Open call/position for excellent researchers in category R2-R4 within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Plan for Slovakia in the field of layered silicates research

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

Experiences in design of functional materials based on clay minerals (samples preparation, fully-independent performance and managing of experiments),

Advanced knowledge in explanation of the phenomena occurring in composite based on 2D materials, understanding mechanism of the interaction in organic-inorganic composite materials on the interphase,

Materials characterization using various experimental techniques.

The applicants are expected to submit before August 10th 2023 (including), 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 uachpalk@savba.sk. Please use the subject “R2/R3/R4 call - Name Surname” to identify the application. Only complete submissions will be considered.

Benefits

Integration into the research team in the future.

For R3/R4 researchers, the possibility to develop their own research team.

Flexible working time.

Contribution for lunch vouchers.

Eligibility criteria

• PhD degree
• Experience with the mentioned research topics
• Publication history in high-impact journals
• Experience in project management is an advantage
• Ability to work independently
• English literacy
• Willingness to relocate

The candidates must fulfill the criteria for R2/R3/R4 researchers as follows (they will be subjected to evaluation based on CV):

R2 - Recognised Researcher (PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent)

Necessary competences

All competences of 'First Stage Researcher' plus:

• Has demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of research associated with that field;
• Has demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement, and adapt a substantial program of research with integrity;
• Has made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, innovation, or application. This could merit national or international refereed publication or patent;
• Demonstrates critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
• Can communicate with their peers - be able to explain the outcome of their research (and the value thereof) to the research community
• Takes ownership of and manages own career progression, sets realistic and achievable career goals, identifies and develops ways to improve employability;
• Co-authors papers at workshops and conferences

Desirable competences

• Understands the agenda of industry and other related employment sectors
• Understands the value of their research work in the context of products and services from industry and other related employment sectors
• Can communicate with the wider community, and with society generally, about their areas of expertise
• Can be expected to promote, within professional contexts, technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society
• Can mentor first-stage researchers, helping them to be more effective and successful in their R&D trajectory.

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 cooperation and collaboration;
• 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.

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;
• 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

Selection process

The applications will be considered individually and based on the submitted documents. The promising applicants – a maximum of 4 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 form https://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.