Senior Research Centre Leader – Electron-Beam Engineering and CVD Synthesis of Low-Dimensional Materials Full-time NEW

The Director of the Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies of the VSB-TUO announces a selection procedure for the position of Senior Research Centre Leader – Electron-Beam Engineering and CVD Synthesis of Low-Dimensional Materials for the Department EBEAM (Centre for Energy and Environmental Technologies).

The position is suitable for both women and men.

Electron-Beam Precision and Additive Manufacturing
Develop new approaches to precision and additive manufacturing using focused electron beams, exploiting controlled electron–matter interactions to locally synthesize, deposit, transform, restructure, functionalise and fabricate materials and nanoscale structures. Particular emphasis will be placed on manufacturing concepts in which electron beams provide spatially controlled energy or stimulation to drive local material formation and transformation, allowing fabrication to progress from nanoscale structures toward near-atomic and atomic-scale control.
Investigate focused electron-beam interactions with carbon, two-dimensional and other low-dimensional materials and develop controlled approaches to structural modification, defect engineering, local graphitization, atomic and substitutional doping, nanoscale restructuring, local synthesis and functionalisation, and transformation of precursor materials into functional nanostructures. Develop strategies for translating fundamental understanding of these processes into electron-beam-enabled precision and additive manufacturing methodologies capable of producing or modifying functional material structures with controlled dimensions, composition, defects and properties.
Use SEM and TEM not only as imaging and analytical platforms, but as complementary tools for electron-beam precision manufacturing, enabling controlled synthesis, additive fabrication, restructuring, modification and discovery of nanoscale material structures. Develop approaches connecting the flexible processing capabilities of SEM with the high-resolution and atomic-scale capabilities of TEM, establishing pathways between nanoscale fabrication and progressively higher precision materials engineering.

Integration of Synthesis, Microscopy and Materials Discovery
Integrate controlled material synthesis with mechanistic electron microscopy to understand the formation, evolution and transformation of low-dimensional materials at the nanoscale and atomic scale. Establish correlations between synthesis conditions, structural defects, dopant configurations, electron-beam response and resulting material properties, using this understanding to inform controlled fabrication and materials engineering.
Develop complementary SEM and TEM approaches linking nanoscale synthesis, processing and materials discovery with high-resolution and atomic-scale structural investigation. Explore electron-microscopy-enabled strategies for identifying, producing and stabilising new low-dimensional and two-dimensional material structures and phases, establishing relationships between synthesis pathways, local structure, composition and functional properties. Translate these insights into new strategies for electron-beam-driven synthesis, local materials transformation and precision fabrication.

Centre Development, Resources and Long-Term Sustainability
Lead the development of EBEAM as a sustainable research centre extending beyond the duration of the ERA Chairs project. Develop and periodically review the Centre’s scientific and organisational outlook, including future research priorities, competence requirements, research infrastructure, recruitment needs and opportunities for institutional and international growth.
Provide scientific and strategic input into resource allocation, research budget planning, infrastructure priorities and future investment requirements associated with implementation of the Centre’s scientific strategy, working in cooperation with the responsible financial and administrative structures of VSB-TUO. Monitor the relationship between scientific objectives, available resources and future funding requirements and contribute to forward resource and financial planning necessary to maintain the Centre’s international competitiveness and develop its capabilities in electron-beam precision manufacturing, advanced microscopy and low-dimensional materials.
Develop a diversified and forward-looking funding strategy based on competitive national, European and international research programmes, strategic collaborations and other appropriate opportunities. Contribute to the long-term institutional embedding of EBEAM and the development of the scientific, human and infrastructural capacity required for its continued operation and growth.

Funding and International Strategy
Initiate, prepare and coordinate competitive national and international research proposals and develop a forward-looking funding strategy supporting the Centre’s scientific development and long-term sustainability. Particular emphasis will be placed on Horizon Europe, ERC, MSCA and other major European and international funding opportunities relevant to electron-beam manufacturing, advanced materials, nanotechnology and research infrastructure.
Develop strategic collaborations with internationally leading research institutions working in electron microscopy, electron-beam processing, carbon nanomaterials, two-dimensional materials, controlled synthesis, materials discovery and nanoscale manufacturing. Strengthen EBEAM’s international visibility and establish partnerships supporting scientific excellence, researcher mobility, infrastructure development, knowledge and technology transfer and future collaborative funding.

Recruitment, Team Development and Research Capacity
Lead the development of an international and multidisciplinary research team aligned with the Centre’s scientific strategy. Identify scientific competence requirements and contribute centrally to the recruitment, selection and development of researchers required for the future development of EBEAM’s research programme.
Lead, supervise and mentor researchers, postdoctoral researchers, doctoral students and students, developing complementary expertise spanning CVD and controlled synthesis, advanced SEM and TEM, electron–matter interactions, electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing and emerging low-dimensional materials. Promote international recruitment, researcher development, mobility, mentoring, succession planning and high standards of scientific integrity and research practice.

