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 Supramolecular Polymer Systems.
Postdoctoral position
Department of Supramolecular Polymer Systems
Job description and responsibilities:
The Department of Supramolecular Polymer Systems at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences investigates polymer self-assembly in solutions and dispersions, relationships between structure and properties, and the biomedical potential of micelles, vesicles, nanoparticles and gels. An emerging research direction is the use of microfluidic methods for the controlled and reproducible preparation of functional polymer nano- and microsystems.
The successful candidate will independently design and carry out experimental research linking microfluidic preparation with polymer self-assembly and functional performance, with particular emphasis on:
- Design and optimization of microfluidic methods, including nanoprecipitation and controlled mixing, to prepare polymer nano- and microparticles with defined size and morphology
- Preparation and investigation of self-assembled systems, including micelles and polymer vesicles, as well as materials responsive to pH, temperature or chemical conditions
- Evaluation of how polymer composition and preparation conditions affect structure, stability, permeability and release of encapsulated compounds, with potential biomedical applications in mind
The research will employ experimental approaches such as:
- Microfluidic formulation and control of process parameters; preparation and modification of polymer dispersions
- Particle sizing and distribution analysis (e.g. DLS), colloidal stability measurements and basic physicochemical characterization
- Imaging and structural analysis (e.g. TEM, microscopy and scattering methods), together with spectroscopic techniques as appropriate for the solved research projects
- Assessment of model-compound release and collaboration on biological evaluation of the prepared systems
The position also includes experimental planning, critical interpretation of data, publication of results in international peer-reviewed journals, active involvement in national and international research projects and active presentation of results on the domestic and international conferences.
More information about the research is available on the department's website.
Requirements:
- A completed Ph.D. (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Macromolecular Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Biomedical Nanotechnology or a related discipline by the starting date
- Demonstrable hands-on experience with microfluidic preparation of nano- or microsystems, nanoprecipitation, or comparable controlled-formulation methods
- Knowledge of polymer self-assembly, colloidal systems and their physicochemical characterization
- A strong publication record appropriate to the candidate's career stage and the ability to prepare scientific manuscripts independently
- International experience in the research area such as stay abroad, participation on international scientific conferences or contacts with workplaces abroad
- Very good spoken and written English, a creative and proactive approach to research, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Experience with stimuli-responsive polymers, polymer drug carriers or evaluation under biologically relevant conditions is an advantage.
We offer:
- Stimulating and diverse work at a prestigious research institution
- Participation in national and international projects and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Professional training, career development and flexible working hours
- Subsidized meals and an on-site cafeteria
- Five weeks of annual leave plus three sick days
- 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 and other employee benefits
Additional information:
Application deadline: 30 November 2026
Expected start date: 1 January 2027
Place of work: Prague, Czech Republic
For scientific enquiries about the position, please contact Prof. Martin Hrubý, Ph.D., DSc. (mhruby@centrum.cz).
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit:
- A CV
- A list of publications
- A motivation letter
Please email the documents to the Institute's Human Resources Department at personalni@umch.cz. For further information, call +420 296 809 385.
Application deadline: 11/30/2026