Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecogenomics and Physiology of Nitrifying and Methane-Cycling Microorganisms
Job Description
Přehled
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Czechia, is seeking a postdoctoral scientist to work on ecogenomics and physiology of nitrifiers/methane-cyclers.
Workplace: Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry
Department: Microbial processes Section
Laboratory: Microbes CaN cycle
Employment relationship: Employment contract
Job type: Researcher
Researcher profile: R2
Duration: Fixed-term
Job status: Full-time
Hours per week: 40
Job starting date: 1. 5. 2026
Application deadline: 31. 12. 2025
Min. education level: PhD or equivalent
Field of education: Microbial ecology, microbiology, bioinformatics, or alike
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Initially, the postdoc is expected to perform comparative genomic analyses with existing unpublished data sets of nitrifiers from extreme systems. At the same time, the postdoc will be asked to design and execute new research complementary to ongoing work in the lab that will either expand the comparative genomics approach, or open new directions to explore the ecology of nitrifying/methane-cycling microorganisms.
More about the lab:
https://microbescancycle.wordpress.com/
https://www.upb.cas.cz/en/structure/microbial-processes/microbes-can-cycle/
YOUR PROFILE:
Doctorate degree in microbial ecology, microbiology, bioinformatics, or alike
Demonstrated background in the application of molecular and bioinformatic techniques for characterizing the identity and ecophysiology of microbial community members
Experience in microbial ecology of nitrifying and/or methane-cycling microorganisms, amplicon/metagenome/metatranscriptome/proteome sequencing and the associated bioinformatics, or cultivation of chemolithoautotrophic microorganisms is an advantage
Strong communication and academic writing skills in English
Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international environment
WE OFFER:
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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Employment conditions:
Start date: May 1st 2026, but flexible by ± 2 months)
Duration: 1.5 years, but option to extend
Salary: gross of 52.000 CZK per month; a financial compensation for moving costs is available
About the host institution:
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. 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:
To apply, please send us the following via the REPLY button at the end of our official website https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/267:
A detailed CV (including a brief description of research interests, previous employments, and publication list)
A motivation letter (max. 1 page)
Contact details of two references (letters of recommendation are optional)
Applications should be sent as a single pdf-document. Please abstain from sending application portraits.
Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. Anne Daebeler:
Interested in this position?
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