Technician in Biology

Institute of Plant Molecular Biology

Plant Terrestrialization

Employment contract

Research group of Dr Lenka Caisová is developing the green multicellular alga Draparnaldia as a new model system to study developmental complexity and adaptations to terrestrial habitats in green algae. We now have strong evidence that Draparnaldia could serve as an important model for addressing evolutionary questions that could not be studied previously. Moreover, the potential of this alga has also been recognized by the German Botanical and Algological Society, which selected Draparnaldia as the Alga of the Year 2025. And now we are developing fundamental tools and resources that will allow the algal and plant research communities to implement Draparnaldia in their studies. To support this effort, we are looking for a highly motivated technician.

Your Key Responsibilities will be:

• Setting up and regularly updating lab systems to keep everything running efficiently.
• Managing inventory of chemicals, consumables, and equipment to ensure readiness and availability.
• Maintaining and updating the order book for laboratory supplies, ensuring timely restocking of essential items.
• Cleaning glassware and plastic lab equipment to maintain a safe work environment.
• Operating autoclaves to sterilize materials and media as required.
• Liaising with the media kitchen team to coordinate lab needs and ensure workflow alignment.
• Stock Solution Management. To prepare and maintain stock solutions used for algae cultivation.
• Media Preparation. To accurately prepare nutrient media for algae research and experiments.

Competitive candidates:

• Have completed at least bachelor degree
• Display independent thinking, and a passion for laboratory work
• Need to be organized and flexible (this means being able to plan day tasks effectively and change the order of tasks if needed)
• Have to be able to work under sterile conditions (required for transfer of algae)
• Need to be able to clearly and transparently communicate with group members, including reporting problems
• Display a knowledge of spoken and written English
• Are able to work independently under the guidance of researchers
• Are able to collect data, to keep a laboratory journal, to share all generated data with the group leader
• Have to have a previous experience with media preparation, laboratory work/organization
• Previous experience with algae (or protists) is welcome

We offer:

• Part time position for two years (between 2026-2027)
• Tentative starting date (negotiable) on 01 January 2026
• Opportunity for lifelong learning and professional growth
• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly, subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Pension insurance contribution, support of leisure sport & cultural activities
• Full health insurance and social security, student benefits for PhD students
• Free Czech language classes, professional trainings and mentoring programme
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Campus-based daycare for employees' children from the age of 1 year
• 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 various activities
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance

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 (1) motivation letter, (2) structured CV, and (3) diploma via the REPLY button below by 15 December 2025 23:59 CET. All documents in the application should be in English.

Interviews with selected applicants will be held after the application deadline.

Informal inquiries can be directed via email to lenka.caisova@umbr.cas.cz.