This exciting opportunity is part of a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation, aiming to examine the effects of drought on leaf-litter arthropod communities in subtropical and tropical forest ecosystems.

Position Overview

The project integrates cutting-edge field and laboratory methodologies to study the diversity, abundance, and food-web interactions of arthropods. Key activities include:

• Conducting field surveys and rain exclusion experiments in forest ecosystems in Taiwan.
• Analyzing the diversity of ants, beetles, and spiders.
• Utilizing stable isotope analysis to explore consumer feeding relationships and competition within food webs.
• Collaborating with leading researchers to investigate the ecological impacts of drought on forest biodiversity.

Eligibility Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in ecology, entomology, or a related field (non-negotiable for PhD studies in the Czech Republic).
• Strong interest in the ecology of insects and invertebrates.
• Ability to work effectively in challenging tropical forest environments.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).
• Experience in ecological statistical analyses.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with field research in tropical or temperate forests.
• Familiarity with research techniques such as group ecology, metabarcoding, or stable isotope analysis in R.
• Published work or contributions to scientific literature.
• Skills in team management and scientific writing.
• Knowledge of Czech or Chinese is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license.

Your Responsibilities

As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Lead and coordinate fieldwork in Taiwan and other regions.
• Analyze and interpret collected ecological data.
• Design and conduct experiments to address the impact of drought on arthropod biodiversity and food-web structures.
• Contribute to the writing and publishing of high-quality scientific articles.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and Master’s students in laboratory and fieldwork activities.

What We Offer

• Funding and Scholarship: You will receive a scholarship from the University of South Bohemia, along with employment through the Biology Centre CAS, ensuring competitive financial support.
• Comprehensive Training: Opportunity to participate in a 4-year PhD course in Entomology, including extensive training in advanced ecological research.
• Research Environment: Be part of a dynamic, international team working on world-class ecological studies.
• Travel Opportunities: Spend time in Taiwan for data collection and collaborate with partner institutions in Germany, Taiwan, and other European research centers.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and computational resources.

Application Process

To apply, prepare the following documents:

1. CV with contact details for references.
2. Cover Letter detailing your qualifications, research experience, and motivation for joining the project.
3. Proof of your Master’s degree (or equivalent) with transcripts.

Submit your application by December 31, 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.

Early inquiries and discussions about the project are highly encouraged.