University of Iowa

Department: Department of Plasma Physics and Technology – Faculty of Science Deadline: 15 May 2026 Start date: negotiable Job type: full-time Job field: Science and research | Education and schooling Bursar of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the position Researcher in high-entropy ceramic thin filmsII Workplace: The Department of Plasma Physics and Technology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic Type of Contract: temporary position (with possible extension), non-academic Working Hours: 1,0 FTE (full-time employment of 40 hours per week) Expected Start Date: negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates Number of Open Positions: 1 Application Deadline: 15. 5 .2026 EU Researcher Profile: R2 About the Workplace Masaryk University is the second-largest university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 5000 staff, and more than 30 000 students. Faculty of Science MU, a proud holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results. The Department of Plasma Physics and Technology at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University provides courses and guarantees fundamental and applied research in the fields on plasma physics, plasma applications including deposition of thin films by PVD and nanotechnology. It has a tradition of more than 50 years. The R&D Centre for Plasma and Nanotechnology Surface Modifications (CEPLANT) was established in 2010 as part of the Department of Physical Electronics and was funded by the European Structural Funds and has been recognized by the European Union as a Key Enabling Technologies (KET's) centre. CEPLANT is also included on Roadmap of Large Research Infrastructures of the Czech Republic. CEPLANT boasts a rich network of cooperating institutions in the world. Cooperation with colleagues in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary is expected within the proposed position. Job Description We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the PVDLab at CEPLANT (Masaryk University, Czech Republic), working at the forefront of plasma-enabled materials design for next-generation energy storage. Our research explores high-entropy ceramic thin films as a new platform for all-solid-state alkaline-metal-ion batteries, using magnetron sputtering as a non-equilibrium materials design tool. This position sits at the intersection of physics, materials chemistry, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on fundamental research with high application potential. You will work in a state-of-the-art experimental environment, combining thin-film synthesis with advanced characterisation techniques including SEM, EDX, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy, nanoindentation, cyclic voltammetry, and EIS, complemented by access to European partner facilities (e.g. TEM, tribology, high-temperature and oxidation testing). The exact research direction will be shaped by your expertise and aligned with ambitious ongoing projects currently under evaluation by major funding agencies. Key Duties: Design and optimise magnetron sputtering processes for complex, multicomponent thin films. Independently carry out thin film deposition experiments. Perform advanced materials characterisation, analyse results, and drive iterative experiment design. Publish results in leading international journals. A ctively shape new research directions within the group. Skills and Qualifications Essential requirements: Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related field. Proven experience in thin film or coating deposition, materials characterisation, and a track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals. Strong command of spoken and written English. Highly desirable: Experience with nanostructured and/or high-entropy materials. Background in plasma-based deposition techniques (e.g. magnetron sputtering). We are looking for a candidate who is: Scientifically curious and highly motivated, with a strong interest in fundamental research. Capable of independent work, while also thriving in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment. Creative and proactive, able to contribute new ideas and shape research directions. Well-organised, with the ability to plan and execute complex experimental studies. Willing to engage in international collaborations and contribute to a dynamic research network. Interested in mentoring and co-supervising students. Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Assoc. prof. Pavel Souček, email soucek@physics.muni.cz, tel. 00420 549 49 8769. We Offer Faculty of Science of the Masaryk University is a proud holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission (https://www.sci.muni.cz/en/about-us/hrs4r) and we can offer: International workplace with a motivated team of researchers and students. Access to modern deposition and analysis techniques. Worldwide contacts with specialised measurement equipment. An interesting job in a dynamically-expanding university area. Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility. Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, pension insurance contribution, a financial meal allowance, lunches in canteens of MU, Multisport card, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone, childcare group-Campus. Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city (for more information on costs of living, you can refer to Numbeo). International Staff Office provides support with your relocation to Brno. Application Process The application shall be submitted online by 15. 5. 2026 via an e-application, please find the reference to the e-application in the beginning and end of the advertisement. The candidate shall provide following: CV (max two pages). Cover letter describing candidate's research interests and experience, especially regarding the topics listed above as important for this position. Summary of research outputs and publications. Names and contact details of at least 2 references. After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz. Selection Process Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the EU Charter and Code for Researchers. Selection criteria: (i) meeting qualification requirements described above, (ii) all required documents provided. The Faculty Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) can be seen here. Faculty of Science, Masaryk University is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Visit our Career page. We are looking forward to hearing from you!

