We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in ecology, zoology, entomology or related fields to join our research team investigating feeding strategies of saproxylic beetles, for a period of 11 months, starting from July/August 2026.
Saproxylic (=deadwood dependent) beetles are among the most important taxonomic and functional groups in woodlands and a model group in forest ecology. Their feeding habits are, however, seldom investigated. The postoctoral researcher hired for the project will focus on the analysis of gut microbiome (fungi, bacteria) in the larvae of selected species of saproxylic beetles using DNA metabarcoding, and on gut content analysis of the larvae, two complementary methods that can reveal the composition of the beetles’ diet and the potential key role of fungi as a main resource.
Responsibilities of the candidate
The successful candidate will:
– Assist in field during the collection of beetle material;
– Perform DNA identification of collected beetle larvae;
– Perform an analysis of gut microbiome (fungi, bacteria) of selected saproxylic beetle species using DNA metabarcoding;
– Process and analyse acquired data using bioinformatics and statistical methods;
– Assist in gut content analysis of collected larvae;
– Prepare manuscripts for impacted international scientific journals focused on ecology, functional ecology, and insect physiology;
– Train a technician/PhD student.
Requirements
• PhD degree in biology or related fields (a non-negotiable requirement);
• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• Strong interest in ecology and entomology;
• Experience with laboratory work (insect dissection, DNA extraction, PCR);
• Experience with statistical analysis (R software);
• Motivation for field work;
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team;
Advantageous:
• Experience with DNA metabarcoding and genome data processing (bioinformatic analysis)
The successful candidate will join the team of Laboratory of Saproxylic Insects (https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/departments/department-of-biosystematics-and-ecology/laboratory-of-saproxylic-insects-pavel-sebek-/) lead by Pavel Sebek (sebek@entu.cas.cz) at Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/) in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemia. Our team combines expertise in ecology, entomology and nature conservation. The institute of Entomology at the Biology Centre hosts an international research environment and is recognized as a leading institution for basic research in entomology and insect science in Europe. The offered position is a full-time contract (40 working hours per week) and will be ensured with a gross salary of 52 000 CZK/month (an equivalent of ca. 2100 EUR/month) for the period of 11 months. This salary comfortably covers living expenses in the Czech Republic.
Application Details
Deadline for application is June 15, 2026. Best evaluated applicants will be selected for an online interview which will be held on June 25, 2026. Estimated start of the position: July/August 2026.
To apply, please send your CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and relevant experience, and contact details for two references.
Applications and inquiries should be sent to sebek@entu.cas.cz
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