Miroslav Žitňák

The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra is offering a PhD position in Engineering, focusing on the analysis of the quality of the working environment in production technologies. The research will center on risk management within the "human – machine – work environment" system, with an emphasis on identifying and mitigating workplace risk factors. The dissertation will involve assessing compliance with legal regulations, evaluating risk factors that affect the quality of the working environment, and proposing technical measures to reduce health risks to acceptable levels. The project aims to justify the need for a comprehensive risk management approach, referencing the STN EN ISO 45001 standard, to enhance workplace safety, eliminate additional costs, and improve occupational safety and health. The scientific assessment of risks in enterprise environments will contribute to the development of effective measures for reducing harmful work-related factors, ultimately preventing morbidity and premature mortality among employees. The position is supervised by Professor Ing. Miroslav Žitňák, PhD, at the Faculty of Engineering. The university is located in Nitra, Slovakia. The application deadline is 31 May 2026, with the position starting on 1 September 2026. Applicants should have a Master's degree in Engineering or a related field and demonstrate good proficiency in both English and Slovak. For more information and to apply, visit the doctoral studies webpage of the Faculty of Engineering.

This PhD position at the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra offers an exciting opportunity to develop and validate an adaptive quantitative model for operational risk management in companies with varying levels of occupational health and safety (OHS) culture. The research will focus on creating a scientifically validated methodology for operational risk management, utilizing principles such as Poka-yoke, Kaizen, and the barrier-based approach. Accidents and hazardous events will be analyzed as system failures, moving beyond the traditional focus on individual worker error. The project aims to integrate a quantitative risk model based on indicators like P_fail and E[Loss], combining both external statistical data and internal company data. Decision-making frameworks such as ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) and CBA (Cost-Benefit Analysis) will be incorporated to ensure the methodology is applicable across different organizational types. The research will also design a methodology that links legal requirements, system management in accordance with ISO 45001, internal event investigation, barrier analysis, and continuous improvement through Lean tools, including gemba, kaizen, and visual management. Another key aspect of the dissertation will be to verify the impact of OHS culture on the applicability of the developed methodology. This includes examining the quality of internal data, willingness to report hazardous events, the level of control, and the use of investigation results for genuine system improvement. The position is supervised by Professor Miroslav Žitňák, an expert in the field. The Faculty of Engineering provides a stimulating research environment and access to relevant resources. The position is full-time and based in Nitra, Slovakia. While the post does not specify funding or a scholarship, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of operational risk management methodologies in engineering contexts. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in Engineering or a related field and possess good command of both English and Slovak. The application deadline is 31 May 2026, with the position starting on 1 September 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Faculty of Engineering's doctoral study page or contact the administrative office.