Novel Fibre Reinforced Polymer–Steel–Concrete Transition Structures for Offshore Wind Turbines (FRESCO) is a new research project funded by the Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Hub. It aims to develop a novel glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP)–steel–concrete tower-to-monopile transition structure for offshore wind turbines, with a focus on improving structural efficiency, durability, and ease of installation. Your work will include the development of advanced numerical models of the transition system, alongside the testing of a scaled prototype structure to demonstrate proof of concept. You will lead the technical activities related to modelling and experimental testing, including the design of test programmes and interpretation of results. The role will also involve analysing and synthesising findings, contributing to design recommendations, and disseminating outcomes through publications and engagement with relevant industry stakeholders and events.You are invited to contact Dr Sheida Afshan (s.afshan@soton.ac.uk ) for further information about this position in advance of submitting your application. Applicants should hold a PhD in Structural Engineering or equivalent professional qualifications and experience with previous relevant experience in computational modelling and experimental testing. Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. 

As a University of Applied Learning, SIT works closely with industry in our research pursuits. Our research staff will have the opportunity to be equipped with applied research skill sets that are relevant to industry demands while working on research projects in SIT. The primary responsibility of this role is to deliver an industry innovation research project as part of a research team developing molecular and sequencing workflows for microbial characterization. The work supports the rapid detection of microbial bioburden in biopharmaceutical cleaning validation using a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) biosensor platform. Responsibilities include next-generation sequencing (NGS), qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation, and experimental support for aptamer discovery targeting environmental microorganisms listed in the US Pharmacopeia. Key Responsibilities Technical Responsibilities Perform microbial community characterization using next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms such as Illumina sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing.  Design and perform qPCR-based molecular assays for microbial quantification and aptamer validation. Prepare DNA sequencing libraries, including nucleic acid extraction, amplification, and library preparation.  Conduct basic bioinformatics processing of sequencing data, including sequence quality control and taxonomic profiling where required. Support aptamer discovery and validation experiments, including nucleic acid preparation, amplification, and molecular characterization. Perform routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA purification, and nucleic acid quantification. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation. Research & Project Responsibilities Plan and execute experimental workflows to support project milestones related to microbial detection and biosensor development. Contribute to sequencing-based microbial profiling of environmental and cleaning validation samples. Work collaboratively with project investigators and interdisciplinary teams to integrate sequencing and molecular biology results with biosensor development. Prepare technical reports and contribute to scientific publications, presentations, and project documentation. Support generation of experimental data required for project validation and milestone reporting. Operational Responsibilities Ensure laboratory compliance with Work Safety and Health (WSH) regulations and institutional safety guidelines. Manage procurement and inventory of molecular biology and sequencing consumables. Maintain laboratory equipment used for molecular biology and sequencing workflows. Mentorship Support training of junior researchers, research assistants, and students where required.  Contribute to knowledge sharing within the research group. To communicate in any relevant internal or external stakeholders to ensure project deliverables are met. Any ad-hoc duties assigned by Supervisor. Job Requirements Essential Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a related field. Possessing a Master’s or PhD degree will be advantageous Hands-on experience with next-generation sequencing technologies, such as Illumina or Oxford Nanopore sequencing platforms including sequencing library preparation Demonstrated experience working with environmental or low-biomass microbial samples. Demonstrated experience with DNA extraction and PCR amplification Demonstrated experience performing qPCR assays for nucleic acid quantification and molecular analysis, including troubleshooting Demonstrated experience with aptamer technologies or nucleic acid-based molecular recognition systems. Strong laboratory skills in molecular biology techniques. Preferred  Familiarity with microbial community sequencing workflows such as 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic analysis. Demonstrated experience with bioinformatics tools for sequencing data processing (e.g., quality control, taxonomic classification, microbial community analysis).  Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary or industry-linked research projects. Key Competencies Strong experimental design and troubleshooting skills in molecular biology.  Ability to independently conduct laboratory experiments and manage datasets. Strong scientific communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary research teams. Good organizational and project management skills.