Open call/position for excellent researchers in category R3/R4 in the field of corrosion in molten salts

The candidate should demonstrate his/her competence in the following aspects:

• Understanding corrosion processes/mechanisms in the interaction of construction materials with the melts under high temperature.
• Experience in standard experimental corrosion monitoring techniques (samples preparation for experiments, samples analysis after experiments).
• Development of new methodology for deeper understanding of processes/mechanisms on the atomic level.
• Materials characterization techniques such as SEM, EDX, XRD, XRF, FTIR, Raman, AFM, XPS, TG/DTA/DSC, (LA)-ICP-OES (or MS), mechanical properties etc.
• Understanding basic principles for corrosion-resistant alloys selection.

Experience with molten salts corrosion and other high-temperature thermal energy storage.

Ability to design corrosion furnace

Ability to design and conductcorrosion experiments individually

The applicants are expected to submit before August 10^th (including), 2023 a short description of project objectives (1 page A4, identify the research topic), professional CV including list of publications (together with citations) and documents of finished PhD. Applications should be sent via email to uachkubi@savba.sk. Please use the subject “R3/R4 call - Name Surname” to identify the application. Only complete submissions are considered.

Integration to research team in the future.

Possibility to develop the own research team.

Flexible working time.

Contribution for lunch vouchers.

• PhD degree
• Experience in the field of corrosion
• Experience with the mentioned research topic
• Publication history in high-impact journals
• Experience in the project management an advantage
• Ability to work independently and lead the team
• English literacy
• Willingness to relocate

The candidates must fulfil criteria for R3/R4 researchers as follow (they will be subjected for evaluation based on CV):

R3 - Established Researcher (Researchers who have developed a level of independence)

This describes researchers who have developed a level of independence.

Necessary competences

All necessary and most desirable competences of 'Recognised Researcher' plus:

• Has an established reputation based on research excellence in their field;
• Makes a positive contribution to the development of knowledge, research and development through co-operations and collaborations;
• Identifies research problems and opportunities within their area of expertise;
• Identifies appropriate research methodologies and approaches;
• Conducts research independently which advances a research agenda;
• Can take the lead in executing collaborative research projects in cooperation with colleagues and project partners;
• Publishes papers as lead author, organises workshop or conference sessions

Desirable competences

• Establishes collaborative relationships with relevant industry research or development groups
• Communicates their research effectively to the research community and wider society
• Is innovative in their approach to research
• Can form research consortia and secure research funding / budgets / resources from research councils or industry
• Is committed to professional development of his/her own career and acts as mentor for others.

R4 - Leading Researcher (Researchers leading their research area or field)

This is a researcher leading his/her research area or field. It would include the team leader of a research group or head of an industry R&D laboratory. In particular disciplines as an exception, leading researchers may include individuals who operate as lone researchers.

Necessary competences

All necessary and most desirable competences of 'Established Researcher' plus:

• Has an international reputation based on research excellence in their field;
• Demonstrates critical judgment in the identification and execution of research activities;
• Makes a substantial contribution (breakthroughs) to their research field or spanning multiple areas;
• Develops a strategic vision on the future of the research field
• Recognises the broader implications and applications of their research;
• Publishes and presents influential papers and books, serves on workshop and conference organising committees and delivers invited talks

Desirable competences

• Is an expert at managing and leading research projects
• Is skilled at managing and developing others
• Has a proven record in securing significant research funding / budgets / resources
• Beyond team building and collaboration, focusing on long-term team planning (e.g. career paths for the researchers and securing funding for the team positions)
• Is an excellent communicator and networker within and outside the research community [creating networks]
• Is able to create an innovative and creative environment for research
• Acts as a professional development role model for others.

See also https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/europe/career-development/training-researchers/research-profiles-descriptors

The applications will be considered individually and based on the submitted documents the promising applicants – maximum 5 candidates for each category - will be invited for the internal preselection. All candidates will be informed about selection results before August 15th 2023. The online interview of successful candidates will take place in the same week.

After internal preselection the successful candidates – maximum two candidates for each category - will be guided to prepare the full proposal in the required formhttps://vaia.gov.sk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Priloha_6B_Project-descr…. The full proposal must be completed and delivered before September 21^st (including), 2023. Then the proposals will be evaluated by three independent external reviewers and based on their decision the project will be recommended for funding.

Data protection: All application documents submitted in connection with this call will be safely stored, used only for the purpose of the preselection process and will not be provided to any third party. Personal data will be kept for six months and then will be erased.