Summary
The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IMC CAS) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher within The Polymer Morphology Department. The successful candidate will conduct independent, concept-driven research in electron microscopy, focusing on software development and methodology for 4D-STEM microscopy (including packages like STEMDIFF and EDIFF), as well as characterizing micro- and macro-mechanical properties (creep, microindentation) of polymer systems.
Postdoctoral Position in Polymer Morphology & 4D-STEM Electron Microscopy
Designation
- Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Department | Polymer Morphology Department |
| Institute | Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CAS (ÚMCH) |
| Location | Prague 6, Czech Republic |
| Expected Start Date | September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | August 20, 2026 |
| Contract / Benefits | 5 weeks vacation, 3 sick days, pension/leisure contributions, meal allowance, flexible hours |
Research Area
- Electron Microscopy & Diffraction: 4D-STEM, STEM/PNBD methodology, SEM, TEM, and Cryo-EM.
- Scientific Computing & Software Development: Automated data processing and algorithm implementation for electron diffraction (e.g., EDIFF and STEMDIFF packages).
- Polymer Materials & Micromechanics: Mechanical behavior of polymer blends/composites, tensile testing, tensile creep, and microindentation.
Location
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry CASHeyrovského nám. 1888/2, 162 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field.
- Technical Experience: Practical expertise in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Research Output: Demonstrated ability to collect/analyze microscopic data and author scientific publications in high-impact international journals.
- Language Skills: Very good command of written and spoken English.
- Soft Skills: Ability to carry out independent research tasks while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
Job Description & Key Responsibilities
- 4D-STEM Method Development: Advance the 4D-STEM/PNBD method for nanocrystal identification using SEM, reducing complex 4D-STEM datasets into 2D powder diffractograms via the
stemdiffsoftware platform. - Diffraction Software Tools: Develop semi-automated, user-friendly tools to process powder and single-crystal diffractograms from 4D-STEM datasets within the
ediffsoftware framework. - Mechanical & Creep Characterization: Measure micro- and macro-mechanical properties (microindentation, standard tensile tests, and in-house tensile creep testing) and develop software routines for automated measurement data acquisition.
- Data Correlation & Analysis: Systematically correlate micro- and macroscopic properties across polymer blends, microcomposites, and nanocomposites.
- Dissemination & Grants: Interpret experimental results, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and actively participate in national/international research grant proposals.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following documents by email to the Human Resources Department:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of Publications
- Motivation Letter
- HR Contact: Petra Valešová
- HR Email:
personalni@imc.cas.cz - Phone: +420 296 809 385
- Scientific Inquiries: Assoc. Prof. RNDr. Miroslav Šlouf, Ph.D. (
slouf@imc.cas.cz)
Last Date for Apply
- August 20, 2026
