Opening for another 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 GAČR Junior Star project studying interactions and feedbacks among bat hosts, an emerging fungal disease, and parasitic bat flies and fly-associated parasitic microfungi.

Project Overview

As biodiversity adapts to global changes, conservation interventions must consider multi-scale relationships among hosts of special concern, their parasites and pathogens, and the environment. We will use bats as a model system to study interactions and feedbacks among hosts, an emerging fungal disease (White-Nose Syndrome, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans or Pd), and parasitic bat flies and fly-associated parasitic microfungi. We will apply integrative taxonomy to delimit and describe new species of the poorly-studied flies and fungi. We will examine ecological dynamics of the multitrophic network, analyzing how biotic and abiotic (climate, habitat) factors affect parasitism across trophic levels. We will improve our understanding of how Pd affects parasitism of bats and of the influence of geography in these dynamics. Finally, we will leverage a whole-system sampling scheme and develop a model for “extinction cascade” studies to assess potential biodiversity collapse of parasites when hosts become extinct. The implications of this study will be translational to other systems.

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

Responsibilities include

• Conducting fieldwork to capture bats and collect their ectoparasites in Czechia, Mexico, and Panama
• Quantifying relationships between microclimatic conditions and parasitism across hemispheres using data loggers inside and outside bat roosts and high-resolution climate data
• Analyzing and interpreting ecological data and results
• Performing conservation assessments
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication

Requirements

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant field (required for postdoctoral eligibility)
• Chiropterologist, entomologist, or strong interest in these fields and 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

About the Host Institution

The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Fungal Ecology and Evolution led by Dr. Danny Haelewaters at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) 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 and the University of South Bohemia that is located on the same campus. In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats 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 and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). A gender equality plan was accepted in 2022.

Position Details

• Application deadline: December 21, 2025
• Interviews: end of December 2025 to beginning of January 2026
• Start date: February 1, 2026
• Duration: until January 31, 2027, with possible extension up to 4 years
• The position is fully funded through a Junior Star grant of the Czech Science Foundation 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 send a CV, contact details for three professional references, and cover letter stating qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation for the position via this link [TBA]. 

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Danny Haelewaters.