Join us
PostDoc (fully funded 2 years): Genomics of Convergence in Termite-Beetle system
Start: early 2026 (negotiable)
Where: Biology Centre in České Budějovice - Czechia
Lab: Laboratory of Insect Symbiosis (Aleš Buček)
Application Deadline: 1st December 2025
Organisms frequently evolve similar adaptations in response to similar environments. Do these organisms follow parallel or unique (lineage-specific) trajectories? Is macroevolution at the molecular level deterministic or predictable under certain circumstances? We lack answers to these questions due to the scarcity of comparative genomic studies on massively multiply convergent organismal groups.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow who will address these questions by employing our lab’s model system: rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) that independently adapted more than fifteen times to symbiosis with termites.
The PostDoc is expected to leverage our in-house unpublished genomic data currently at the stage of scaffolded near-chromosome level assemblies covering six independent origins of termitophily and their sister or closely related free-living lineages. The candidate is expected to design experiments and analyses that complement and expand the comparative genomics approach. The only restriction to the creativity of the successful candidate will be the use of the beetle-termite model system.
We require
• curiosity and enthusiasm about insect molecular evolution
• motivation and ability to lead a research project
• PhD degree in biology, bioinformatics, or related fields
• proficiency in bioinformatics, experience with comparative genomics is highly desirable
We offer
• stimulating research environment of an international team (Colombian, British, Danish, Indian, Czech) focused on macroevolution of termites and their parasites
• living environment of a green campus within the most bicycle-friendly city in Czechia
• starting monthly net salary based on previous experience at least 1,600 EUR (~ 120% of avg. net salary in the region, living cost is lower than in western Europe) with 5% growth after first year
Apply by sending a single pdf including a motivation letter (~ 1 page), CV, and contact information for two reference persons (one of them preferably a previous supervisor) to Aleš Buček (ales.bucek@entu.cas.cz). Inquiries for further details are welcome.
PostDocs and PhDs - funded via independent funding
We will support motivated candidates in preparation of their research proposal for independent funding. The recommended schemes include Marie Curie fellowship, EMBO fellowship, JSPS (for Japanese candidates only), and Postdoc individual fellowship (by Czech Science Foundation). The candidate will receive support and feedback during the proposal planning and writing.
Bc. and MSc. candidates
We have a long list of projects, project ideas, samples and data. Each of them are only waiting for a young researcher to choose from and develop. The range of methodologies is broad and spans data analysis and coding, experimental work in molecular genetics laboratory, and fieldwork. The broadly defined project topics include:
1) study of termites and termitophilopus rove beetles using bioinformatic analysis phylogenetic and genomic data
2) study of the convergent phenotypic adaptations to termitophily using X-ray imaging methods and comparative morphological analysis
3) biodiversity discovery and monitoring using rove beetles as a model group and employing a combination of meta/mega/barcoding, citizen science and fieldwork.
…and many more, ask Aleš