PhD Student in Macrocyclic Metal Complexes as Tuneable Stimuli-Responsive Electron-Transfer Switches

We are currently seeking a highly motivated PhD Student with a deep interest in molecular magnetism and related phenomena. The successful candidate will join a progressive research team of the Department of Magnetics and Superconductors at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences (fzu.cz). 

What you will do

  • Work on the PhD topic "Macrocyclic Metal Complexes as Tuneable Stimuli-Responsive Electron-Transfer Switches"
  • Synthesize suitable ligands and coordination compounds
  • Conduct measurements of NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR spectra, cylic volametry, EPR and mass spectrometry
  • Be involved in structure analysis by single-crystal X-ray diffraction
  • Be involved in magnetometry measurements as well as analysis of magnetic data
  • Write manuscripts of scientific articles, give regular presentations at seminars, and prepare posters
  • Participate in group meetings
  • Work with world-leading experts in the Department of Magnetics and Superconductors in the heart of Europe and collaborate with our global partners 

What we expect

  • MSc. degree in physics, chemistry, or related fields
  • Admission to a university's PhD program at the Faculty of Science at the Charles University (starting in October 2026)
  • Background in multistep organic synthesis (including chemical drying of solvents and chromatographic techniques) and the preparation of 3d-metal complexes
  • Knowledge of NMR techniques and the interpretation of complex NMR data is required
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken) - capability to write scientific reports in academic English
  • Reliability, adaptability, and hands-on experience with experimental work
  • Natural curiosity, creative thinking,  and proactive problem-solving
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse team of researchers and students
  • Openness to engaging with international research
  • Eager to learn and share knowledge 
  • Excellent communication skills  

Why to join us

  • Interesting work in a cutting-edge field within the scope of our department
  • Access to excellent research infrastructure and availability of strong expertise in magnetism, electric and thermal transport, aswell as in magnetic materials and their structure
  • Participation in multidisciplinary scientific projects
  • Collaborative and friendly environment
  • 5 weeks of vacation + 6 days of personal leave 
  • Meal allowance, own canteen in the area 
  • After the first year of employment, contributions to pension and life insurance, contributions to recreation, culture or sports 
  • English/ Czech lessons at the workplace 
  • Possibility to use the recreational facilities of the FZU in Krkonoše Mountains
  • Outdoor sports facilities (tennis, volleyball), Multisport card and other benefits
  • Find out more about us -  Why FZU?

It´s good to know

  • Place of work – Cukrovarnická, Prague 6 – Střešovice 
  • Start of employment from 1st Oct 2026
  • Part-time 0.5 FTE
  • 1-year contract (the extension of the contract of employment is foreseen up to 4 years) 
  • We expect applications by: 24 September 2026
  • For additional information, please get in touch with Dr. Ondřej Kaman: kaman [at] fzu [dot] cz.

Interested candidates are invited to apply by sending the following documents via the application form: A cover letter detailing career objectives and research interests, a curriculum vitae (CV), and transcripts of degrees/diplomas

We look forward to hearing from you! 

Department
Department of Magnetics and Superconductors
Job type
Part time
Field of work
Scientific
Contact person
Monika Svobodová
Apply for position

FZU – Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic is a leading public research institution based in Prague.

FZU is the largest institute of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic with more than 1100 employees and focuses on basic and applied research in the field of physics. Our top researchers strive to understand and explain the basic phenomena and processes of how the world works and thus respond to the current scientific and technical challenges of our society.

As an employer, FZU supports equal opportunities and diversity. This approach helps to foster a positive work culture and creates a supportive environment for all employees. The principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded in our policies and hiring practices, providing a solid foundation for fair selection processes.

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We would like to inform you that by sending a reply to the advertisement, you provide the relevant administrator with your personal data for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure and concluding an employment contract or agreement (DPP, DPC) regarding the position you have chosen. This processing of your personal data will be carried out on the legal basis of the performance of a contract pursuant to Article 6 para. 1 lit. b) the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your personal data will be processed only to the extent necessary and only for the duration of the selection procedure for the given position. The processing of your personal data will be sufficiently secured, your personal data will not be passed on to third parties without your consent. In accordance with applicable law, we inform you that you have the right to (i) access your personal data, (ii) correct or complete inaccurate or false personal data, (iii) to erasure of personal data, (iv) to restrict the processing of personal data in special cases, (v) to data portability, (vi) to object to processing and (vii) to contact the Office for Personal Data Protection.