Postdoc in Eco-Evolutionary Dynamics of Communities

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Experimental Ecology

Employment contract

A two and half-year postdoctoral position in eco-evolutionary dynamics of host-parasite communities is available in Jan Hrcek’s lab [http://lab.hrcek.net] at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic [https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/homepage/].

The candidate will develop a project on the interface between population genetics and community ecology. Our laboratory utilizes a novel experimental community model system of wild Drosophila species and their parasitoids from tropical Australia. We are able to perform multigenerational laboratory microcosm experiments and track eco-evolutionary dynamics in fine detail. The candidate’s project will be complementary to Jan’s ERC-CZ grant investigating relationships between the maintenance of genetic variation within populations and species diversity within ecological communities. These processes are typically studied separately, but likely interact to structure diversity in ecological communities. The laboratory is an international team of PhD students, postdocs and technicians and the applicant will have the opportunity to work extensively with other team members. The laboratory can provide substantial resources and support for exceptional research. Further, the candidate will collaborate within the PI’s wide network and establish new links for this project.

Primarily, we are looking for a candidate with experience in either (i) theoretical eco-evolutionary dynamics modelling or ecological modelling, or (ii) population genetic/genomic modelling. The candidate is expected to develop models tied to our Drosophila – parasitoid system, as well as more general models for addressing broad questions in eco-evolutionary dynamics. The candidate’s project can also include laboratory and field experiments. Candidates without experience in modelling but with interest in the topic are also encouraged to get in touch.

• 1 extra week of holiday, i.e. 5 weeks of paid holiday per year in total
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Benefits from Social fund
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Friendly international working environment
• Support of leisure time activities
• Free language classes – Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs (the capacity is limited)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary mobile tariff at the contractual operator
• Concessionary banking services at the contractual bank

The salary of CZK 60.000 / month gross + benefits more than comfortably covers living expenses in Ceske Budejovice and international holiday travel, but is negotiable. Starting date is flexible, but earlier starting date is preferred. The working language is English and applicants from all countries are eligible. If you have any queries, contact Jan at janhrcek@gmail.com.

Ceske Budejovice (2 hours away from Prague) is a city with over 750 years of tradition. It has history wherever you turn, excellent beer, breathtaking countryside around, and a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). 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 Excellence in Research Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating, and fair. For more information about the researchers' recruitment policy at our institution, see OTM-R [https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/].

Interested candidates are expected to submit brief motivation letter and CV via the REPLY button below as soon as possible. Full application should in addition include contact details for three references. Review of the applications will begin on 19th August 2022 and will continue until the position is filled.