New position: Head of the Laboratory of Microbial Ecology of Anaerobic Ecosystems

Full-time position
The Soil & Water Research Infrastructure (SoWa RI) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to lead research in microbial ecology of anaerobic soil and aquatic environments. This challenging position is well suited for a microbiologist/microbial ecologist with a PhD degree in related fields, with broad research interest. It is an exciting opportunity to participate in establishing the Microbial Ecology of Anaerobic Ecosystems Laboratory, equipped with anaerobic workstations with adjustable temperature, humidity, and levels of oxygen exposure, as well as with standard equipment for molecular and biochemical analyses. The laboratory is expected to participate in the research of several important soil (soil aggregates, invertebrate and vertebrate feces) and aquatic sediment microsites together with other SoWa teams. The main focus of the research will be the biodiversity in hot-spot niches, with respect to organic matter transformation, availability of oxygen, and availability of alternative electron acceptors. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team of chemists, limnologists, microbiologists, and soil scientists. Developing new research projects and pursuing novel topics and ideas throughout the tenure is encouraged. Successful candidate will have completed his/her PhD in a relevant field, will have published a minimum of two papers in impacted journals and will demonstrate knowledge and experience in microbial ecology, current molecular biology methods, and biochemistry. Previous experience with anaerobic cultivations and team coordination is welcome.

Closing date: open until filled

Salary: from 30k to 50k CZK/month (gross) depending on academic degree and professional experience

The SoWa Research Infrastructure
is a newly established RI aimed at comprehensive monitoring of soil and water ecosystems in the context of landscape sustainability. Complex issues of soil and water interactions occurring at various spatiotemporal scales, from micro- to landscape levels are addressed through research focus on key biological and physicochemical processes responsible for providing ecosystem functioning. Specifically, these include biotic/abiotic interactions, organic matter decomposition and nutrient fluxes. One of the key topics is the diversity and function of microbial groups with different requirements with respect to oxygen availability in soil and different aquatic niches.

Further particulars
Start date (as early as March 2017) is negotiable. The position is available until the end of 2019 and may be further extended based on the applicant’s performance and funding opportunities. The salary is highly competitive in local standards. Ceske Budejovice is a medium-sized town with 100,000 inhabitants situated 150 km south of Prague. This city has very relaxed atmosphere, and a growing community of foreign scientists at the University of South Bohemia and the Biology Centre. 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. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. 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.

For additional information please contact: Prof. Ing. Mgr. Jan Frouz, CSc.
E-mail: frouz@natur.cuni.cz
Website: soilwater.eu

Application
Applicants should submit a professional CV, list of publications, a statement of research interest and motivation for the application, and the names and contact details of two professional referees by email with the subject: SoWa-ANAEROB to sowa@bc.cas.cz