Postdoc in Fungal Ecology and Evolution

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Fungal Ecology and Evolution

Employment contract

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher to support the Laboratory of Fungal Ecology and Evolution, and join our project studying obligatory multitrophic interactions.
 
Project Overview:

Our lab is developing a worldwide project focused on an obligate multitrophic symbiosis of bats, parasitic bat-associated flies, and parasitic fly-associated fungi as a new model system to ask community ecology questions. Based on data from multiyear and multisite fieldwork, we use a multidisciplinary approach to describe new diversity in multiple kingdoms (fungi, flies, bats), test whether their diversity patterns follow the latitudinal gradient hypothesis, unravel patterns of host specificity at multiple levels and across ecosystems, build a global multitrophic traits database, and analyze how biotic and abiotic factors affect parasitism across different trophic levels. We study host health in relation to infection and host conservation through the detection of infectious agents in its associated parasites. Finally, we are interested in the conservation of all organisms involved in these complex systems and study the phenomenon of extinction cascades.
While the project has defined goals, we welcome candidates with initiative and interest in broadening its scope through independent hypothesis testing.
 
Responsibilities:

• The main responsibility of this position is supervision and training of PhD students.

Other responsibilities include:

• Conducting fieldwork to capture bats and collect their ectoparasites
• Performing DNA extractions of fungi and insects
• Analyzing and interpreting data and results
• Performing literature review
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field (required for postdoctoral eligibility)
• Strong interest in chiropterology, entomology, or mycology, and in biotic interactions
• Prior postdoctoral experience
• Solid background in biostatistics
• Experience in both field and laboratory research
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Preferred: experience in databasing

• 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

Position Details:

• Application deadline: November 20, 2025
• Interviews: end of November 2025
• Start date: January 1, 2026
• Duration: until December 31, 2026, with possible extension up to 3 years
• The position is fully funded through a Lumina Quaeruntur Fellowship and includes a salary 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 Fungal Ecology and Evolution led by Dr. Danny Haelewaters (https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/departments/department-of-ecology-and-conservation-biology/laboratory-of-fungal-ecology-and-evolution/) at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (www.entu.cas.cz). The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) (CB on wikipedia) where lab research will take place and conduct fieldwork providing support to PhD students in the field. The Department of Ecology, that the Laboratory of Fungal Ecology and Evolution is part of, is a diverse, international group of researchers studying ecology, evolution, and biogeography, and a world-class consortium for interaction network research with regular publications in leading journals.

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 send us the following items via the reply form (click the REPLY button below):

• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation
• Contact information for three professional references

Informal inquiries can be directed to Danny Haelewaters: danny.haelewaters@entu.cas.cz