New post-doc positions

Division of Environmental Physics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of Comenius University in Bratislava is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for four post-doctoral positions funded through the EU Research Framework Programme European Union / Next Generation EU.

Topic A: Cold plasma/photocatalysis indoor air treatment
Topic N: Cold plasma nitrogen fixation and plasma-liquid systems
Topic W: Cold plasma wastewater treatment and wastewater diagnostics
Topic P: Cold plasma and plasma-activated water applications in agriculture

General description:

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
(click here for explanation)
Application Deadline: 25 Jul 2024 - 11:59 (Europe/Bratislava)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 37.5
Offer Starting Date: asap, 1 Sep 2024
Monthly income (gross salary): 2705 EUR,
plus further benefits in the amount of 979 EUR that include social security and health insurance paid by the employer,
plus contribution for lunch vouchers by the employer.
Selection process: Before 25 Jul 2024, the candidate should submit:
   1) Cover letter including motivation,
   2) C.V. with the list of publications,
   3) Proof of receiving of the PhD degree (e.g. scan of the diploma).
   4) Two letters of recommendation, preferably from different countries/institutions.
If pre-selected, the candidate will be invited for an online interview.
Applications should be sent via email to machala@fmph.uniba.sk.
Please use the subject “Postdoc A/N/W/P - Name Surname” to identify your application.
Only complete submissions are considered.
The postdoc position ends in June 2026.

Offer Description::

Topic A | Topic N | Topic W | Topic P

Topic A: Cold plasma/photocatalysis indoor air treatment

Research field: Physics / Chemistry / Environmental engineering / Heterogeneous Catalysis


Our research team is focused on environmental/biomedical/agriculture applications of cold plasmas and electric discharges. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled recognised researcher (R2 Researcher) with at least 4-year expertise in cold plasma or catalysis applications in air cleaning and decontamination to contribute to the project EnvADWICE “Environmental Applications of electrical Discharges for Water and aIr Cleaning, and agriculturE”.

The research includes, but is not limited to, plasma physical and chemical processes, and design and optimizing plasma reactors for efficient decomposition of chemical pollutants in air streams, and inactivation of potentially pathogenic bio-aerosols. The work will be done in close collaboration with our industrial partner. The candidate should be highly motivated not only to develop and strengthen his academic record, but also to comply with the industrial needs.

The candidate’s main tasks will be:

  • Design and build devices combining cold plasma with catalysts. Preparation of various catalysts and their use with plasma devices.
  • Characterize the plasma discharge using electrical and optical measurements. Investigations of plasma-catalyst interactions and deeper understanding of the elementary mechanisms.
  • Test plasma catalytic systems for removal of selected air pollutants and exhaust from a diesel engine.
  • Gas analysis by various techniques (FTIR, GC-MS)
  • Surface analysis of used catalysts, their regeneration and repetitive use.
  • Combination of photocatalysis, ozonation and UV irradiation for the indoor air and bio-aerosols decontamination air at large gas flow rates
  • Assess the bio-decontamination rates by standard microbiological cultivation
  • Assess the efficacy of devices for the treatment of chemical pollutants and bio-aerosols
  • Publishing the obtained results in high-impact scientific journals and presenting at international conferences.
  • Preparing technical reports, scientific manuscripts, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Providing guidance and mentorship to Bc., Ms., PhD., and visiting students when required.

Requirements

Skills/Qualifications
The candidate should demonstrate his/her competence in the following aspects:

  • Strong background in experimental techniques for the characterization of atmospheric pressure plasmas or/and strong background in chemical catalysis, catalysts synthesis and characterization
  • Experience working with gas chemicals, bio-aerosols
  • Ability to independently plan, execute, and analyze experiments involving atmospheric pressure plasma air treatment
  • Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, research and writing scientific articles.
  • Excellent communication and technical writing skills demonstrated through publications or presentations.
  • Ability to work independently and in an international team-oriented research environment.
  • Ability to work with industrial partners (meeting, writing reports) and conduct the research in order to satisfy both academic and industrial interests
Specific Requirements
  • At least 4 years’ experience in the field of plasma physics/chemistry.
  • Creativity, critical scientific thinking, design of experiments.
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments individually and optimize the systems.
  • A proven track record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Excellent level of oral and written communication in English.
  • Experience in mentoring students and international work experience are advantages.
Applications should be sent via email to machala@fmph.uniba.sk.
Please use the subject “Postdoc A - Name Surname” to identify your application. Only complete submissions are considered.