous research experience and main scientific expertise.
Applications should be sent to the Personnel Department of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences at personalni@umch.cz.
Application deadline: 10/20/2026