Postdoctoral Fellow in Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry

Biogeochemistry Section

Organic Geochemistry

Employment contract

We are seeking a postdoctoral scientist to estimate the reactivity and transport of terrestrial organic matter and compare spatio-temporal controls on DOM turnover. The candidate should have expertise in DOM cycling, stable CNSOH isotope analyses, and/or high-resolution MS analyses, and will be contribute to sampling and analysis of DOM samples collected along mountain-to-sea gradients in Taiwan, design and implementation of isotope labeling incubation experiments, IRMS analyses, processing and interpretation of LC-MS/MS data, knowledge transfer at international conferences, and to lead at least three publications.

The postdoctoral research bridges an established collaboration between the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC-CAS; České Budějovice, Czechia) and the National Taiwan University (NTU), Institute of Oceanography (Taipei, Taiwan), and involves diverse methodologies that combine analytical and holistic approaches to problem solving (terrestrial and marine field ecology, mathematical modelling, UPLC-FTIRMS, IRMS). The position will be based in the organic geochemistry and stable isotope laboratories at BC-CAS, under the guidance of Dr. Travis B. Meador, and will require annual visits to NTU (Tapai, Taiwan), to implement field sampling campaigns, incubation experiments, and high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses of DOM, led by Dr. Brandon Stephens. 

This position is well suited for a biogeochemist who has conducted limnological and/or oceanographic research expeditions. In addition to demonstrated data evaluation skills and publications, candidates experienced in continuous flow IRMS and/or UHPLC-FTICR analysis will be favored. Previous experience in DOM isolation techniques, aquatic field sciences, and microbial incubations is also preferred. Essential attributes of the successful candidate further include effective interpersonal and time management skills.

• PhD in organic geochemistry, geobiology, oceanography, limnology, or related specialization
• Proficiency in oral and written communication in English
• Eligible to obtain a work visa in Czechia 
• Eligible to obtain a travel visa to Taiwan

• 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

About the position

The intended start date is as early as April 2026 and no later than 01 June 2026, requiring that the candidate is eligible for obtaining a work visa in Czechia and travel visa to Taiwan. The position is available until the end of 2028. The salary is 34,500 to 42,000 CZK monthly (gross), depending on professional experience, and is highly competitive in local standards.

About the workplace

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC-CAS) in České Budějovice, Czechia is a leading European research institution focused on fundamental and applied biological and ecological sciences, including entomology, hydrobiology, parasitology, molecular and plant biology, and soil ecology. Founded in 2006, it unites multiple institutes and employs around 800 international scientists, technical, staff, and administrators, fostering a diverse, collaborative work environment. 

The candidate will be affiliated with the Organic Geochemistry Laboratory headed by Dr. Travis B. Meador at the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry (ISBB) of BC-CAS, which hosts a collaborative service Stable Isotope Facility that operates a MAT253Plus IRMS (ThermoFisher Scientific) interfaced with the following peripherals: (i) elemental analyzer (EA IsoLink CNSOH) outfitted with a Uniprep sample introduction device to determine abundance and isotopic composition of H and O; (ii) gas chromatograph with additional FID and MS detectors and GC Isolink II combustion interface (Trace 1300 GC-FID/QMS); (iii) GasBench II; and (iv) LC-Isolink. The Meador lab is equipped with a counter-current chromatography prep device, combustion oven, evaporation devices, and other small instrumentation to support organic geochemical and molecular level analyses. Researchers routinely determine of stable isotope ratios of CNSOH in environmental samples, including solids, liquids, gases, and biomarkers.

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). BC-CAS actively implements a Gender Equality Plan, promoting inclusion, equal opportunity, and work-life balance across all roles and career stages.

About the location

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. The city was designated by the EU as an upcoming European Capital of Culture in 2028 and comprises a growing community of foreign scientists at the University of South Bohemia and the Biology Centre. Three faculties and five research institutes dealing with aquatic and terrestrial biota are located on the same campus, allowing easy access to other researchers and resources. Both the city and the surrounding townships provide numerous opportunities for living and leisure activities. Living costs are low by international standards. Courses of Czech language are provided for foreign staff to reach a basic level of proficiency in everyday situations. Check out our Guide for Expats to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

Applicants should submit a complete professional CV (including a list of publications), a statement of interest and motivation for the position, and the names and contact information of at least two professional references, via REPLY button at the end of this page.

For additional information please contact:
Dr. Travis B. Meador
Email: travis.meador@bc.cas.cz
Website: https://www.upb.cas.cz/en/structure/biogeochemistry/organic-geochemistry/