The Dean of Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science announces a selection procedure for the position of

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate (DC8)

MSCA-DN e-ChemIn (DC8): Advanced Electrode Materials and Electrochemical Interfaces for Sustainable Energy Storage

Type of Position
Research Fellowship

The position is suitable for both women and men.

Department
Advanced Nanorobots and Multiscale Robotics Lab (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science)

Workplace Description
https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en

Job Description

Objective:

The project focuses on the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NH₃).

The research aims to develop efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic systems for nitrate conversion while addressing environmental challenges related to nitrate contamination and enabling energy-efficient ammonia production.

The project combines catalyst design, synthesis, characterization and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure–performance relationships and advance sustainable electrocatalysis.

Expected results:

Achieving high selectivity and conversion efficiency of nitrate (NO₃) to ammonia (NH₃) using single-atom catalysts with minimal energy input.

Demonstration of the stability and reusability of the catalysts under various operational conditions, contributing to a more sustainable nitrate reduction process.

PhD enrolment:

The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD programme at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.

Supervisors:

Prof. RNDr. Martin Pumera, (https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en)

Co-supervisor - Dr. Lakovos Yakoumis (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., Greece)

Secondment supervisor:

Dr. Anastasia-Maria Moschovi (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., https://www.monolithos-catalysts.gr/en/contact-us-en)

Prof. Jiayin Yuan (Stockholm University, https://www.su.se/english/profiles/j/jiyu0266)

Secondments (short term academic and industrial internships):

The doctoral candidate will undertake two secondments within the e-ChemIn network:

• MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd. (Greece), 6 months focused on industrial aspects of advanced energy materials, sustainability, scale-up and circular-economy approaches.

• Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Germany), 4 months focused on advanced materials synthesis and characterization of electrochemical interfaces.

These secondments will provide complementary expertise spanning academic and industrial research environments.

Type of Employment
Fixed-term contract

Full-Time Equivalent
Full-time (1.0)

Expected Start Date
1. 11. 2026 or as agreed

We Require

Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related field.
Excellent written and spoken English. Minimum level: international B2 certificate.
Background in electrochemistry, materials science or nanotechnology.
Experience with synthesis and characterization of functional materials is advantageous.
Experience with electrochemical measurements is desirable.
Ability to work independently and as part of an international interdisciplinary team.
Strong motivation for scientific research and publication.

We Offer

The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of:

a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies),
a mobility allowance (€710/month),
and, if applicable, a family allowance (€495/month).

All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.

The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network. The total contract duration is 36 months.

Other benefits:

Social Security coverage
Training, Networking and secondment opportunities
Career Development plan
Work in a forward-looking organisation
The stability and prestige of a modern university
6 weeks of holiday
On-site parking within the university grounds
University kindergarten located directly on the campus
Subsidised meals in the university canteen
Sports and leisure activities at VSB-TUO sports facilities and a programme to promote healthy living and exercise with a MultiSport card.
Access to electronic information resources and e-books.
The VSB-TUO Plus programme offering special deals in areas such as culture, health and recreation.
Other employee benefits according to the current offer

Documents to be Submitted

Curriculum Vitae
Motivation Letter
Master's degree certificate and transcripts
Contact details of 3 referees

Additional Information

Recruitment will follow the MSCA Doctoral Network principles of:

• Open, transparent and merit-based selection

• Equal opportunities and non-discrimination

• Evaluation by a qualified selection committee

Shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews. The selection process will be properly documented in accordance with MSCA requirements.

Contact Email
nanorobots@vsb.cz

Deadline for Applications
18. 9. 2026