Pracovní nabídka
Job advertisement for the position of team member in the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit (one position)
Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague invites applicants for the position of:
Team member/Junior researcher – Postdoctoral researcher in Food Technology
We are looking for highly skilled and motivated candidates for the position of Junior Researcher – Postdoctoral Researcher to join the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit complying with the level of R2 (Recognised researcher).
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, food biotechnology) or its equivalent
- Fluency in written and spoken English (the working language of the Research Unit), 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.
- Strong laboratory/analytical skills to develop food ingredients and products.
- Deep understanding of food science and how ingredients interact, and the ability to apply this knowledge.
DESIRED PROFILE OF APPLICANT:
- Experience in food technology/processing, products development, and food analyses.Publications as the main author / corresponding author in international peer-reviewed multidisciplinary/respective field scientific journals
- An active researcher with significant research achievements within the last 4 years in food technology/food processing/food chemistry researchA track record of achievements in food-technology-related publications
- A track record of participation in international or national research grants
- A curious and creative mind set, eager to learn and perseverant with good problem-solving skills.
- Effective communicator, reporting results in the team and in meetings.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL BE EXPECTED TO:
- Execute independent and collaborative research within the DRIFT-FOOD Research Unit, providing specialized expertise in the processing of plant and/or animal products, including cereal/dairy/meat and postharvest technologies.
- Manage laboratory operations, including the supervision and mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students, while ensuring the integration of best practices in research and teaching.
- Conduct systematic data collection and analysis, supported by periodic literature reviews.
- Lead the preparation of manuscripts for high-impact scientific journals and actively engage in the dissemination of research findings at international conferences.
- Contribute to the acquisition of external funding by identifying opportunities and preparing competitive grant proposals, with a focus on the commercial exploitation of research results.
- Advance the development of new technologies and applied research initiatives in collaboration with the Food Processing Training Centre and utilizing CZU infrastructure.
- Strengthen the scientific community at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague through active collaboration with academic and technical personnel.
- Maintain extensive proficiency with a range of laboratory and industrial food processing equipment to support both research and product development.
- 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 applicant’s 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 CZU Welcome Centre, supplementary for the pension insurance contributions, meal vouchers, Multisport card and opportunity of accommodation at CZU campus.
- An opportunity to actively compete for/participate in research grants with the possibility to increase the salary further significantly.
- 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 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
The recruitment timeline reflects the need to ensure timely onboarding of international candidates and continuity of research activities.
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.