Postdoctoral Position in Plant Chemical Ecology

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology

Employment contract

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our project exploring the drivers and functional roles of phytochemical diversity in plants.

Project Overview:
Our research investigates the remarkable diversity of plant metabolites and their correlations with biotic and abiotic stressors at a global scale. To test our hypotheses, we focus on the Salicaceae family that represents a unique model system, being globally distributed in diverse environments. The project combines field observations with advanced metabolomics techniques. The successful candidate will enhance these efforts through laboratory-based experiments to test the functional roles of phytochemical diversity in plant defence. A key part of this work involves conducting feeding experiments with model herbivores to determine how different facets of chemical diversity influence insect behaviour and performance.

While the project has defined goals, we welcome candidates with initiative and interest in broadening its scope through independent hypothesis testing.

Responsibilities include:
• Preparing plant extracts from species with varying chemical profiles
• Rearing insect herbivores for feeding trials using diets infused with extracts or analytical standards
• Conducting fieldwork in Europe and overseas to collect additional plant samples
• Analysing and interpreting the data and results
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field (required for postdoctoral eligibility)
• Strong interest in chemical ecology, plant-insect interactions, or entomology
• Experience in both field and laboratory research
• Proficiency in insect rearing and basic analytical chemistry techniques
• Solid background in biostatistics
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• Full health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund (subsidized lunches, support of leisure activities)
• 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)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year

Position Details:
• Application deadline: June 25, 2025
• Interviews: early July 2025
• Start date: November 1, 2025
• Duration: until August 31, 2027
• The position is fully funded and includes a fellowship sufficient to cover living expenses in the Czech Republic.
• Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.

About the Host Institution:
The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology led by Dr. Martin Volf (www.volflab.com) at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Science (www.entu.cas.cz). The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) (CB on wikipedia) where the laboratory experiments will take place and conduct fieldwork in Europe and overseas. Our department is a diverse, international team studying ecology, evolution and biogeography, and a world-class centre for interaction network research with regular publications in leading journals.

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (ca 2 hours by bus/train 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.

Please send the following via the REPLY button below:
• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation
• Contact information for three referees