Postdoc: Fish brood parasitism: Origin and evolution of host specificity

Full-time postdoctoral position for 1.5 years (funding until 31 Dec 2025) is available at the Institute of Vertebrate Biology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, located in Brno, Czech Republic. All applications submitted before 5 May 2024 will be fully considered. Selected candidates will be interviewed online.

This position is within the generous funding of the Expro project of the Czech Science Foundation to Martin Reichard on reproductive parasitism in fish (funded for 2021-2025). It uses two understudied fish brood parasitic systems: bitterling fishes (Acheilognathidae) and their mussel hosts, and cuckoo catfish (Synodontis multipunctatus) and their cichlid hosts from Lake Tanganyika.

The project aims to identify the conditions for the origin and evolution of host specificity in brood parasites. Field and lab studies are combined with population genomics, phylogenetics and comparative methods.

Selected candidate will work in an international group consisting of two Ph.D students, three postdoctoral researchers, and several full-time researchers. There is flexibility in the specific focus within the broad terms of the project, although for this position, we would particularly welcome a candidate with expertise in one of the following areas:

1. population genomics or

2. genome biology or

3. diversification modelling and macroecology or

4. fish morphology, reproductive biology and behaviour

These topics are complementary to the expertise we already have in our research team.

We expect applications from candidates with a background in ecology and evolution. For experimental work, there is access to well-equipped fish breeding facility and outdoor battery of mesocosm tanks.

All research expenses, including fieldwork and conference travel, are covered by the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

PhD in Biology or related discipline

SALARY

50,000 CZK, c. 2,000 EUR per month (well above average for Czech living expenses), giving a net earnings of approximately 42,000 CZK per month. Social and health insurance (additional 35%) are fully covered by the project funding.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Feel free to consult through informal enquires by email to reichard@ivb.cz (PI of the project)

For formal applications, please submit a CV with explanations of your previous work and motivation to apply for this position in your Cover Letter (1-2 pages).

Email your formal application to reichard@ivb.cz and polacikova@ivb.cz