Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Technical University of Ostrava
- Department: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
- Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
- Positions: PhD Positions
- Application Deadline: 20 Sep 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Prague)
- Country: Czech Republic
- Type of Contract: Temporary
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours Per Week: 40
- Offer Starting Date: 1 Nov 2026
- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Horizon Europe - MSCA
Offer Description
Objective
The project focuses on the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NH₃). The research aims to develop efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic systems for nitrate conversion while addressing environmental challenges related to nitrate contamination and enabling energy-efficient ammonia production. The project combines catalyst design, synthesis, characterization and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure–performance relationships and advance sustainable electrocatalysis.
Expected results
- Achieving high selectivity and conversion efficiency of nitrate (NO₃) to ammonia (NH₃) using single-atom catalysts with minimal energy input.
- Demonstration of the stability and reusability of the catalysts under various operational conditions, contributing to a more sustainable nitrate reduction process.
Where to apply
Website: https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en
Requirements
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- Background in electrochemistry, materials science or nanotechnology.
- Experience with synthesis and characterization of functional materials is advantageous.
- Experience with electrochemical measurements is desirable.
- Ability to work independently and as part of an international interdisciplinary team.
- Strong motivation for scientific research and publication.
- Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
- Excellent written and spoken English. Minimum level: international B2 certificate.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
What we do
Nanorobotics, at the intersection of nanotechnology and robotics, promises a future where tiny machines with unprecedented capabilities can navigate complex environments at the nanoscale. Our research vision is centered on harnessing nanorobotics to address pressing challenges in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and various industries, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and transforming our world in profound ways.
The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD programme at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.
Supervisors:
Prof. RN Dr. Martin Pumera (https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en)
Co-supervisor - Dr. Iakovos Yakoumis (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., Greece)
Secondment supervisor:
Dr. Anastasia-Maria Moschovi (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., https://www.monolithos-catalysts.gr/en/contact-us-en)
Prof. Jiayin Yuan (Stockholm University, https://www.su.se/english/profiles/j/jiyu0266)
Secondments (short term academic and industrial internships): The doctoral candidate will undertake two secondments within the e-ChemIn network:
- MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd. (Greece), 6 months focused on industrial aspects of advanced energy materials, sustainability, scale-up and circular-economy approaches.
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Germany), 4 months focused on advanced materials synthesis and characterization of electrochemical interfaces.
These secondments will provide complementary expertise spanning academic and industrial research environments.
The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of:
- a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies),
- a mobility allowance (€710/month),
- and, if applicable, a family allowance (€495/month).
All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.
Other benefits:
- Social Security coverage
- Training, Networking and secondment opportunities
- Career Development plan
The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network. The total contract duration is 36 months.
Starting date: from 01.11.2026 but not later than 01.02.2027
Type of contract: Full-time employment contract in accordance with national regulations
Hours per week: full time, 40 hours per week
Local language is Czech, but is not required. English is a main working language.
Diversity Statement: VSB – Technical University of Ostrava promotes equal opportunities and non-discrimination in recruitment and employment. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and supportive research environment and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Recruitment will follow the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-Based Recruitment (OTM-R).
This will receive funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 101311389.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
Selection process
Applicants must submit
- Curriculum Vitae
- Motivation Letter
- Master's degree certificate and transcripts
- Contact details of 3 referees.
Deadline: 20.09.2026
Apply via: Advert - VSB-TUO
Recruitment will follow the MSCA Doctoral Network principles of:
- Open, transparent and merit-based selection
- Equal opportunities and non-discrimination
- Evaluation by a qualified selection committee
Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews. The selection process will be properly documented in accordance with MSCA requirements.
More details about the position, application procedure and recruitment can be found on the e-ChemIn webpage (www.e-chemin-dn.eu).
Website for additional job details: https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Technical University of Ostrava - Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciene - Nanorobots
Country: Czech Republic
State/Province: Moravskoslezský kraj
City: Ostrava
Postal Code: 708 00
Street: 17. listopadu 2172/15
Contact
State/Province: Moravskoslezský kraj
City: Ostrava
Website: https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en
Street: 17, listopadu 2172/15
Postal Code: 708 00
E-Mail: nanorobots@vsb.cz
Phone: +420596999024
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