Postdoctoral Researcher in Gas Phase Ion Chemistry.

Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the CAS, a public research institution, develops the scientifi c legacy of the Nobel Prize winner, Professor Jaroslav Heyrovský, in the fi elds related to physical chemistry. Over 200 scientists, ranging from promising young researchers to world-renowned top experts, are engaged in systematic basic and applied research. The theoretical knowledge and experimentally acquired knowledge of the physical chemical processes occurring in molecules and atoms are of importance for industrial catalysis, energy production and storage, health care and the environment. 

The Institute operates the Heyrovský Technology Transfer Centre, which promotes cooperation between the Institute and the commercial sector in order to link the research and technological potential of the Institute with the needs of the commercial sphere.

The Department of Chemistry of Ions in Gaseous Phase studies reactions between ionized and neutral molecules. The results obtained provide insights into the processes occurring at the atomic level and are also crucial for understanding the processes in the atmosphere and for analytical mass spectrometry, which can be used in many other fields. One of the department‘s laboratories is dedicated to researching new methods for the sensitive analysis of trace substances in the air. Mass spectrometry is used here to determine molecular structures, identify unknown compounds and quantify known substances in a gaseous sample.

A leading research institute in Prague, Czechia, named after Nobel laureate in Chemistry J. Heyrovsky, is seeking:

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER IN GAS PHASE ION CHEMISTRY

At the J. Heyrovsky Institute of Physical Chemistry in Prague, we are researching the properties and reactivity of gas-phase ions present in natural environments (atmosphere of the Earth, other planets and their moons, space in stellar systems and interstellar gas clouds) and of ions created by artificial ionization for various scientific and technological purposes. Mass spectrometry methods are chiefly used together with theoretical physical chemistry approaches to aid in the explanation and substantiation of the findings.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team and enhance our current research by incorporating high kinetic energy ion mobility spectrometry analysis of the VOC product ions based on their size.

The successful candidate will engage in demanding yet creative cutting-edge research within a small, friendly, and international team.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct low-pressure ion mobility experiments using the selected ion flow drift tube mass spectrometry (SIFDT-MS) instrument.
• Characterize the pressure dependencies of ion mobilities and related collision cross sections (CCS) in nitrogen and air for various ion sizes and structures.
• Interpret the results in the context of long-range and collisional interactions between ions and neutral gas molecules.
• Implement a particle-based trajectory model using the Ion Dynamics Simulation Framework (IDSimF).
• Collaborate with team members to develop a new experimental apparatus based on a linear quadrupole ion trap (LQIT).
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. 
• Present research results at international conferences.

Required Qualifications

• A PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Nanotechnology, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• At least four years of experience in High Kinetic Energy Ion Mobility Spectrometry (HiKE-IMS).
• Fundamental knowledge of gas phase ion chemistry.
• Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis.
• Excellent English communication skills, both spoken and written.
• A strong publication track record (>10 peer-reviewed articles, of which a substantial part as a first author) demonstrating expertise in HiKE-IMS.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Knowledge in interfacing Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) with mass spectrometers (MS).
• Hands-on experience in developing experimental apparatus using vacuum technology and electronic interfacing.
• Ability to work efficiently both as part of a team and independently.

Desired Skills

• General knowledge of electrical engineering.
• Familiarity with VOC detection application fields.

Benefits

• A friendly and motivating working environment at a renowned research institute.
• Five weeks of paid leave per year, plus an additional five days for personal reasons and three days of fully paid sick leave (additionally to the statutory sickness benefit).
• Flexible working hours, including the possibility of part-time or hybrid work arrangements.
• Access to childcare groups on the CAS campus.
• Sports equipment rental, free parking, and access to libraries.
• Czech and English language courses.
• Opportunities for further education and professional development through institute-organized courses.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a full list of publications, ORCID to [email protected], including the following text in the subject line of your email: SC2025_08 before 28.03.2025