POSTDOC

The position is intended for an outstanding researcher with international experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out their own research project aligned with the research focus of the host institution and the relevant regional specialisation domain of the RIS3 Strategy of the Moravian-Silesian Region.

• Implementing the research project in collaboration with a mentor and the research team.
• Preparing high-quality scientific publications and other relevant research and development outputs.
• Developing international research cooperation and participating in the activities of the host institution.

Research and development (R&D) activities related to the proposed research project, with demonstrable alignment with the relevant regional RIS3 specialisation domain.

• Completed doctoral education (PhD or equivalent); no more than five years must have elapsed since the doctoral defence, with the possibility of excluding eligible career breaks (e.g. parental leave or long-term illness).
• Fulfilment of the eligibility criteria for either the Incoming or Re-integration category (see below).
• Minimum publication record: for FORD 1–5, at least three publications classified as Jimp; for FORD 6, at least four research outputs classified as Jimp, Jsc, B, C or D.
• Submission of a high-quality research proposal demonstrating alignment with the relevant regional RIS3 specialisation domain.
• Availability to work full-time (1.0 FTE).

Incoming: An applicant of non-Czech nationality who obtained their PhD degree abroad and who is not a resident of the Czech Republic or has not spent more than 12 months in the Czech Republic during the preceding 36 months.

Re-integration: An applicant of Czech nationality who holds a PhD degree (or equivalent) and has gained at least 12 consecutive months of international experience within the preceding 36 months through doctoral studies or employment at a research institution abroad, or a combination of both.

According to the project documentation, the 36-month reference period is calculated retrospectively from the date of submission of the application; the specific reference date will be determined in accordance with the binding conditions of the call.

• Work in a forward-looking organisation
• The stability and prestige of a modern university
• Pleasant and supportive working environment
• 6 weeks of holiday
• Flexible working hours
• Competitive salary based on your experience
• Professional and language training with opportunities for self-development
• On-site parking within the university grounds
• University kindergarten located directly on the campus
• Contribution to supplementary pension insurance
• 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

• A structured academic CV detailing research experience and experience gained abroad.
• A list of publications and research outputs, including bibliographic details, FORD classification and an indication of the applicant's authorship role (particularly corresponding author, second or third co-author).
• A motivation letter.
• A research proposal of at least five pages, including objectives, methodology, timeline, expected outputs, alignment with the host institution's research focus and an explicit justification of its alignment with a specific regional RIS3 specialisation domain.
• At least one letter of recommendation from a research institution abroad.
• A copy of the doctoral degree certificate.
• Documents demonstrating compliance with the Incoming or Re-integration eligibility criteria and evidence of any applicable career breaks.
• The name of the proposed mentor (if the applicant has identified one) and their consent; otherwise, a request for a mentor to be assigned. If a mentor has been identified in advance, the mentor's CV, publication record, H-index and five most significant publications must also be submitted.

Each selected postdoctoral researcher will have a mentor from among the staff of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VSB–Technical University of Ostrava (VSB-TUO). Applicants may propose a mentor when submitting their application. Mentors are expected to demonstrate excellent R&D achievements. The selection committee will assess the mentor's R&D achievements and, if these are deemed insufficient, may decide to assign a different mentor.

If an applicant does not nominate a mentor, the Faculty will assign one based on the research focus of the proposed project and the capacity of the host institution. Each mentor may supervise a maximum of three postdoctoral researchers.

The mentor's availability and the relevant supporting documentation must be confirmed before the applicant receives a final recommendation.

The selection process at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering will consist of two rounds. Applications will be assessed by a selection committee appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Round 1 – Application Assessment Without an Interview. The committee will assess compliance with the eligibility criteria and, based on the submitted documents, award points for publication outputs, individual authorship contributions, professional experience, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, and its alignment with the RIS3 Strategy. A maximum of 70 points may be awarded. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to the subsequent interview.

Round 2 – Academic Interview. Applicants who successfully pass the first round will attend an interview, either in person or online. The assessment will focus on the applicant's defence of the research proposal, methodological preparedness, feasibility of the proposed research and professional communication skills. A maximum of 30 points may be awarded. Based on the combined scores from both rounds (a maximum of 100 points), the committee will establish the final ranking of applicants at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VSB-TUO.

In accordance with the project rules, the faculty-level assessment will be followed by a university-wide selection procedure. The Faculty may recommend a maximum of two applicants who have successfully completed the selection procedure at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, VSB-TUO, for consideration in the university-wide selection process. Final appointment is subject to successful completion of the university-level selection procedure and the availability of project funding.

Project: Vouchers for Universities – Postdoc II | Just Transition Operational Programme 2021–2027