The Physics for Future (P4F), co-funded under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie COFUND and coordinated by the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences - FZU, is a postdoctoral fellowship programme allowing researchers to execute their own bottom-up research project over two years in Czechia, within the facilities of the FZU or ELI Beamlines based on the choice of their supervisor.

We expect to recruit 30 fellows in this first call.

We offer

- Experienced supervisors in the following domains: astronomy, astrophysics and cosmology; atomic, molecular and chemical physics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, fluids and plasma physics (including surface physics), high energy physics, nano materials, nuclear physics, optics, pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistical physics.

- Unique interdisciplinary environment

- Cutting-edge infrastructure

- Training in soft and transferable skills

- Wide international academic network

- Industrial partners

Join us in advancing the frontiers of Physics!

Requirements

Research field: Physics

Researcher profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Education level:  PhD (or equivalent)

Languages: English

The applicants must hold a PhD degree by the call deadline and have no more than 8 years of full-time equivalent (FTE) experience in research since their PhD award. The applicants are invited to apply through the P4F open call. The evaluation and selection process for admitted applications will involve a two-phase assessment, encompassing a written evaluation followed by an interview.

What is included in a fellowship

Successful applicants will receive a 2-year employment contract. The monthly gross salary of the fellow will be approx. EUR 3232 if the fellow is not entitled to the Family allowance and EUR 3416 if the fellow demonstrates he or she is entitled to the Family allowance.  The gross salary is composed of the Living allowance, the Mobility allowance and the Family allowance where applicable and is subject to tax and health and social deductions.

In addition, the P4F Fellowship provides generous contributions towards the cost of research expenses.

The fellows will be offered career development support and training events in soft and transferable skills.

Eligibility criteria

Ph.D. degree or evidence of completing Ph.D. degree requirements and waiting to receive the degree.

0-8 years of postdoctoral experience in research (after completing the Ph.D.)

Comply with the MSCA Mobility rule, i.e., applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activities (work, studies, etc.) for more than 12 months in the Czech Republic in the 36 months immediately before the application deadline.

How to apply
Interested candidates should submit their project proposal in English including all mandatory attachments via the application portal available from p4f.fzu.cz  

Only applications received through the application portal will be considered.

For full instruction, please, see Guide for Applicants: p4f.fzu.cz

For more information contact us at p4f@fzu.cz

About the host institutions

Institute of Physics (FZU) + ELI Beamlines facility

The Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is a prestigious public research institution specialising in fundamental and applied research across a diverse range of fields. With a staff of over 700 scientific employees, the institute is a leading research organisation in Czechia with a vital role in advancing human understanding of physics and its applications in the world.

The inspirational environment at FZU provides top basic, applied and interdisciplinary research and training for students. FZU´s research activities address important societal challenges and help advance scientific knowledge and technology. FZU is a major partner to industry and committed to transforming research into practical applications which have benefits across society.

With the P4F fellowship programme, FZU aims to build on its expertise of the divisions of FZU in elementary particle physics, condensed matter physics, solid state physics, optics, plasma and laser physics.

ELI Beamlines Facility is a leading laser research centre and part of The Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC, pan-European research Infrastructure hosting the world’s most intense lasers. ELI provides unique tools of support for scientific excellence in Europe.

ELI ERIC has developed and operates four leading edge high-power femtosecond laser systems reaching unprecedented intensities. ELI ERIC offers to its users unique femtosecond sources of X-rays and accelerated particles. These beamlines enable pioneering research not only in physics and material science but also in life science, laboratory astrophysics, chemistry with strong application potential.

Employee benefits and support

FZU and ELI ERIC provide a wide range of benefits and offer supporting conditions for work and life balance.
The main are:

• Opportunities for professional development through courses, workshops, and other skill-building activities.
• Inclusive and Friendly Work Environment that values diversity;
• High flexibility of work (flexible working hours, work from home)
• Extended holidays (five weeks of vacation and six days of personal leave)
• Co-working space – baby and children friendly
• Meal Allowance;
• Welcome Office Support during the onboarding process;

FZU as the coordinator operates in line with the principles set out in the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and is the holder of HR Excellence in Research Award.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

FZU is an equal opportunity employer that strongly supports and encourages diversity. This approach helps foster a positive work culture and creates a supportive environment for all employees. Diversity, equity, and inclusion principles are incorporated into our policies and hiring practices, creating a solid base for fair and bias-free hiring practices.