Why join us
At HiLASE, we always have many opportunities to meet with each other, as well as with our strategic partners. A career at HiLASE means not only working hard, but also knowing how to have fun and spend time together outside the office.
A foundation for success
Offices with doors and science with grace
There is no threat of open space here. We have real offices, with doors. A person sitting in open space often feels like they are sharing accommodation with thirty flatmates. Who would want that? We try to create ideal space for people who want to think, grow, and not lose themselves in the process.
Whether you’re a researcher or an engineer, working with us is not just about the peace and quiet, but also about action. Our scientists don’t just have an office with a door, but also hi-tech laboratories full of state-of-the-art equipment. We work with the latest laser technologies and cooperate on international research projects. No theoretical notes for the drawer, but real science, which transforms into applications for industry, space, defence, or medicine.
You can look forward to:
- Access to unique laser systems (such as the record-breaking BIVOJ laser);
- Collaboration on European research grants and projects;
- Support of your own research ideas and innovations.
Whether you currently need peace and quiet to write an article, or sparks from latest laser optics, you will find it all at HiLASE.
The world isn’t small to us
At HiLASE, collaboration is not just about borrowing a screwdriver from Pete in the office next door. We collaborate with the world – quite literally.
We are like a scientific Babylon – different languages, different tastes, different ways of saying, “Hey, this probably won’t work.” But in the end, we understand each other because of our shared curiosity, ideas, and the desire to move things forward.
We are part of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, but we certainly don’t confine ourselves to the Czech Republic. On the contrary, we have connections from Europe to Japan and beyond, collaborating with industry leaders and research giants. Sometimes, we find ourselves where they serve sushi instead of goulash for lunch.
Growing faster than magic beans
Your career isn’t just about knowing where to click, or where to plug the right cable. It’s also about where you’re growing. Where you’re moving. And whether you enjoy it.
At HiLASE, we support everyone – researchers, engineers, and administrative staff – so that they can grow.
You can visit international conferences, take an internship abroad or attend a workshop to learn that soft skills are not weak knees, but something that will improve your life.
Want to learn a language? Approved.
Interested in mentoring or internal training? We got you covered.
Want to learn to be a better writer, speaker, or listener? We will help you choose the right soft skills workshop.
As we say – the brain is like laser optics. If you don’t take care of it, it loses its efficiency.
Rest is sacred
Work is important. But only a fool would think you can work non-stop without a break. We are not machines and that’s why we value rest.
We get 4 weeks of paid vacation like all employers, +1 extra, because we know sometimes you just need to climb under a blanket, read a mystery novel and eat potato chips. In addition, we have 6 days of personal leave for when you need to switch off, recover from a cold, or simply return to a state of homeostasis.
Home office? Of course, if your cat isn’t lying down on your keyboard, you can work from home. And if you ever feel like reality is getting to you, we can arrange for an extended leave or reduced working hours.
We believe that a satisfied employee not only grumbles less by the coffee machine but is also more productive. And that pays off.
No need for time cards
We are not a school from 1984. Nobody will stand behind your back and watch, if you came to work exactly at 8am. We focus on the result, not the hours spent in front of a monitor.
You can decide by yourself where, when and how you work. Respond to emails from bed in the morning, do lab work in the afternoon, and finish up your responsibilities with your legs up in the evening. We give you trust, freedom and space – but careful. That goes together with responsibility. Not only for your results, but also for the way you communicate and make important decisions.
You can experiment. You can create. You can fail ten times – if you learn from it and your eleventh attempt moves things forward.
We trust that if you give someone your trust, they will often surprise you. And if you also give them support and inspiration, they can thrive even on a Monay morning and without coffee.
So, yes, you’ll have freedom. But you’re not alone. We’re in this together.
Reserved parking spot and half a princess to boot
Those working in Prague city centre can only envy. Anyone who has ever endlessly circled the streets looking for a parking spot will know this is not small benefit. Especially with parking spaces wide enough for your colleagues not to scratch your door. And this doesn’t just apply to four-wheeled vehicles, but two-wheeled ones too!
If you are a fan of cycling, in addition to a place for your bike, we will also give you the opportunity to join your colleagues in the national Bike to Work challenge every May.
A lively community
Great teams don’t grow on trees. At HiLASE, we cultivate and open atmosphere and build a community of people who know each other, help each other, and share common values.
Throughout the year, you can look forward to many different events and teambuilding activities – from a Christmas party, though Health Days, to sports tournaments and hiking trips. There is no shortage of ideas and no threat of boredom.
Researchers turned adventurers
One a year, we go on a teambuilding trip together.
We change from clean room suits into pirate or cowboy costumes and set off on an adventure. Each year, a different department plans the activities, and we always find new ways to compete, have fun, and get to know each other outside the lab.
From the lab to the playing field
Among the HiLASIANS, you will find athletes of all kinds – from yoga enthusiasts to soccer strategists.
Together with other scientific centers in the STAR region, we compete in soccer, volleyball, or petanque as part of Team Spirit Day, which would not be complete without music and good food. We also enjoy going on bike trips together, organizing footnet matches, or getting our ice skates out.
We will also support your sporting activities – whether in a group or solo – with a Multisport card and a recreation fund.
HiLASE under the Christmas tree
Before Christmas, you can look forward to celebrating with your colleagues – whether we meet for a beer or a friendly laser tag tournament.
We will look back at the things we accomplished, give out internal contest prizes, and make sure no one leaves empty-handed.
It’s not just work that makes us tick
We may not always agree on our favourite sport, or which board game we want to play. But food is one thing that always unites us.
We barbecue together after the annual Let’s Ask event (where we can also “grill” management with curious questions), or just on a Friday on the terrace. Every year, we also organize an international food festival where you can taste the cultural diversity of HiLASE.
Everyone, not just food lovers, will appreciate meal vouchers and an excellent cafeteria just across the street.
Science not only for scientists
Do you share our passion for bringing science to the wider public?
Throughout the year, you can participate in organising several events for the public and inspire both kids and adults to take interest in in physics and lasers. Help us come up with a new activity for Researchers’ Night, guide a group of curious students through your lab, or become a mentor of the next generation of scientists within Talent Academy!
Networking our way
Of course, you will not just be meeting your colleagues, but also our industrial and research partners – at conferences, trade fairs, or events organised by HiLASE.
However, our relationship with partners does not stand on handshakes and business cards.
We know that true collaboration is build outside of the conference room, so we like to take our partners on a boat trip or plan an informal meeting at the nearby brewery. And because we value feedback, we are not afraid to ask them what we could improve.
We inspire
Some HiLASIANS have the opportunity to share how we work at HiLASE publicly, spreading enthusiasm for science and technology to the general public through lectures, workshops, and interactive demonstrations. These efforts bring the laser world to young and old alike. You may have seen our colleagues speaking at various conferences and trade fairs, or heard them on the radio, TV, etc.
