Faculty of Mathematics, Physics
and Informatics
Comenius University Bratislava

Postdoctoral Positions in the Field of Plasma Physics and Solid-State Physics

Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, is looking for talented international candidates for Postdoctoral positions in the field of plasma-enabled surface engineering. Application Deadline: 15.11.2024


02. 10. 2024 13.15 hod.
By: Katarína Matejčíková

Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia, is looking for talented international candidates for Postdoctoral positionsin the field of plasma-enabled surface engineering. This unique opportunity will be funded through Horizon Europe project COLOSSE (Central European Platform for Plasma-Enabled Surface Engineering), which connects Czech and Slovak research facilities. Join us in pushing the boundaries of research and its application.   

Job Description 

A postdoc position is open for research in the field of hard nanostructured coatings based on transition metal diborides (TMB2, where TM = Y, Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Ta, W, and Mo) prepared by PVD techniques. The main goal is to create a ceramic material system with improved fracture toughness and oxidation resistance, which will expand the application potential in temperature-demanding conditions. Research includes experimental preparation of coatings and their investigation using several analytical methods, e.g., scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), wave-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoindentation. 

Key Duties:  

  • Research work in the field of plasma and solid-state physics focusing on the preparation of hard nanostructured coatings using progressive PVD methods such as HiPIMS
  • To measure the properties of the coatings – analysis of chemical composition, morphology, crystal structure, mechanical properties, and analyze the data and use them as feedback for establishing further experiments
  • To publish the research outputs
  • To consult with undergraduate and postgraduate students and cooperate within the PVDlab team and to propose and develop new areas of research within the research group 

Skills and Qualifications  

  • Ph.D. degree in Plasma Physics or Solid-State Physics (finished not more than eight years ago)
  • Experience in thin films preparation, PVD methods, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction methods, X-ray spectroscopy (EDS/WDS/XPS), evaluation of mechanical properties
  • Good knowledge of English (verbal and written)
  • Adequate publication activity and citations
  • Willingness for short-stay travels to academic and industrial partners within the Slovak Republic or abroad
  • Active and positive approach to work
  • Good knowledge of MS Office tools
  • Knowledge of ab initio calculations (Quantum Espresso, VASP) is welcome 

We Offer  

  • Complex initial training including business trips to cooperating universities (Comenius University in Bratislava, University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, Masaryk University in Brno)
  • Stimulating research environment with access to worldwide contacts with specialised measuring equipment
  • Collaboration with international partners and opportunities to publish in renowned journals
  • Financial support for conferences and workshops on scientific and technical skills and international workshops
  • Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility.
  • Support with your relocation to Slovak Republic 

Workplace: Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava

Type of Contract: temporary position with 1,5 year contract (18 months) with possible extension, non-academic 
Working Hours: 1,0 FTE (full-time employment of 37,5 hours per week) 
Expected Start Date: 3/2025 or negotiable with respect to immigration timelines for non EU candidates 
Number of Open Positions: 1
Pay: 2400 euro per month
Application Deadline: 15.11.2024
EU Researcher Profile: R2  

Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to Marián Mikula, email: marian.mikula@fmph.uniba.sk, phone +421 2 602 95 271 

Selection Process 

The application shall be submitted online by 15.11. 2024 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
  • Cover letter describing candidate's research interest and experiences
  • Summary of research outputs and publications 
  • Names and contact details of at least 2 references.  

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 to online interview.  

University Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) 


About the Workplace
  

Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials
Faculty of Mathematics, Physics, and Informatics
Comenius University in Bratislava 

Comenius University in Bratislava 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!