Tender - Postdoctoral research - FunGlass

The Director of the Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glassof Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín

in accordance with Law 131/2002 on Higher Education, Law 552/2003 on Public Service Employment, and the university’s selection principles for university teachers, researchers, and senior officials, announces a recruitment process for the following position:

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Joint Glass Centre, Centre for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass

Focus: Research position on the use of Artificial Intelligence for Material Discovery.

The Center for Functional and Surface Functionalized Glass (FunGlass) is looking to recruit a highly motivated academic to fill a postdoctoral research position on the use of artificial intelligence and Machine learning methods for material discovery. The position could be structured as a postdoctoral fellowship (PDF) or a research associate and will be referred to as a PDF. This position is part of the multidisciplinary research initiative of FunGlass to create foundations for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing new glass or glass-ceramics with new functionalities.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic group of academics with diverse scientific backgrounds, from materials science and engineering to biomaterials science to physics to inorganic chemistry. The position will be based at FunGlass in Trencin, Slovakia, full-time and will begin on a two-year contract. The postdoctoral fellow will have access to the FunGlass scientific network. Plus, depending on the funding availability, the PDF could benefit from short-term training stays at FunGlass partners, which would provide high-quality research opportunities. We are looking for someone with experience in molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the structure and properties of silicate and phosphate glasses. Candidates with an interest in advancing their knowledge using empirical and computational methods, as well as machine learning, are preferred. Further, the PDF will be supported in the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, attending conferences, and applying for independent research funding.

Required Degree:

• PhD degree or an MSc degree in materials science, computer science, inorganic chemistry, or closely related fields is required.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in ML techniques, including deep learning, generative models, and reinforcement learning.
• Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, C/C++, and familiarity with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Knowledge of software development practices, including version control, DevOps, and virtual environments.
• Experience and interest in interdisciplinary research, publication, and presentation of results, result-oriented personality.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and spoken, are essential.
• The ability to work creatively and independently towards developing your research project and collaborating with researchers from other disciplines.

Preferred Optional Qualifications:

• Experience with computational materials science methods, such as density functional theory (DFT), molecular dynamics (MD), or Monte Carlo simulations.
• Ability to work independently and multitask effectively.
• Flexible and willing to adapt to changes in priorities as necessary in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience with experimental studies would be a major plus.

The role is open for an immediate start, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

For formal inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Ali Talimian at ali.talimian@tnuni.sk.

Application Submission:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application, along with all required documents, via email to marcela.brodova@tnuni.sk no later than 30th June 2025. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Dušan Galusek Prof., DSc,
Director of FunGlass Centre