11 months Postdoctoral position in feeding strategies of saproxylic beetles

Entomologický ústav

Oddělení biodiverzity a ochrany přírody

Laboratoř saproxylického hmyzu

Pracovní smlouva

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in ecology, zoology, entomology or related fields to join our research team investigating feeding strategies of saproxylic beetles, for a period of 11 months, starting from July/August 2026.
Saproxylic (=deadwood dependent) beetles are among the most important taxonomic and functional groups in woodlands and a model group in forest ecology. Their feeding habits are, however, seldom investigated. The postdoctoral researcher hired for the project will focus on the analysis of gut microbiome (fungi, bacteria) in the larvae of selected species of saproxylic beetles using DNA metabarcoding, and on gut content analysis of the larvae, two complementary methods that can reveal the composition of the beetles’ diet and the potential key role of fungi as a main resource.

The successful candidate will join the team of Laboratory of Saproxylic Insects lead by Pavel Sebek (sebek@entu.cas.cz) at Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia. Our team combines expertise in ecology, entomology and nature conservation. The institute of Entomology at the Biology Centre hosts an international research environment and is recognized as a leading institution for basic research in entomology and insect science in Europe. The offered position is a full-time contract (40 working hours per week) and will be ensured with a gross salary of 52 000 CZK/month (an equivalent of ca. 2100 EUR/month) for the period of 11 months. This salary comfortably covers living expenses in the Czech Republic.

Responsibilities of the candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Assist in field during the collection of beetle material;
• Perform DNA identification of collected beetle larvae;
• Perform an analysis of gut microbiome (fungi, bacteria) of selected saproxylic beetle species using DNA metabarcoding;
• Process and analyse acquired data using bioinformatics and statistical methods;
• Assist in gut content analysis of collected larvae;
• Prepare manuscripts for impacted international scientific journals focused on ecology, functional ecology, and insect physiology;
• Train a technician/PhD student.

• PhD degree in biology or related fields (a non-negotiable requirement);
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Strong interest in ecology and entomology;
• Experience with laboratory work (insect dissection, DNA extraction, PCR);
• Experience with statistical analysis (R software);
• Motivation for field work;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team;

Advantageous:

•  Experience with DNA metabarcoding and genome data processing (bioinformatic analysis)

• 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).

Please submit your application using the REPLY button below by 15 June 2026.

The application should include your CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and relevant experience, and contact details for two references.

The best evaluated applicants will be shortlisted for an online interview, which will be held on 25 June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The estimated start of the position is July/August 2026.

In case of any questions regarding the position, please contact Pavel Šebek at sebek@entu.cas.cz.