PhD Research Position: Soil Fauna Impact on Soil Organic Matter Stability

Přehled Institute of Soil Biology and Biochemistry of the Biology Centre CAS, České Budějovice, welcomes applications for a four-year PhD student position in soil fauna effects on soil organic matter stability. We are seeking a motivated individual with a strong interest in soil organic matter dynamics. Workplace: Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry Department: Biogeochemistry Section Laboratory: Soil Biochemistry Employment relationship: Employment contract Job type: Researcher Researcher profile: R1 Duration: Fixed-term Job status: Part-time Job starting date: 1. 2. 2026 Min. education level: Master Degree or equivalent Field of education: Soil science or a related field JOB DESCRIPTION: Background Fauna is highly abundant in soils worldwide, but their potential in regulating carbon in soil and helping mitigate climate change remains unknown, which hampers effective and sustainable management of soils in the face of global change. About the project The PhD project, funded by the Czech Academy of Sciences, will tackle this research gap in various experiments that will mainly focus on how earthworms, nematodes, and springtails, individually and in combination with each other, affect the proportion and formation of particulate and mineral-associated organic matter. The research will be conducted on various scales, including laboratory experiments at the Biology Centre CAS, an Ecotron experiment at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, and field experiments in the Global Change Experimental Facility of the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Germany. The successful candidate will perform physical fractionation of soil, biomarker (amino sugars) and DNA extractions, conduct gas-chromatographic measurements, and will be involved in setting up and maintaining laboratory and field experiments. REQUIREMENTS: The successful candidate should have: A master’s degree in soil science or a related field Previous experience in soil organic matter dynamics and stability and/or related to soil fauna Previous experience in statistical analysis of data, preferably in R Previous experience in biomarker extraction and gas-chromatographic analyses is a plus Organizational skills, reliability, and a sense of responsibility The ability to fluently communicate in English Good interpersonal skills and effective time management BENEFITS: 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) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This four-year PhD position, starting in February 2026, offers challenging part-time job that will push the frontiers of soil science. You will be part of an international team working in an inspiring and motivating workplace with friendly atmosphere. In addition to the oportunity to use the employment benefits above, you will receive an above-average PhD salary. The Biology Centre CAS 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. 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. 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. 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). HOW TO APPLY: Applications, consisting of a cover letter and a CV, including a summary of previous work experience and education, should be submitted via the REPLY button at the end of our official website: https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/270 The offer remains open until a suitable candidate is found and the position is filled. For further inquiries please contact Dr. Gerrit Angst: gerrit.angst@bc.cas.cz