Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate (DC8) at VSB-TU of Ostrava, Pumera Research team

MSCA-DN e-ChemIn (DC8): Advanced Electrode Materials and Electrochemical Interfaces for Sustainable Energy Storage.

• The project focuses on the development of single-atom catalysts (SACs) for the electrochemical reduction of nitrate to ammonia (NH₃). The research aims to develop efficient and sustainable electrocatalytic systems for nitrate conversion while addressing environmental challenges related to nitrate contamination and enabling energy-efficient ammonia production. The project combines catalyst design, synthesis, characterization and electrochemical evaluation to establish structure–performance relationships and advance sustainable electrocatalysis.

Expected results:

• Achieving high selectivity and conversion efficiency of nitrate (NO₃) to ammonia (NH₃) using single-atom catalysts with minimal energy input.
• Demonstration of the stability and reusability of the catalysts under various operational conditions, contributing to a more sustainable nitrate reduction process.

PhD enrolment:

• The selected candidate will be required to enroll in a PhD programme at VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic. 

Supervisors:

• Prof. RNDr. Martin Pumera, (https://nanorobots.vsb.cz/en)
• Co-supervisor - Dr. Lakovos Yakoumis (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., Greece)

Secondment supervisor:

• Dr. Anastasia-Maria Moschovi (MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd., https://www.monolithos-catalysts.gr/en/contact-us-en)
• Prof. Jiayin Yuan (Stockholm University, https://www.su.se/english/profiles/j/jiyu0266)

Secondments (short term academic and industrial internships): The doctoral candidate will undertake two secondments within the e-ChemIn network:

• MONOLITHOS Catalysts & Recycling Ltd. (Greece), 6 months focused on industrial aspects of advanced energy materials, sustainability, scale-up and circular-economy approaches.
• Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (Germany), 4 months focused on advanced materials synthesis and characterization of electrochemical interfaces.

These secondments will provide complementary expertise spanning academic and industrial research environments.

Qualifications:

• Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science,Nanotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Electrochemistry, or a related field.

Languages:

• Excellent written and spoken English. Minimum level: international B2 certificate.
  Local language is Czech, but is not required. English is a main working
  language.

Skills/Experience
Experience with electrochemical measurements is desirable. Ability to work independently and as part of an international
interdisciplinary team. Strong motivation for scientific research and publication.

Salary:

• The salary will comply with the rules of the 2025 MSCA Doctoral Network program under Horizon Europe and consists of:
  a living allowance (country correction coefficient applies),
  a mobility allowance (€710/month),
  and, if applicable, a family allowance (€495/month).
  All amounts are subject to national taxation and social security regulations.
  • Social Security coverage

Duration:

• The position is funded for 36 months under the MSCA Doctoral Network.
  The total contract duration is 36 months.

Starting day / type of contract / Hours per week / place of work:

• From 01.11.2026 but not later than 01.02.2027. 
• Full-time employment contract in accordance with national regulations
• 40 hours per week
• VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, 17. Listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava-
  Poruba, 708 00. Czech Republic. Department 405 - ADVANCED NANOROBOTS AND MULSTISCALE ROBOTICS LAB, prof. Martin Pumera

Applicants must submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation Letter
• Master's degree certificate and transcripts
• Contact details of 3 referees

Aplication deadline: 20.09.2026 via this webside:
https://www.vsb.cz/en/university/informational-board/job-opportunities/advert/?procedureId=39

This will receive funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program
under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 101311389.