Job offer
Job advertisement for team members in the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit (two positions)
Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague invites applicants for the position of:
Team member/Senior researcher in Food Technology
We are looking for highly skilled and motivated candidates for the position of Senior Team Member to join the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit complying with the level of R3 (Established researcher) or R4 (Leading Researcher) from both EU and non-EU countries.
We are an ambitious institution and aim at developing significant regional and international strength in Food Technology fully utilising the state-of-the-art facilities recently established at CZU Prague.
This position is opened as part of the implementation of the DRIFT-FOOD ERA Chairs project Sustainability Plan, ensuring the continuation of research activities beyond the project duration.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Holder of PhD title (food science, food technology, biotechnology or similar fields) or its equivalent for at least 4 years
- Fluency in written and spoken English (the working language of the Group), good communication and teamwork skills. Knowledge of Czech language (the working language of the University) at least at level B1 can be beneficial, but not mandatory.
- Fulfilment of conditions specified in the European Framework for Research Careers for Established researchers at the level of R3 or R4.
DESIRED PROFILE OF APPLICANT:
- Expertise in food technology, food processing and food science, as evidenced by
Relevant post-doctoral experience
Significant publication record as the principal author / corresponding author / team leader in major international peer-reviewed scientific journals
Record of invited speeches at well-established international conferences
- Experience with PhD and master students’ supervision and teaching. The appointees will be expected to act as mentors/supervisors for a number of PhD candidates.
- An active researcher with significant research achievements within the last 7 years in food technology/food processing/ food chemistry research
- An international track record of achievements in food-technology-related publications
A track record of innovative research with implications for the food technology sphere
A track record of participation in international or national research grants
A proven track record of developing new technologies and translating research into applied results.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO:
- Collaborate within the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit on advanced research topics in food science and technology, specifically focusing on the processing of plant/animal food products.
- Demonstrate specialised expertise in cereal/dairy/meat technology, postharvest solutions, and the development of added-value products through food biotechnology.
- Conduct and publish original research results in high-impact, peer-reviewed international journals.
- Drive institutional competitiveness by actively leading or participating in the acquisition, coordination, and implementation of international research grants.
- Advance the development of new technologies and applied research initiatives in collaboration with the Food Processing Training Centre, utilizing CZU’s specialized research infrastructure.
- Lead academic and pedagogical activities, including course coordination, curriculum development, and the modernisation of teaching modules.
- Foster the growth of the scientific community at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) through the mentorship and supervision of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration with food technology-related units to promote interdisciplinary research and knowledge sharing.
- Maintain extensive proficiency in the operation and management of a diverse range of laboratory and industrial-scale food processing equipment.
- Contribute to the achievement of DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit KPIs based on the DRIFT-FOOD ERA Chairs project Sustainability Plan.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:
- A full-time position (12-month contract funded by the Faculty with the possibility of extension up to tenure position based on performance)
- The salary determined in accordance with the internal remuneration regulations of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. Emphasis is placed primarily on research outcomes, publishing activities, securing external funding, and the quality of teaching (Prague benefits from significantly lower cost of living compared with most of EU capitals).
- Benefits which include 40 days of annual leave, 5 days of paid sick leave per year, flexible working hours, relocation support from the CZU Welcome Centre, supplementary pension insurance contributions, meal vouchers, Multisport card and opportunity for accommodation at the CZU campus
- An opportunity to actively compete for/participate in research grants with the possibility to further significantly increase the salary
- An open and independent research environment, with ample opportunities to further build their academic career at the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources
- Full access to the research infrastructure of the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, including Master sizer, Rheometer, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS/MS, AAS, ICP, NMR, and more
- Access to, and an opportunity to further develop, the Food Technology Centre consisting of medium-scale processing facilities of meat, grains and dairy, and of a range of experimental units (fruit processing, beer production, oil refineries) as well as a sensory testing laboratory
EXPECTED STARTING DATE: October 2026
More information about the DRIFT-FOOD ERA Chairs Project (WIDESPREAD-06-2020) can be found on the following links:
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/952594
https://driftfood.eu/
Official websites of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and the Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources:
https://www.czu.cz/en
https://www.af.czu.cz/en
HOW TO APPLY
Applications including a cover letter, a detailed curriculum vitae (specifying h-index and including relevant accomplishments), a brief description of current research (no more than two pages), a brief outline of future research plans (no more than two pages) two most representative publications, and the names and contact details of three referees should be sent directly (as a single pdf file) to the email address:
The deadline for submitting the application is 20 May 2026
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague is committed to employment equality (esp. European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers) and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates fulfilling the requirements specified in this announcement.