Career Opportunities

VP4 Research Specialist – Junior/Postdoc (in the fields of biomechanics, physical activity, MRI, and health)

HR logo

The Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Ostrava announces a selection procedure for the position of

  • VP4 Research Specialist – Junior/Postdoc (in the fields of biomechanics, physical activity, MRI, and health)

The position is designed as an independent postdoctoral research position with a high degree of professional and scientific autonomy.

The employee is expected to actively formulate their own research questions, design and produce scientific manuscripts and applied outputs based on the extensive databases of the LERCO 4HAIE project, including the data and outputs presented on the website VP4 – 4HAIE – PA and Health / LERCO RP4 – Biochemické a biofyzikální metody analýzy biologických systémů and HAIE LERCO.

This position is suitable for ambitious postdoctoral researchers seeking to establish their own line of research, build an international publication profile, and pursue a subsequent academic or grant-funded career.

Workplace

  • Faculty of Education, Department of Human Movement Studies

Position classification

  • Researcher II (non-academic)

Number of vacancies

  • 2

This is a new position to be filled in accordance with the terms of the Life Environment Research Center Ostrava (LERCO) project (reg. no. CZ.10.03.01/00/22_003/0000003).

Job description

Main Research Focus

  • Independent research using data from the LERCO 4HAIE project, focusing on the relationships between:
    • physical activity,
    • the biomechanics of human movement,
    • human health,
    • the health of the musculoskeletal system and/or the brain.
  • Actively formulating new research hypotheses based on existing data (including open-ended project outcomes).
  • Designing, writing, and publishing original scientific manuscripts, with the expectation of serving as the first or corresponding author.

Specialized Professional Activities

  • Analysis of MRI data in the context of biomechanical, behavioral, and health indicators.
  • Collaboration with national and international project partners (e.g., Oulu, Vienna, VŠB-TUO, and others).

Applied and Translational Impact

  • Contribute to the design and development of applied and digital solutions (screening, prevention, e-health, IT tools).
  • Prepare data and technical documentation for application development in collaboration with project partners.

Team and Methodological Role

  • Providing expert guidance and coordinating the work of Ph.D. students, lab technicians, and junior researchers.
  • Contributing to the development of methodological and research materials for the project.
  • Publications as part of the LERCO 4HAIE project team.

Qualification requirements – required

  • Completed Ph.D. in one of the following fields:
    • biomedical engineering,
    • kinesiology / biomechanics,
    • healthcare, neuroscience, or IT fields related to data processing,
    • or a related field (subject to personal consultation).
  • Demonstrable ability to conduct independent scientific work (publications are a plus).
  • Ability to formulate research questions based on existing data, not just perform assigned analyses.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary and translational research linking movement, health, and technology.
  • Motivation for scientific work, independence, responsibility, and a proactive approach.
  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Knowledge of English at a minimum B2 level.
  • Flexibility in terms of working hours.

Qualification requirements – preferred

  • Experience with the analysis of MRI, biomechanical, or motion data.
  • Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration (medicine, IT, data science).
  • Interest in the practical and societal impact of research.

Research level

  • R2 – Recognized Research

The expected form of employment

  • 0.5 FTE (possibility of increasing the FTE by mutual agreement)

The duration of employment

  • The employment contract will be for a fixed term (project-based)

The expected start date

  • 1 September 2026, or as agreed

Wage conditions

  • The salary is based on the classification according to the university′s internal salary regulations and also depends on the candidate′s experience and involvement in research grant activities.

Benefits

  • 6 weeks of vacation per calendar year;
  • 5 days of sick leave (for 0.5 FTE or higher);
  • Meal vouchers worth CZK 123/day (for a 0.7 FTE position);
  • Flexible working hours and the option to work from home occasionally;
  • Support for sports activities, e.g. through the MultiSport employee program;
  • English language courses and other educational courses;
  • Discounts on rent with Heimstaden;
  • Elánek nursery for employees′ children and a 50% discount on nursery fees;
  • University library services and free access to e-books;
  • 15% discount on books at the University Shop and bookstore – OUShop;
  • Discounted mobile phone rates as part of the T-Mobile benefits program;
  • Work in a professional team at a stable employer;
  • A supportive organizational policy and culture, pleasant working environment.

The language in which the selection procedure will be conducted

  • Czech, English

Documents required from the participant

Application deadline

  • 4 August 2026 (inclusive)

Information about the selection procedure

The Dean of the Faculty of Education reserves the right to invite only selected applicants for a personal interview and also the right not to select any applicant. The selection process may be canceled or announced repeatedly.

Contacts