Technical Research Assistant in the Environmental Stable Isotope Lab

Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry

Employment contract

The Stable Isotope Facility at Biology Centre CAS (https://soilwater.eu/laboratory/irms-laboratory/) has an opening for a technical research assistant who will assist in the measurement of stable isotope ratios, processing of samples and data, and communication with IRMS users.
 

The successful candidate is expected to assist in routine tasks to ensure the daily operation of analytical instrumentation, including but not limited to: IRMS, gas chromatograph, elemental analyzer and optimize and perform QA & QC protocols to process raw data and ensure the robustness of stable isotope results. You will also be expected to handle hazardous chemicals and assist in administrative communication with IRMS users. The ideal candidate will have experience in handling and processing environmental samples and data, and assessing the performance of analytical instrumentation. Effective organizational and MS Excel skills or other data processing programs are essential attributes. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in gas chromatography as well as coding (e.g., R, Matlab, Python). 
 

The Stable Isotope Laboratory was established by the Soil and Water Research Infrastructure and is now incorporated in the Institute of Soil Biology & Biogeochemistry, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences. We are a collaborative service facility that uses isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) approaches to investigate a broad range environmental and ecological research topics, with a significant emphasis on life elements (C, N, S, O, and H). Our efforts primarily support research aimed at understanding the key physico-chemical and biological processes responsible for providing ecosystem services, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, water runoff, water purification, and anthropogenic pressure. 

• Secondary vocational education, apprenticeship OR BSc in Environmental Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Data Science or similar
• Demonstrated laboratory experience (chemistry, biology, analytical instrumentation)
• Good oral and written communication skills in Czech and English
• Experience in data processing, working with large datasets, statistics
• Motivation to learn

We offer:

• Full-time position: 40 hours per week (part time is also possible by agreement)
• Wage based on BC tariff scale, ranging from 22 500 to 30 000 Kč monthly, depending on experience
• Possible start in October 2024, full-time employment guaranteed until 31.12.2024, workload adjustable upon agreement until 31.12.2026, with possibility for extension based on funding and performance

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
• 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)
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank

We are looking to fill the position as soon as possible. The candidate will be expected to work independently after a trial period of approximately three months, and the position will be renewable on yearly intervals until at least 31 Dec 2026. Continued employment after 2026 is contingent upon performance and funding sources. 
 

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.

Applicants should submit: 

• A statement of interest and motivation for the position 
• A CV detailing previous laboratory and other relevant experience
• and if available the contact information of a professional reference 

All materials should be submitted via the REPLY button below.

For additional information please contact Dr. Travis Meador travis.meador@bc.cas.cz.
Website: www.soilwater.eu.