Rector of the
Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU)
Slovak Republic
invites applications for 5 postdoctoral research positions.
Job title:
Researcher/postdoctoral scientist
Call opening: 26. 7. 2019
Application deadline: 5. 9. 2019
The duration of the position: for 1 year with possibility of extension by 1 year, beginning on 1st of October 2019.
Requirements
Minimum Experience/Education: Ph.D. or equivalent doctorate in appropriate field awarded no more than 3 years ago
Candidates should send written application for the postdoc position, CV, description of research or artistic activities, overview of publications or artistic activities, statement of integrity.
Applications should be send electronically to miroslav.mihalik[@]stuba.sk. In case of questions about this positions contact miroslav.mihalik[@]stuba.sk or directly the respective mentor.
The Postdoctoral Researcher positions are located in Bratislava.
Salary:
The salary is in accordance with the University salary system level 9. In addition, there is a share increase at most, 50% of the base salary, which is based on personal achievements and performance. Typical salary for a starting postdoctoral fellow is 1353,- €.
Subject Field and the Description of the Position:
1/ Energy-autonomous integrated systems based on energy harvesting (mentor: Prof. Ing. Viera Stopjakova, PhD., Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology STU, viera.stopjakova [@]stuba.sk)
The project is primarily aimed to investigation of the energy autonomy of sensor networks from temporary sources and energy storages, which have a substantial potential and can find application in many key areas of industry and social life such as the Internet of Things, smart electronic devices and control systems, wireless medical devices, industrial and monitoring units, etc. To deal with an energy autonomy problem (critical issue of implantable medical devices), use of ambient energy resources together with power management are the key tasks based on energy harvesting. Furthermore, in size-critical applications, the miniaturization of sensor nodes belong to the most important task. Therefore, one of the main goals of this project is to integrate (fully or partially) discrete solutions directly on the chip or into a packaged system. Because of the miniaturization, the energy autonomy and the life extension issues, reducing power supply and power consumption became the key requirements of advanced sensor nodes. All these observations result in the following partial objectives of the project 1. research and development of new circuit topologies and advanced techniques for low-voltage and low-power integrated circuit and system design in nanometers technology (e.g. floating-gate, bulk-driven, etc.); 2. investigation of the implementation possibility of energy harvester or parts thereof (e.g., voltage converters) into an integrated form; 3. realization of power management unit for voltage converters powered from alternative energy sources. The researcher will build on the already gained results and findings and also contribute to the research area of energy harvester in terms of power management and their implementation, taking into account the strict energy requirements of key areas, e.g. e-health, environmental protection, etc.
2/ Implementation of low frequencies in the single number index calculation (mentor: Prof. Ing. Monika Rychtarikova, PhD. Faculty of Civil Engineering, STU Bratislava, monika.rychtarikova[@]stuba.sk)
In the field of building acoustics, a harmonised classification scheme in Europe is missing, that would allow for fast but reliable assessment and categorisation of sound insulation properties of building constructions by means of reliable single number quantity (SNQ). Recent international acoustic standards are in most of the EU countries based on sound reduction index Rw (dB) and its variants. It is already well known, that Rw (dB) doesn’t correspond to subjective assessment of noise filtered by the building construction sufficiently, mainly when comparing significantly different structures, such as “light weight and heavy weight” walls. Another, influencing factor in perception of acoustic comfort is sound insulation at frequencies bellow 100 Hz, which are in most of the EU countries not included in evaluation. In terms of preparation of classification scheme, proposal of a new parameter turned out to be essential. Proposal for a new SNQ will require careful research that will consist of theoretical modelling, computer simulations with auralisation outputs and laboratory listening tests, necessary for validation of newly proposed acoustic quantity.
Candidate should have a PhD degree in theory of building construction (related to building or room acoustics), or its equivalent. He/she should have the ability to perform programing in software Matlab or Visual basic and to work with Adobe audition and Odeon/CATT acoustics. Basic knowledge in psychoacoustics and signal processing as well as strong English writing and speaking skills are also recommended. It is required, that candidate is an author or a co-author of at least one scientific peer-reviewed CC publication. He/she should be also able to work as an independent and flexible researcher in interdisciplinary teams.