ERA Chairs Mission and Institutional Development
Lead the scientific and strategic development of EBEAM in accordance with the objectives of the Horizon Europe ERA Chairs programme and contribute to the structural development and long-term institutional embedding of the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. Support the development of institutional conditions that enable scientific excellence, international recruitment, competitive funding and sustainable research capacity.
Drive the development and periodic review of the Centre’s scientific strategy, future outlook, international positioning, research capacity and sustainability, and contribute scientific and strategic input to decisions concerning research priorities, recruitment, infrastructure development, resources, competitive funding and future investment. Promote internationalisation, Open Science, researcher development, effective research management, technology transfer and integration into the European Research Area, with the objective of establishing EBEAM as a sustainable internationally recognised centre in electron-beam precision manufacturing and advanced materials research extending beyond the duration of the ERA Chairs grant.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a coherent and internationally recognised research record spanning low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials; graphene, carbon nanotubes and related sp² carbon nanostructures; chemical vapour deposition of carbon-based and/or two-dimensional materials; and advanced electron microscopy encompassing complementary SEM and TEM approaches for materials characterization, synthesis and electron-beam-driven nanoscale engineering.
The candidate should additionally demonstrate expertise across several closely connected areas, including high-resolution and atomic-scale characterization of low-dimensional materials; in-situ and/or aberration-corrected electron microscopy; electron–matter interactions and electron-beam-induced structural transformations; defect formation and dynamics; nanoscale restructuring of carbon and related low-dimensional materials; controlled doping and atomic-scale modification of graphene and related structures; integration of nanomaterial synthesis with advanced microscopy; synthesis and structural investigation of emerging two-dimensional and low-dimensional materials; and electron-beam-enabled precision and/or additive manufacturing involving local materials synthesis, fabrication, restructuring, functionalisation or controlled transformation.
The Centre Leader is expected to demonstrate not simply excellence in individual techniques, but a coherent scientific profile connecting materials synthesis, advanced electron microscopy, electron–matter interactions and electron-beam-driven materials engineering, together with the senior leadership capacity required to translate these capabilities into an integrated and sustainable Centre-level research strategy.

Job Description
We are seeking an internationally recognised senior scientist to provide scientific, strategic and organisational leadership of the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, with a strong and coherent research background at the interface of low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, chemical vapour deposition, advanced electron microscopy including SEM and TEM, two-dimensional materials, electron–matter interactions and electron-beam-induced material transformations.
The successful candidate will lead the scientific and strategic development of EBEAM and its internationally competitive research programme in electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing, advanced electron microscopy and low-dimensional materials. The Centre Leader will develop approaches connecting controlled materials synthesis with SEM- and TEM-based electron-beam processing, nanoscale fabrication and the additive formation, transformation and modification of material structures with progressively increasing spatial and structural precision. The scientific ambition is to advance electron-beam-enabled manufacturing from controlled nanoscale processes toward near-atomic and ultimately atomic-scale materials engineering.
The Centre Leader will combine leadership of advanced research with responsibility for the future scientific direction, strategic development, research capacity, international positioning and long-term sustainability of the Centre. The role includes defining scientific priorities, developing and periodically reviewing the Centre’s research strategy, building its research team and capabilities, identifying infrastructure and resource requirements, strengthening international partnerships and developing a competitive and sustainable external funding portfolio.
Consistent with the objectives of the Horizon Europe ERA Chairs programme, the position extends beyond leadership of individual research activities. The Centre Leader will contribute to the structural and institutional development of EBEAM, strengthening the conditions required for research excellence and supporting its establishment as a sustainable, internationally recognised research centre integrated into the European Research Area.

Main Responsibilities
Scientific and Strategic Leadership
Provide overall scientific and strategic leadership for the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava and develop an internationally competitive research programme centred on electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing, low-dimensional carbon and two-dimensional materials, advanced electron microscopy and controlled materials synthesis. Define and periodically develop the Centre’s short-, medium- and long-term scientific strategy and research priorities, taking account of emerging international developments in electron-beam manufacturing, materials synthesis, electron microscopy, nanotechnology and low-dimensional materials.
Lead the development of new research directions connecting controlled nanomaterial synthesis, CVD, complementary SEM- and TEM-based electron microscopy and electron-beam-enabled precision and additive manufacturing, including approaches toward controlled nanoscale and near-atomic-scale fabrication. Provide strategic direction for the development and utilisation of the Centre’s scientific capabilities and research infrastructure, identify emerging research areas capable of strengthening EBEAM’s international scientific position, and represent the Centre at major international scientific conferences, research networks, strategic partnerships and collaborative initiatives.

