Opening for a postdoctoral position in my lab
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
Requirements
- 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
Benefits
- 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
- Full health insurance and social security
- Benefits from Social fund (subsidized lunches, support of leisure activities)
- Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
- Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
- English speaking, friendly and stimulating international working environment
- Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
- Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
- Opportunity to take part in mentoring programs as a mentor or a mentee
- Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
- Campus-based daycare for employees‘ children from the age of 1 year
Additional information
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 (ca 2 hours by bus/train south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). A gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality) was accepted in 2022.
Position Details
- Application deadline: November 21, 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
How to apply
Please email the lab head Danny Haelewaters, danny.haelewaters@entu.cas.cz, with the following items:
- Your CV
- A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation
- Contact information for three professional references
