Postdoctoral Scientist – Biogeochemistry of Catchment/Lake Systems

Type of job: full-time

The Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB; www.cas.cz) at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, seeks applications for a postdoc/scientist for biogeochemical and hydrological studies in the Department of Hydrochemistry and Ecosystem Modelling (HEM). HEM research is focused on chemical, hydrological and biological processes in the soil-water-lake system that determine the composition and quality of freshwaters and affect aquatic ecosystems of lakes and reservoirs. The currently addressed issues of HEM team members include: recovery of mountain lakes and their watersheds after a 30-year period of strong acidification (Bohemian Forest and Tatra Mountains); climatic and socio-economic causes of long-term trends in eutrophication and cycling of nutrients (C, N, P, Si) in river impoundments and other artificial lakes of Central Europe; photochemical degradation of humic substances and its importance for biological processes in the aquatic environment; role of sediment in the cycling of organic matter and nutrients in lakes; influence of hydrological regime and hydrodynamics in stratified reservoirs on phytoplankton growth. Research methodology of HEM is mainly based on: (i) long-term ecosystem monitoring conducted on a number of pilot sites, (ii) experiments explaining the sub-processes of the system, (iii) data analysis via statistical methods and empirical and mechanistic models. HEM has analytical laboratories with modern instrumentation: spectrophotometry, titration methods, CNS analysers, AAS, ICP/MS, HPLC (more information: www.hydrochem.cz).

The successful applicant can choose his/her research activities under these topics and get involved in the ongoing projects, however, an initiative to develop their own directions will be welcome. An important prerequisite is the motivation for research and creative work within the field of aquatic ecology / water chemistry.

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant’s experience and skills and is negotiable within monthly range of 22,000–45,000 CZK (ca. 800–1,700 EUR, before taxes). Start-up money will be provided to cover equipment and travel costs. The salary is enough to ensure good to excellent living standards in the Czech Republic where the living costs are generally low.

IHB can offer help in securing non-commercial accommodation. Foreign applicants will receive full support in transferring to the Czech Republic. Knowledge of Czech is not required but the successful applicant will be offered support to take up language courses and reach a basic level of proficiency.The position is initially for a two-year period with a possibility for extension based on funding situation. The position also requires a three-month probation period. 

Required qualifications:

• A PhD in chemistry, hydrology, hydrobiology, environmental sciences, applied mathematics, or a related field is required for this position.
• Proficiency in using statistical methods and mathematical models to analyse environmental data;  programming skills are desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of an active team with people from different disciplines and background. 
• Excellent writing and communications skills. 
• Good knowledge of English. 

For further information please contact: Prof. Josef Hejzlar (see below)

How to apply:

Interested applicants should email or send the following documents to Biology Centre CAS,  Mgr. Ivana Makovičková, Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic (makovickova@bc.cas.cz) by November 15, 2015 

1. cover letter outlining your skills and interest in the position 
2. CV including full publication list 
3. copies of relevant diplomas 
4. contact details of two references

The selection committee will begin evaluating applications on November 16th 2015 with the aim to fill the position with a target start date in December 2015 or January 2016. 

Other information:

Ceske Budejovice, the site of IHB, is a medium-sized town ca. 150 km south of Prague with 100,000 inhabitants and a relaxed atmosphere. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research, leisure and cultural activities.

Contact:
doc. Ing. Josef Hejzlar, CSc.

E-mail:
hejzlar@hbu.cas.cz

WWW:
www.hydrochem.cz

Telephone:
+420 387 775 876

Updated: 7.10.2015