Researcher in high-entropy ceramic thin films II

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...

The Department of Plasma Physics and Technology at the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University provides courses and guarantees fundamental and applied research...

The R&D Centre for Plasma and Nanotechnology Surface Modifications (CEPLANT) was established in 2010...

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...

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...

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.
• Actively 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...

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...
• Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year...
• Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city...
• 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...
• Summary of research outputs and publications.
• Names and contact details of at least 2 references.

Selection Process

Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the EU Charter and Code for Researchers...