Low-Dimensional Nanomaterial Synthesis and Materials Discovery
Develop and coordinate research on the synthesis and controlled growth of low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, including graphene, carbon nanotubes and related sp²-bonded nanostructures. Advance chemical vapour deposition and related synthesis methods for the preparation of structurally controlled, doped and functionalised carbon and two-dimensional materials, with particular attention to growth mechanisms, defect formation, dopant incorporation and structure–property relationships.
Develop exploratory approaches toward the discovery, synthesis and structural investigation of emerging two-dimensional and other low-dimensional materials, including novel structures, phases and heterostructures. Establish research directions connecting controlled synthesis with advanced microscopy and electron-beam manipulation, enabling the formation, evolution and properties of low-dimensional materials to be investigated across multiple length scales and providing material platforms for new electron-beam precision manufacturing concepts.

Advanced Electron Microscopy and Electron-Beam Materials Engineering
Develop and apply advanced electron microscopy methodologies incorporating complementary SEM and TEM approaches for the investigation, synthesis, modification and engineering of low-dimensional materials. Develop high-resolution TEM approaches, including in-situ, low-voltage and/or aberration-corrected electron microscopy, to investigate atomic-scale processes, defects, dopants and structural transformations in beam-sensitive materials.
Develop SEM-based electron-beam approaches for nanoscale synthesis, local modification, restructuring, functionalisation and fabrication, complementing high-resolution and atomic-scale TEM investigation. Explore scanning electron microscopy as an active experimental platform for controlled electron–matter interactions, local processing and transformation of precursor and low-dimensional materials. Develop microscopy-based methodologies capable of connecting nanoscale processing and fabrication with atomic-scale understanding of structural transformations and use this understanding to guide progressively more precise electron-beam materials engineering.

We Require
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate a coherent and internationally recognised research record spanning low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials; graphene, carbon nanotubes and related sp² carbon nanostructures; chemical vapour deposition of carbon-based and/or two-dimensional materials; and advanced electron microscopy encompassing complementary SEM and TEM approaches for materials characterization, synthesis and electron-beam-driven nanoscale engineering.

Preference will be given to candidates demonstrating several of the following:
• Professorial, senior academic or equivalent senior research experience.
• International leadership in graphene, carbon nanotubes, low-dimensional carbon materials or closely related fields.
• Long-standing experience in the synthesis of graphene and carbon nanotubes by chemical vapour deposition.
• Expertise in low-voltage aberration-corrected TEM of beam-sensitive low-dimensional materials.
• Research experience in atomic-scale analysis of defects and structural transformations in graphene and related materials.
• Expertise in electron-beam-induced modification of carbon nanostructures.
• Substantial experience in scanning electron microscopy, particularly the use of focused electron beams for nanomaterial synthesis, restructuring, functionalisation, local processing and/or nanoscale fabrication.
• Research experience relevant to electron-beam-enabled precision or additive manufacturing, including local material synthesis, deposition, transformation, restructuring or fabrication using focused electron beams.
• Research experience in controlled graphitization or electron-beam-driven transformation of carbon-containing precursor materials.
• Research experience in substitutional or atomic-scale doping of graphene or related two-dimensional materials.
• Experience studying dopant incorporation and defect configurations by high-resolution electron microscopy.
• Expertise in mechanisms of CVD growth of graphene, carbon nanotubes and related nanostructures.
• Experience combining synthesis, electron microscopy and theoretical or mechanistic interpretation of structural transformations.
• Experience integrating complementary SEM and TEM approaches with controlled synthesis and mechanistic investigation of low-dimensional materials.
• Research experience extending beyond established graphene systems toward the synthesis, discovery or investigation of emerging two-dimensional materials, novel low-dimensional phases and heterostructures.
• Experience in electron-microscopy-enabled materials discovery or investigation of new low-dimensional structures and phases.
• Successful acquisition or coordination of competitive international research funding.
• Participation in major European or international research programmes.
• Established international network in electron microscopy, carbon nanomaterials, two-dimensional materials and/or nanoscale manufacturing.
• Experience managing research teams, advanced microscopy infrastructure or nanomaterials laboratories.
• Experience in international scientific programme development, strategic research planning, researcher mentoring and development of sustainable research capacity.
• PhD in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Internationally recognised scientific profile in nanomaterials, electron microscopy and/or low-dimensional materials.
• Extensive research experience in carbon-based low-dimensional materials, particularly graphene, carbon nanotubes and/or related sp² nanostructures.
• Demonstrated research experience in chemical vapour deposition or closely related controlled synthesis methods for low-dimensional materials.
• Strong publication record in internationally recognised journals in nanomaterials, electron microscopy, carbon materials and/or two-dimensional materials.
• Extensive practical and scientific experience in advanced electron microscopy, with substantial expertise across advanced TEM and complementary SEM-based methodologies.
• Demonstrated expertise in high-resolution, in-situ and/or aberration-corrected electron microscopy.
• Published research addressing electron-beam-induced modification, restructuring, defect dynamics, synthesis or transformation of nanomaterials.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate material synthesis with advanced structural characterization and electron-beam materials engineering at the nanoscale and atomic scale.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience in scientific leadership, strategic research development and the coordination of international and multidisciplinary research activities, including responsibility for developing research programmes, teams and external funding.
• Experience supervising PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and early-career scientists.
• Demonstrated experience preparing, coordinating or participating in competitive national or international research projects.
• Established international research collaborations.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong scientific leadership, strategic planning, organisational and communication skills.

