Selection Procedures
Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position Postdoctoral Researcher in Numerical Simulation of Elasto-Plastic Shockwave Propagation.
- Type of Contract: Temporary for 12 months with an option to extend to 36 months
- Job Status: Full-time
- Required Degree: PhD in computational mechanics/dynamics or other relevant fields
- Envisaged Job Starting Date: September 1, 2025, or earlier if possible
- Reference Number: 0085/25_D4
- Location: Dolejškova 1402/5, 182 00 Prague, Czech Republic
2. Roles and Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the theoretical and numerical understanding of elasto-plastic shockwave propagation at extreme strain rates (up to 108 1/s). This cutting-edge research is motivated by our ongoing collaboration with the HiLASE Centre of the Institute of Physics of the CAS in the field of Laser Shock Peening. Furthermore, your work will directly contribute to the development of Plasma Shock Peening, an innovative technology internationally patented by the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS and commercialized by the startup PSP Technologies, s.r.o.
3. Researcher Profile & Communication Skills
Candidates must possess a strong theoretical and practical understanding of solid mechanics, numerical mathematics, and programming, particularly in relation to shockwave propagation in solid media. Proficiency in the finite volume method (FVM) and OpenFOAM is a substantial asset for this position. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct independent research leading to publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential for this role.
4. Essential Skills
- PhD degree in computational mechanics and/or dynamics or other relevant fields.
- Demonstrated proficiency and practical experience with simulating fast phenomena in solids.
- Strong programming skills.
- Proven track record of publishing in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to conduct independent research in the field of specialization.
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral, for presenting results and collaborating effectively.
5. Desired Skills
- Proficiency and practical experience with shockwave propagation in solid media is perceived as a critical skill.
- Proficiency and practical experience with the finite volume method (FVM) and OpenFOAM is a substantial advantage for this position.
- Programming skills in C++ (ideally in connection to OpenFOAM), Python, and Bash are advantageous.
- Knowledge of Machine Learning and Data Mining is advantageous.
6. Specific Application Requirements
To ensure that you meet the essential requirements, please:
- Clearly detail in your CV the type and length of your research experience for each competency.
- Specify the extent and range of your knowledge in the relevant subject matter.
- Provide a comprehensive list of your publications.
7. Compensation
The gross monthly salary for this position is 44,000 CZK. We also offer a performance-based bonus structure that includes:
- Bonuses for publications in journals with Impact Factor (IF).
- Discretionary semi-annual bonuses for active participation in research projects.
- Spot bonuses for outstanding research outreach.
While the base salary is standardized for postdoctoral positions and non-negotiable, these additional incentives may bring the average gross monthly compensation up to 48,000-50,000 CZK.
8. What We Offer
Professional Growth & Stimulating Environment
We are committed to supporting your professional development in a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere. You’ll benefit from:
- A creative research environment with direct support and mentorship by a supervisor and an experienced team.
- Intellectually stimulating problems at the cutting edge of computational mechanics, specifically focusing on ultra-high strain rate elasto-plasticity.
- Opportunities to contribute to Plasma Shock Peening, a globally patented novel technology, offering significant potential for high-impact research and real-world applications.
- The chance to mentor graduate students, shaping the next generation of researchers.
Our Organizational Culture: HR Excellence in Research
We are proud holders of the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission. This award recognizes our commitment to aligning our policies and practices with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. As part of this commitment, we actively foster:
- An Ombudsperson service dedicated to preventing and resolving disputes, ensuring fair treatment, and upholding ethical principles within the institution.
- Fair treatment for all employees.
- Equal opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
We offer a robust benefits package designed to support your well-being and work-life balance, including:
- Generous Vacation: 5 weeks of annual leave.
- Paid Sick Leave: 5 days per year.
- Flexible Working Hours.
- Subsidized Meal Arrangements.
- National Health Insurance Coverage.
- Travel Allowance: 30-40% additional allowance for international travel.
- Comprehensive Paid Leave: Covering significant life events such as the birth of a child, family care, child’s marriage, relocation, and bereavement.
- Work-Life Balance Support: Possibility to request a temporary reduction in working hours for health or family reasons.
- Language Courses: Subsidized English, Czech, German, and French courses, with discounted rates for Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
- Recreational Facilities: Access to our own recreational facility.
- Child Care: Eligibility for Czech Academy of Science child care groups (subject to availability).
- Pension Contribution: Supplementary pension insurance contribution (available to full-time employees eligible for a Czech pension).
- Employee Discounts: Access to the SSČ client card for various benefits.
9. About Us
At the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS, a distinguished non-university public research institute within the Czech Academy of Sciences, we conduct interdisciplinary basic and applied research. Our work spans critical areas such as:
- Fluid Dynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Dynamics of Mechanical Systems
- Solid Mechanics
- Interactions of Fluids and Solids
- Environmental Aerodynamics
- Biomechanics
- Mechatronics
- Electrophysics, Electrical Machines, Drives, and Electronics
- Material Diagnostics
Our mission extends beyond research; we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of scientists through student mentoring and supervision, and actively contribute to the broader scientific community through our science outreach and knowledge transfer initiatives.
Discover our mission.
The Laboratory of Technical Mathematics is part of the Department of Impact and Waves in Solids at the Institute of Thermomechanics of the CAS. The laboratory develops numerical methods and computational algorithms for nonlinear static and dynamic problems in various fields of computational continuum mechanics.
Discover more about the Laboratory of Technical Mathematics.
10. How to Apply
Application Instructions
To apply for this position, please send your application, including a structured resume and a short motivation letter, to Dr. Patrik Zima, Head of Office of Research Support, at zimap@it.cas.cz.
Applications will be reviewed by the selection committee after the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, and all interviewed applicants will be informed of the outcome via email. Application Deadline: June 12, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
The maximum duration for a postdoctoral appointment is limited to five years after the award of your PhD degree. Therefore, to be eligible for this position, the successful candidate must have been awarded their PhD degree (or equivalent) no longer than 3-4 years prior to the envisaged job starting date (September 1, 2025, or earlier). Variations in CV chronology due to parental leave or non-academic career paths will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the selection committee.
11. Important Notes
- Before applying, carefully read all requirements and ensure you meet them.
- Applications that do not conform to these instructions will not be considered.
- Crucially, please include the reference number “0085/25_D4” in the subject line of your application email.
Application deadline: 06/12/2025