Department of Metallic Materials of the Technopark Kralupy research centre invites applications for full-time 4-year PhD studentship starting in September 2025. The department’s activities revolve around corrosion protection, hydrogen-related studies, corrosion monitoring and development and optimization of corrosion-resistant materials for building, automotive, power generation, and other applications. The department is an established member of the European expert network since 2015 with 12 running project, 5 PhD students, and cooperation with major steel producers, automotive suppliers and car manufacturers. The group works on RFCS and other projects with universities and companies from Spain, France, Austria, Germany, Sweden and others. 

The department is starting a new international project related to development of new Mn austenitic stainless and non-stainless steel grades for hydrogen economy to replace commonly used 316L stainless steel. High resistance to hydrogen embrittlement with simultaneous low cost is a crucial factor for bringing these new materials to the market. Their application lies especially in the production of modern PEM electrolysers, transport of liquid hydrogen under cryogenic conditions and its subsequent storage.  The main focus of the project will be on understanding into the hydrogen entry process under different environmental conditions and assessing the effect of specific microstructure on hydrogen permeation. The preferred qualification for the position therefore includes formal education in material science, metallurgy and/or corrosion. The applicant is required to be independent and creative. During the project, he/she will participate in the development of new procedures and techniques applicable to hydrogen studies. 

Most of the experimental work will be performed at Department of Metallic Materials in Technopark Kralupy, Czech Republic. The city of Kralupy nad Vltavou is within 20 minutes (by public transport) from Prague and about 30 minutes from the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. The PhD study will be formally placed under the Metallurgy program of the university.

The project length is four years. The candidate will be required to present the results of the project at periodic project meetings and scientific conferences. The project will be supervised by prof Tomas Prosek. 

The candidate will be offered a competitive salary as well as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year.