Selection Procedures

06/25/2026
Institute of Physics 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 PhD student in spectroscopy and crystallography of uranium.

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD student with a deep interest in spectroscopy and crystallography, primarily of hexavalent uranium, to advance our understanding of this fascinating group of minerals and compounds.

The successful candidate will join a progressive research team of the Mineralogical Crystallography at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (fzu.cz). 

What you will do

• Investigate the spectroscopic properties not only of solid-state U(VI) minerals and compounds, but also of aqueous solutions containing U(VI)
• Try to interpret the spectroscopy similarities/dissimilarities between solid-solid state and solutions
• Investigate the local structure in the solutions using X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques and try to develop a viable and functional approach for emission spectroscopy techniques (PL, UV-VIS) that could be used as a “fingerprint”
• Investigate the structural features of novel U(VI) minerals and compounds, and to refine some of the known structures that could be utilized for the spectroscopy experiments.
• Study additional properties of the selected material and minerals of U(IV) (including thermochemistry techniques)
• Compile all the above-mentioned aspects of the U(VI) in the solid-state and solutions in order to utilize them for environmental applications and nuclear forensics 
• Participate in group meetings, preparation of manuscripts,  and dissemination of results at conferences
• Work with one of the world-leading experts in crystallography, spectroscopy, and mineralogy of U(IV) in the heart of Europe and collaborate with our global partners 

What we expect

• MSc. degree in Earth Sciences (ideally with a focus on mineralogy and crystallography)
• Skills in emission (PL, UV-VIS), Raman and infrared spectroscopy
• Reliability, adaptability, and hands-on experience with experimental work
• Natural curiosity, creative thinking,  and proactive problem solving 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
• Openness to engaging with international research
• Eager to learn and share knowledge 
• Communication skills 
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

Why join us

• Interesting work in a diverse research environment, combining various experimental techniques 
• Chance to significantly contribute to ongoing research of U(VI) with partners from a broad international collaboration
• Daily access to a range of advanced experimental tools directly within the department  (including SCXRD, PXRD, 3D ED), and our scientific collaborators (electron microscopy – imaging and analytical)
• Joining the group with the PI dedicated to the research in uranium for more than 20 years and a department full of experts in various aspects of crystallography - always ready to help and to share ideas
• 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave 
• Meal allowance, own canteen in the area 
• After the first year of employment, contributions to pension and life insurance, contributions to recreation, culture or sports 
• English lessons at the workplace 
• Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše Mountains
• Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
• Find out more about us -  Why FZU?

It´s good to know

• Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice 
• Start of employment from 8/2026
• Full-time 
• 1-year contract (the extension of the contract of employment is foreseen up to 5 years) 
• The PhD. studies will be handled via the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno
• We expect applications by: 15 July 2026
• Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, a curriculum vitae (CV), and transcripts of degrees/diplomas

For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Jakub Kopecký Plášil, e-mail: plasil@fzu.cz

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Application deadline: 07/15/2026