Postdoc in Soil Organic Matter Stabilization and Chemistry

Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry

Biogeochemistry Section

Laboratory of Soil Organic Matter

Employment contract

We are looking for an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher well-experienced in soil biology and chemistry who will join the research team working on successful grant proposals focused on soil organic matter stabilization as affected by fire, forest type and climate change. The researcher will be responsible for soil organic carbon fractionation and performation of state-of-the-art chemical analytical methods for quantification of compounds of plant origin (e.g. pyrogenic organic matter, neutral sugars, glomalin, organic acids, amino acids).

• Advanced skills in analytical chemistry and experience with analytical instruments (GC-MS, HPLC, UV/VIS spectrophotometer)
• Fluency in spoken and written English (at least intermediate, advanced preferred)
• Ability to work independently
• International experience

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly 
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• English speaking, friendly & stimulating international working environment
• Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
• Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year

Duration of the job contract is fixed (24 months) with possible prolongation based on successful grant proposals. The starting date is subject to the agreement. Applicants from all countries are eligible. 

The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Soil Organic Matter led by Dr. Veronika Jílková at the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic). The Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry (https://www.upb.cas.cz/en/homepage/) is a diverse, international team (15 nationalities) studying soil zoology, microbiology and chemistry. The Laboratory of Soil Organic Matter is a perspective team of young researchers successful in fundraising and with a good publication record maintaining modern instrumentation.

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (2 hours south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). Gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality) has been accepted in 2022.

To apply, please send a CV including your publication record, contact details for three references, a copy of your Ph. D. diploma, and a cover letter stating qualifications, previous work and motivation via the REPLY button below.