Open call/position for excellent researchers in category R3 in the field of metals identified as critical for the European Union treated by molten fluoride-based systems

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

• Understanding the chemistry/physical chemistry and electrometallurgy related to the high temperature molten fluoride systems.
• Experience in experimental molten fluoride chemistry and standard techniques related to the high temperature investigation of molten fluoride systems (phase equilibria, thermal analysis, electrical conductivity, density, viscosity, and basic electrochemical techniques like CV, LSV, SWV, CC, CP, EIS, etc.
• Spectral techniques such as, XRD, XRF, SEM, EDX, FTIR, Raman, AFM, NMR, XPS, TG/DTA/DSC, (LA)-ICP-OES (or MS), etc.
• Development of new methodology for the investigation of highly corrosive molten fluoride liquids and materials.

Experience with handling and working with high temperature molten fluorides and other high temperature liquids and materials.

Ability to design high temperature experimental setups for molten fluorides

Ability to design and conduct high temperature molten fluoride 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 “R3call - 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 molten salts
• 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 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 competencies of a '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, organizes 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 the professional development of his/her own career and acts as a mentor 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 – a maximum of 5 candidates for each category - will be invited for the internal preselection. All candidates will be informed about the selection results before August 15^th, 2023. The online interview of successful candidates will take place in the same week.

After internal preselection, the successful candidates – a maximum of 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.