11/09/2026
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 Call for proposals to establish and lead a new research department: Polymer Informatics, Automated Polymer Synthesis and Machine Learning.

Call for proposals to establish and lead a new research department

Polymer Informatics, Automated Polymer Synthesis and Machine Learning

 

Call at a glance The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences seeks an outstanding researcher to propose and lead the establishment of a new strategic department combining polymer informatics, automated polymer synthesis, high-throughput experimentation, multimodal characterization, and machine learning / AI.

 

Issuing institution	Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS, public research institution
Purpose of the call	Establishment and leadership of a new strategic department
Working title	Polymer Informatics, Automated Polymer Synthesis and Machine Learning
Expected start	1 March 2027
Application deadline	31 December 2026

 

1. Purpose of the Call

The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMC CAS) invites proposals for the establishment of a new department focused on polymer informatics, automated polymer synthesis, high-throughput experimentation, multimodal characterization, and machine learning / AI.

The aim of this call is to select a candidate who will present a compelling scientific, organizational, and infrastructure development concept and will be capable of gradually building the department into an internationally competitive research unit that brings significant added value to IMC.

The new department is not intended merely as a center for general-purpose AI applications or as a technical unit operating laboratory robotics. Its mission will be to develop integrated experimental and data workflows enabling a transition from conventional sequential experimentation to data-driven design of polymeric and macromolecular materials.

2. Vision and Scientific Scope of the Department

The department will develop its own research program while also serving as an institute-wide platform supporting other IMC departments. It is expected to integrate the following pillars:

• polymer informatics and data infrastructure: unique sample identification, standardized metadata, databases of experimental and analytical results, including both successful and unsuccessful experiments;
• automated polymer synthesis and formulation: automation of repetitive steps, preparation of compositional libraries, formulation of polymer blends, hydrogels, membranes, composites, and other materials systems;
• high-throughput and multimodal characterization: FTIR, NMR, XRPD, SAXS/WAXS, SEC/GPC, thermal analysis, rheology, microscopy, and selected mechanical, transport, and electrical properties;
• machine learning and AI: modeling relationships among composition, structure, morphology, processing, and properties; active learning, Bayesian optimization, property prediction, and design of subsequent experiments.

3. Expected Responsibilities of the Department Head

The Head of the new department will be responsible for establishing its scientific program, organizational structure, and research team. The successful candidate is expected to formulate a long-term vision, secure external funding, develop international collaborations, and create an environment integrating chemistry, experimental automation, analytical methods, data infrastructure, and ML/AI.

• establish an original, internationally competitive research program;
• recruit and lead an interdisciplinary team spanning polymer chemistry, automation, characterization, data science, and software development;
• initiate joint projects with existing IMC departments;
• actively secure national and international grants and contribute to the Institute’s strategic development;
• publish in high-quality international journals and enhance IMC’s visibility in data-driven polymer science.

4. Candidate Profile

We seek an outstanding researcher working at the interface of macromolecular chemistry, polymer or materials science, experimental automation, polymer informatics, and machine learning. The successful candidate need not personally specialize in every area but must be able to integrate them into a coherent scientific and organizational concept.

• PhD or equivalent qualification in chemistry, macromolecular chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, chemoinformatics, data science, or a related field;
• a demonstrable research track record appropriate to the applicant’s career stage;
• a clear vision for advancing data-driven polymer chemistry or autonomous/high-throughput materials discovery;
• experience in polymer synthesis, high-throughput experimentation, laboratory automation, multimodal characterization, ML/AI, data infrastructure, or experimental–computational integration is an advantage;
• ability to lead an interdisciplinary team, attract external funding, and foster collaborations within and beyond the Institute;
• excellent command of English; international candidates should be motivated to progressively engage with the Czech academic environment.

5. Institutional Support

IMC will offer the selected candidate an opportunity to establish a new strategic department at a leading Czech institute of macromolecular chemistry. Access to the Institute’s existing infrastructure, laboratory and office facilities, and support for grant preparation, team recruitment, and collaboration with other departments are envisaged.

The specific level of staffing, infrastructure, and financial support will be negotiated with Institute management, taking into account the quality of the proposed concept, the department’s needs, and IMC’s resources.

6. Application and Required Documents

Applications may be submitted in Czech or English and should include:

• a motivation letter;
• a curriculum vitae, including a complete list of publications;
• a list of previous research projects and research funding obtained, where applicable;
• a 3–5-year development concept for the new department (maximum 5 pages);
• a proposed staffing and infrastructure development plan;
• an outline of initial demonstration projects and involvement of existing IMC departments.

The department development concept should describe, in particular, the scientific vision, originality of the proposed program, methodological approach, team-building plan, infrastructure needs, expected outcomes, and strategic relevance to IMC.

7. Evaluation of Proposals

Proposals will be evaluated by a Selection Committee appointed by the Director of the Institute. Evaluation will focus primarily on:

• scientific excellence and the applicant’s track record;
• originality, quality, and feasibility of the proposed departmental concept;
• strategic value for IMC and alignment with the Institute’s long-term development;
• ability to combine an independent research program with an institute-wide platform role;
• potential to secure external funding and establish an internationally visible research unit;
• a realistic staffing, infrastructure, and data development plan.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their concept to the Selection Committee and Institute representatives. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and interview.

The selection process will consist of two rounds. In the first round, submitted materials and the applicants’ concepts will be assessed. Candidates advancing to the second round will receive more detailed internal materials describing the envisaged functions and activities of the new department, allowing them to align their vision more closely with IMC’s needs and opportunities. The second round will focus on presentation of the proposed concept and discussion of its feasibility, staffing and infrastructure plans, and the department’s institute-wide platform role.

8. Submission of Applications

Please submit applications electronically to the Human Resources Office: personalni@umch.cz

Contact person for additional scientific information:

Jiří Brus, PhD, DSc (Deputy Director for Science and Research)

Email: brus@imc.cas.cz

Application deadline: 31 December 2026

Expected starting date: 1 March 2027

 

Equal Opportunities IMC is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, nationality, age, disability, or personal background.

 

Application deadline: 12/31/2026