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. This work involves conducting feeding experiments with model herbivores to determine how different dimensions of chemical diversity influence performance of insect herbivores.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing plant extracts from plant species with varying chemical profiles
•  Rearing insect herbivores and performing feeding trials using diets infused with various plant extracts 
•  Analysing and interpreting the data and results
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication

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

Position Details:

• Application deadline: September 4, 2026
• Interviews: mid-September 2026 
• Start date: early January 2027 
• End date: August 31, 2027 (fixed)
• 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.

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

• 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
• 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).

About the Host Institution

The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology led by Dr. Martin Volf at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) where the laboratory experiments will take place. 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.
 

To apply for this position, please use the Reply button and submit the following documents:

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

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Dr. Martin Volf at volf@entu.cas.cz.