Ph.D. Fellowship

Bursar of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the position

Ph.D. Fellowship

• Workplace: RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic
• Type of programme: 4-year Ph.D. programme with financial support for 4 years, non-academic position
• Working Hours: 0,5 FTE (part-time employment of 20 hours per week)
• Expected Start Date: negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates
• Number of Open Positions: 2
• Pay: financial support for 4 years
• Application Deadline: 2.11.2026
• EU Researcher Profile: R1

About the Workplace

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 7 000 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science MU, a 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.

RECETOX focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in the area of Environment & Health, studying toxic compounds and their behaviour, transport & bioaccumulation to evaluate environmental effects, assess the exposure and health risks to humans, and develop technologies and biotechnologies to break them down. http://www.recetox.muni.cz/en/career/career-at-recetox

Research topic

Mapping structure-properties relationships in xanthene- and pyronin dyes for design

Modern diagnostic methods are often based on tools allowing to visualize tissues, cells, and cellular structures, determine properties of microenvironments and similar with high spatial and temporal resolution, and they are based on interaction of various types of electromagnetic radiation with molecules. Fluorescent molecules are among the most often used visualization modalities. The research group Fluorescent Probes led by Dr. Peter Šebej aim to combine molecular design, organic synthesis, spectral methods, theoretical and data driven approaches to understand such small molecule fluorophores and bring rational rules of their design based on behaviour in both ground and excited states.

The candidate will perform synthesis and characterization of organic small molecular fluorophores and will study their properties with emphasis on their spectral and electronic properties. Following assessment of structure-properties relationship will be based on classical LFER approaches and data-driven, machine-learning and AI approaches. These relationships will be then turned into rules of dyes' rational design and further tested using theoretical and laboratory approaches.

Highly motivated and skilful candidates will have the opportunity to considerably extend their graduate training in broader chemistry and related fields by learning advanced spectroscopic methods, photophysics, photochemistry, theoretical approaches, and will also take part in close international collaboration which is a key to this project.

More about the Ph.D. position

• 4-year Ph.D. programme with financial support for 4 years
• Interdisciplinary scientific topics
• Supervision by experienced mentors and senior scientists and tailored study plan
• Excellent and state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• International mobility and internships
• International and friendly environment
• Courses developing transferable skills and deepening hard skills

Skills and Qualifications

• MSc. or a corresponding degree from chemistry or area related to the field, a solid background in the respective field
• Good communication skills and proficiency in English, both oral and written
• Analytical, structured and detail-oriented approach to work

We Offer

• 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/long-term investment product/nursery/children's group allowance, a financial meal allowance, Multisport card, psychological counselling, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone)
• The Welcome Office provides excellent support with relocation to Brno

Application Process

The application shall be submitted online 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
• Motivation letter
• Contacts of three persons who might provide references

After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz. In case of problems with filling in the e-application form, please contact us by e-mail: rcx-hr@recetox.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.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal or online interview.

The Faculty Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) can be seen here.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details including discussion about the research topic, required documentation or formalities will be a subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon the informal pre-agreement with potential future supervisor, a formal application for Ph.D. studies at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University can be submitted.

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!