Researcher in Fungal Ecology and Soil Biology

Ústav půdní biologie a biogeochemie

Sekce Interakce

Interakce půdních procesů napříč časoprostorovými škálami

Pracovní smlouva

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, specifically the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry (ISBB), is seeking a mycologist to join its research team. ISBB develops a multidisciplinary field of soil biology, including soil zoology, microbiology, and key soil ecological processes related to soil organic matter dynamics and C and N cycles. ISBB applies modern methods used in soil ecology, including many unique facilities such as a stable isotope laboratory and a laboratory to study aerobic and anaerobic processes, experimental catchment and many others.

The successful candidate will conduct research in mycology, fungal ecology and soil biology, with a focus on the role of fungi in key soil processes, including soil organic matter transformation, decomposition and stabilization, as well as aerobic and anaerobic C and N cycling. Possible research directions include fungal ecology in various ecosystems, interactions between fungi and other soil biota, fungal metabolomics, and applied aspects of mycology related to agriculture and food quality.

The candidate is expected to cooperate with existing researchers and ongoing research programmes and, in the long term, establish and lead an independent research team based on competitive grant funding.

More information about the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry: https://www.upb.cas.cz/en/homepage/
 

• PhD degree in fungal ecology, soil ecology, mycology, or a related discipline.
• Previous postdoctoral experience in fungal ecology, soil ecology, or related disciplines.
• Strong publication record.
• Ability and interest to establish and lead an independent research team based on competitive grant funding on a long-term basis.
• Ability to cooperate with existing researchers and ongoing research programmes.

• 5 týdnů dovolené, dotované závodní stravování
• Příspěvek na penzijní připojištění, podpora volnočasových aktivit
• Kurzy angličtiny zdarma na pracovišti, odborná školení, mentoringový program
• Zvýhodněné služby u smluvního operátora a banky
• Možnost umístění dítěte od 1 roku věku do naší dětské skupiny přímo v areálu BC
• Přátelské, inspirativní mezinárodní pracovní prostředí
• Zaměstnání ve stabilní, prestižní vědecké instituci mezinárodního významu

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (max. 2 hours south of the capital Prague), a safe middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, historical centre and a breathtaking countryside around providing numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. It has a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS and the neighbouring University of South Bohemia. Check out our Guide for Expats to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

The Biology Centre holds the HR Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating and fair. For more information about the researchers recruitment policy at our institution, see our OTM-R. We provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support).

Startup salary and the possibility to support group establishment are negotiable.

Example research fields suitable for cooperation include

Fungal ecology in various ecosystems:

• Fungal communities in ecosystems under transition during restoration or primary/secondary succession
• Fungal ecology in alpine and subglacial soils (diversity, dormancy)
• Fungal ecology in peat ecosystems
• Fungal chemical ecology, role of signaling molecules, defense compounds, or metabolites in ecological interactions

Role of fungi in key soil processes:

• Role of soil fungi in processes of soil organic matter transformation, decomposition and stabilization
• Relevance of soil fungi for aerobic and anaerobic C and N cycling

Interaction of fungi and other soil biota:

• Fungal diversity and function with respect to soil detritivores (in the litter, in the gut, etc.)
• Interaction between fungi, soil fauna and plant roots
• Fungi competing with or benefiting prokaryotic N and C cyclers

Fungal metabolomics

Mycology & agriculture, industrial/metabolic engineering and discovery:

• Mycotoxins
• Fungal controls on food production and quality

To apply, please submit your CV and motivation letter via the REPLY button below.
For further information, candidates may contact Prof. Jan Frouz (frouz@natur.cuni.cz)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us, please consider your application unsuccessful.