We Offer

• Opportunity to lead and shape the scientific and strategic development of the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.
• Strong institutional support for internationally competitive research.
• Access to advanced SEM, TEM and nanomaterials research infrastructure.
• Opportunity to develop electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing toward near-atomic and atomic-scale control.
• Environment supporting the integration of CVD synthesis, advanced SEM and TEM methodologies, two-dimensional materials discovery and electron-beam-driven nanoscale fabrication.
• Opportunity to develop new approaches spanning materials synthesis, discovery, characterization, local transformation and precision manufacturing.
• Opportunity to shape the Centre’s future research strategy, international partnerships, scientific capacity and long-term development.
• Collaboration with internationally recognised researchers and partner institutions.
• Support for Horizon Europe, ERC, MSCA and other competitive international funding applications.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an international team of researchers, postdoctoral fellows and PhD students.
• Support for international mobility, networking, Open Science and technology transfer.
• 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.

Documents to be Submitted
The EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. The working language is English.

Application
Applicants are requested to submit:
• a curriculum vitae;
• a list of publications;
• an overview of major scientific achievements;
• information on research leadership and supervision;
• information on competitive research funding;
• and a brief scientific and strategic vision for the future development of the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, addressing electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing, low-dimensional carbon and two-dimensional materials, advanced SEM/TEM-based nanoscale engineering, emerging materials research, international development and long-term sustainability.

Candidate selection will be based on scientific excellence, international research leadership, expertise in low-dimensional carbon and two-dimensional materials, CVD synthesis, advanced electron microscopy including complementary SEM and TEM approaches, electron-beam-driven materials engineering and precision manufacturing, and demonstrated capacity to provide scientific and strategic leadership for the future development, international positioning and long-term sustainability of the EBEAM Centre at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava.
In assessing candidates, particular consideration will be given to the coherence, depth and international standing of the candidate’s overall profile across these areas, rather than excellence in an individual technique or research area considered in isolation.

Additional Information
EBEAM is a Horizon Europe ERA Chairs project at Nanotechnology Centre, CEET, VSB – Technical University of Ostrava focused on electron-beam precision and additive manufacturing and advanced nanomaterials. The Centre develops electron-beam-based approaches for the synthesis, modification, manipulation and controlled fabrication of materials at the nanoscale, with the long-term ambition of establishing electron-beam-enabled precision manufacturing approaches extending toward near-atomic and atomic-scale control.
A central scientific objective of EBEAM is to use advanced electron microscopy (EM), including scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), not only for characterization but also as an active platform for controlled material transformation, local synthesis, nanoscale fabrication and engineering of low-dimensional materials. Particular emphasis is placed on carbon-based and two-dimensional nanomaterials, electron–matter interactions, controlled defect formation, doping and structural transformation, combined with advanced synthesis techniques such as chemical vapour deposition. Through the integration of synthesis, microscopy and controlled electron-beam processing, EBEAM seeks to develop new concepts for precision and additive manufacturing in which material structures can be locally formed, transformed, functionalised and engineered with progressively increasing spatial and structural control.
Beyond scientific excellence, EBEAM seeks to establish sustainable research capacity through international recruitment, interdisciplinary collaboration, competitive grant acquisition, researcher development, Open Science, technology transfer and integration into the European Research Area. In accordance with the objectives of the ERA Chairs programme, the Centre combines scientific excellence with the development of research capacity, internationalisation and long-term institutional sustainability.

This position is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101087143.

Contact Email
anna.krystyna.paziewska-harris@vsb.cz

Tagged as: Chemistry, Engineering, Physics