Selection Procedures

07/10/2025
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 Research fellow in the field of thermophysical properties.

Workplace (Department): D2 – Thermodynamics
Type and Duration of Employment: Fixed-term contract for 1 year with the possibility of subsequent conversion to a permanent contract
Workload: Full-time
Required Education: Ph.D. or equivalent in a technical, chemical, or physical field
Expected Start Date: 15 September 2025
Reference Number: 0086/25_D2
Place of Work: Dolejškova 1402/5, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic, Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties

Job Description

Our team focuses on research into the thermophysical properties of fluids, such as alternative refrigerants and heat transfer fluids, and phase transitions, e.g. droplet nucleation in CO₂-containing mixtures relevant for CCU/S technology design. To describe these properties, we develop both unique experimental setups and accurate mathematical models in our laboratories.

The offered position is primarily theoretical research in thermodynamics, focused on the development of models of thermophysical properties, phase transitions, or adsorption. Job responsibilities include:

• Theoretical research in the field of thermodynamics,

• Modeling thermophysical properties of liquids and phase transitions using equations of state or molecular simulation (MS) tools,

• Programming supporting tools in MATLAB, possibly Python or Fortran,

• Comparing results of developed theoretical models with in-house experiments and data from the literature,

• Collaborating with a creative team composed of members of the Laboratory of Thermophysical Properties and the Laboratory of Phase Transitions,

• Participating in the team’s publication activities.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in theoretical research of thermophysical properties, phase equilibria, or phase transitions,

• Publication activity or other results corresponding to the length and nature of practice,

• English language proficiency at C1/C2 level,

• Programming skills (MATLAB, or possibly Python, Fortran, C/C++),

• Experience with molecular simulations and MS tools (DL_POLY, Gromacs, ms2, etc.) is welcome,

• Independent and responsible approach to solving research tasks.

• Ph.D. in engineering, chemistry or physics is a MUST

Special Requirements for Applicants

To ensure you meet the basic requirements, please:

• Clearly describe in your CV the type and length of your research experience for each required skill,

• Specify the scope and depth of your knowledge in the relevant subject matter,

• Provide a complete list of your publications.

Remuneration System

In addition to the gross monthly salary, we offer a performance bonus system that includes:

• Bonuses for publications in journals with an impact factor (IF),

• Discretionary semi-annual bonuses for active participation in research projects,

• One-time bonuses for outstanding science outreach.

What We Offer

Professional Development and Stimulating Environment

Our Organisational Culture: HR Excellence in Research

We are proud holders of the HR Excellence in Research Award, granted by the European Commission to research institutions committed to aligning their policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Within this commitment, we offer:

• An Ombudsman service focused on conflict prevention and resolution, ensuring fair treatment and adherence to ethical standards within the institution,

• Fair treatment of all employees,

• Equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.

Comprehensive Employee Benefits Package

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• 5 weeks of paid vacation annually,

• 5 days of paid health leave annually,

• Workind from home,

• Flexible working hours,

• Meal allowance,

• Travel reimbursements: 30% above the statutory per diem for the destination country,

• Paid leave for childbirth, family care, child’s wedding, relocation, bereavement beyond statutory entitlement,

• Work-life balance support: possibility to request temporary part-time work for health or family reasons,

• Subsidized courses in English, Czech, German, and French; discounted courses in Spanish, Italian, and Japanese,

• Access to our own recreation facilities,

• Childcare support: access to childcare groups of the Czech Academy of Sciences (subject to availability),

• Pension contribution: supplementary pension insurance contribution (available to full-time employees eligible for a Czech pension),

• SSČ client discount card,

• Excellent team spirit, fair attitude and opportunities & great colleagues 

About Us

The Institute of Thermomechanics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a non-university public research institution focused on interdisciplinary basic and applied research in the following areas:

• Fluid dynamics,

• Thermodynamics,

• Dynamics of mechanical systems,

• Solid mechanics,

• Fluid-solid interaction,

• Environmental aerodynamics,

• Biomechanics,

• Mechatronics,

• Electrophysics, electrical machines, drives, and electronics,

• Material diagnostics.

Our mission goes beyond research; we are dedicated to training the next generation of scientists through mentoring and student supervision, as well as actively engaging in science outreach and knowledge transfer.

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How to Apply

Application Instructions
Please send your application, including a structured CV and a short motivation letter, to Michaela Morala, Head of the Research Support Unit, at morala@it.cas.cz.

Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee after the application deadline. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, and all interviewees will be informed of the outcome via email.

Application Deadline: 26 August 2025

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Important Notices

• Please read all requirements carefully before applying,

• Applications not meeting the instructions will not be considered,

• Include the reference number “0086/25_D2” in the subject line of your application email.

Application deadline: 08/26/2025