Postdoc in Genomics of Convergence in Termite-Beetle system

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Insect Symbiosis

Employment contract

Organisms frequently evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments. Do these organisms follow parallel or unique (lineage-specific) trajectories? Is macroevolution at the molecular level deterministic or predictable under certain circumstances? We lack answers to these questions due to the scarcity of comparative genomic studies on massively multiply convergent organismal groups.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will address these questions by employing our lab's model system: rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) that independently adapted more than fifteen times to symbiosis with termites.

The PostDoc is expected to leverage our in-house unpublished genomic data currently at the stage of scaffolded near-chromosome level assemblies covering six independent origins of termitophily and their sister or closely related free-living lineages. The candidate is expected to design experiments and analyses that complement and expand the comparative genomics approach. The only restriction to the creativity of the successful candidate will be the use of the beetle-termite model system.

More about the lab:

https://bucek-lab.org/
https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/departments/department-of-ecology-and-conservation-biology/laboratory-of-insect-symbiosis

• Curiosity and enthusiasm about insect molecular evolution
• Motivation and ability to lead a research project
• PhD degree in biology, bioinformatics, or related fields
• Proficiency in bioinformatics, experience with comparative genomics is highly desirable

We offer:

• Stimulating research environment of an international team (Colombian, British, Danish, Indian, Czech) focused on macroevolution of termites and their parasites
• Living environment of a green campus within the most bicycle-friendly city in Czechia
• Start: early 2026 (negotiable) for 2 years
• Starting monthly net salary based on previous experience at least 1,600 EUR (~ 120% of avg. net salary in the region, living cost is lower than in western Europe) with 5-10% growth after first year

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• 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
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year

We will support motivated candidates in preparation of their research proposal for independent funding. The recommended schemes include Marie Curie fellowship, EMBO fellowship, JSPS (for Japanese candidates only), and Postdoc individual fellowship (by Czech Science Foundation). The candidate will receive support and feedback during the proposal planning and writing.

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.

Apply by sending a single pdf including a motivation letter (~ 1 page), CV, and contact information for two reference persons (one of them preferably a previous supervisor) via the REPLY button below.

Inquiries for further details are welcome (Aleš Buček: ales.bucek@entu.cas.cz)