For more information, please take contact with prof. Monika Rychtáriková by e-mail: monika.rychtarikova@stuba.sk.
3/ Investigation of mechanism of action of new potential therapeutics based on thiosemicarbazones exhibiting antiproliferative and antibacterial properties (mentor: Prof. Ing. Peter Rapta, DrSc., Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology STU, peter.rapta[@]stuba.sk)
Rapid tumor growth requires increasing amounts of essential metal ions and their deficiency makes cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapeutics compared to normal cells. A modern approach to prepare new biologically active metal complexes represents a combination of active ligands and metal ions leading to the compounds which exhibit both antitumor and antibacterial properties. The aim of the project is to study the redox properties of new complexes which exhibit an altered effect of the ligand caused by central atom, mainly on the basis of thiosemicarbazones (TSC) and metal ions as e.g. Fe(III), Cu(II) and Zn(II). We will use spectroelectrochemical and spectrophotochemical techniques to follow and clarify the mechanism of action of new biologically active novel drugs which exhibit dual anticancer and antibacterial activity, which is strongly coupled to their redox reactions. The successful candidate is required to be familiar with the in situ EPR, UV-vis-NIR and IR spectroelectrochemistry, and experienced in clarifying complex reaction mechanisms accompanied with the electron and/or proton transfer in solution.
4/ Metrological control assurance of intraocular pressure measuring instruments principles (mentor: Prof. Ing. Stanislav Duris, PhD., Faculty of Mechanical Engineering STU, stanislav.duris[@]stuba.sk)
Glaucoma is one of the greatest threats of our age and according to the World Health Organization, up to 37.5% of people suffering from glaucoma are blinded. Correct diagnosis is related to accurate intraocular pressure measurement. Incorrect determination of the patient's intraocular pressure results in a high risk of complete blindness because people gradually lose sight and in the case of glaucoma this process cannot be reversed. The aim of the project is to ensure accurate measurement of intraocular pressure. The current metrological assurance of instrumentation in medical practice in this area is negligible, everything is based on companies supplying instruments and there is no objective approach to metrological control of these instruments not only in Slovakia but in Europe as well. Within the project solution it is necessary to ensure research of new methods of measurement and metrological control of eye tonometers associated with research of new constructions of instrumentation for objective control, i.e. calibration of eye tonometers based on different measurement principles in direct relation to realized SI units. The research work is expected to combine the latest knowledge in medical metrology, ophthalmology and optometry. Candidates are welcome to experience in metrological control of these devices abroad and pedagogical education for the needs of training of metrological as well as medical personnel.
5/ Research on new progressive methods of traditional cultural heritage materials conservation (mentor: Doc. Ing. Katarina Vizarova, PhD., Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology STU, katarina.vizaraova [@]stuba.sk)
Research of new methods and technologies in cultural heritage preservation brings solutions to key problems, such as the persisting disparity between the rate of degradation and deterioration of heritage objects and the protection capacity in Slovakia and abroad; reduction of negative impacts on the environment (replacement of organic, often toxic substances by physico-chemical processes); improving the quality of protection while maintaining the principle of minimizing interference with the originality of historical objects; the need to develop new quality control methods to set up effective protection. The aim of the project will be to ensure the continuity of research into new alternative preservation processes. It will be based on the experimental results obtained so far and the latest knowledge of the application of nanotechnologies and physicochemical processes for surface treatment and stabilization of heritage objects. The focus of interest lies in the research of processes and changes at the nanometric level through the application of low-temperature plasma as well as the use of new polymer materials. The object of interest are artefacts based on natural organic materials, paper, parchment, wood. The candidate is expected to have an interdisciplinary experience as a conservation scientist in the protection of materials and heritage objects.