Call for applications: Straskraba Fellowship(s)
in Freshwater Ecosystem Biology
The Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB,
www.hbu.cas.cz) at the Biology Centre of the
Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice,
Czech Republic, seeks applications for
postdoctoral or mid-career researcher positions
in freshwater ecosystem biology.
The fellows are expected to participate in the
ongoing multidisciplinary research synthesizing
the extensive, multi-level data currently
available at IHB and to develop their own,
cutting-edge research agenda that would build
upon or extend current research activities. IHB
carries out research in various freshwater
ecosystems with main emphasis on man-made
reservoirs. Labs and teams at IHB cover all
aspects of freshwater ecosystems ranging from
water chemistry to biochemistry, bacteria,
protozoans, algae, zooplankton and fish (more
info: <http://www.hbu.cas.cz/?lang=en>http://www.hbu.cas.cz/?lang=en ).
The aims of the fellowship are defined broadly in
terms of unravelling processes that drive
freshwater ecosystems and shape their biota,
especially in environments heavily affected by
human activities such as in man-made reservoirs.
The position is expected to involve mainly
statistical and/or modelling work, which can be
combined with fieldwork based on the profile and
interests of the successful candidate(s).
Minimum qualifications:
Ø Ph.D. in community/population/evolutionary
ecology, limnology or theoretical ecology
Ø experience with aquatic ecosystem processes
Ø experience in working with people from different disciplines and backgrounds
Ø strong statistical and/or modelling skills
Ø excellent written and communication skills
Ø good knowledge of English (corresponding to CAE or equivalent).
Additional desired qualifications:
experience with fieldwork in aquatic habitats,
evidence of grant application success
How to apply:
Interested applicants should email the following
documents to the director of IHB, Prof. Jan Kube
ka (<mailto:[email protected]>[email protected]):
1) Cover letter outlining main research interests and ideas for the fellowship;
2) CV including full publication list;
3) Copies of relevant diplomas and 1-2 relevant publications;
4) Contact details for 3 references;
Preliminary enquiries are welcome.
Position details:
Initial appointment will be for 12 months, with
possible extension for up to 3 years for
postdoctoral-level applicants and the possibility
of a tenure-track equivalent for mid-career
applicants. Applicants intending to extend their
contract are expected to secure at least part of
their research through extramural funding with
grants from Czech and international funding bodies.
Knowledge of Czech is not required but the
successful applicant will be offered support to
take up courses and reach basic level of proficiency.
The target start date is January-February 2014 (negotiable).
Salary will be commensurate with the applicants
experience and skills and is negotiable within
monthly brutto range of 25000-50000 CZK (ca.
1000-2000 EUR, postdoc level) and 30000-100000
CZK (ca. 1200-4000 EUR, mid-career level). This
is enough to ensure good to excellent living
standards in the Czech Republic. IHB can offer
help in securing non-commercial accommodation.
Foreign applicants will receive full support in
transferring to the Czech Republic.
Applications will be reviewed every three months
starting on November 25, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.
Background:
The fellowship is named in honour of Prof. Milan
Strakraba (1931-2000), an outstanding Czech
ecologist whose research interests combined
fieldwork-based research with applications of
mathematical modelling to freshwaters. He was
also among the founders of IHB and of the Faculty
of Science at the University of South Bohemia in
Ceske Budejovice, with which IHB closely collaborates.
Ceske Budejovice, the site of IHB, is a
medium-sized town ca. 150 km south of Prague with
100,000 inhabitants and relaxed atmosphere. Both
the town and the surrounding countryside provide
numerous opportunities for field research and various leisure activities.
