Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biogeography and Macroevolution of Vertebrates Mikrobiologický ústav AV ČR, v.v.i. in Czech Republic

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biogeography and Macroevolution of Vertebrates at the Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, in Prague.

This postdoctoral project sits within a Research Group in Evolution & Biogeography led by Dr. Antonin Machac. The successful fellow will investigate biodiversity patterns in tetrapod vertebrates, spanning mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, using an analysis-ready dataset of phylogenies, geographic distributions, and functional traits. The research asks why some regions and climates are megadiverse while others remain species-poor, and compares major explanations including time available for species accumulation, diversification rates, and energy limits on species numbers.

The project is especially suited to a researcher interested in ecology, evolution, statistics, biogeography, and macroevolution. The dataset is already assembled, enabling the fellow to begin analysis from the first month. The position also offers flexibility to shape the project within several grant-defined themes, balancing secure outputs with space for independent, high-risk, high-reward ideas. International collaboration is a key feature, with partners at ETH Zurich, SBiK-F Frankfurt, UBC Vancouver, and CMEC Copenhagen, plus local collaboration with David Storch, Petr Kohout, and Petr Baldrian.

The post is based in Prague, Czech Republic, for 12 months starting ideally in January 2027. It is a full-time position (40 hours per week). Funding is provided through a research grant, and the advertised salary is described as supporting a comfortable life in Prague, at twice the standard postdoc base pay at the Academy of Sciences. Additional benefits include fully covered health insurance, six weeks of paid holiday, meal allowance, pension contribution, childcare and recreation support, professional development courses, free language courses, and relocation support for international researchers.

Eligibility highlights include a PhD or equivalent in Ecology, Evolution, Zoology, or a closely related field completed by the start date; strong experience with statistics and R programming; a good publication record; and excellent spoken and written English. Experience with phylogeny-based research, spatial analysis, and GIS is desirable but not required.

Applications should be submitted by email to [email protected] with CV, one-page motivation letter, and two referee contacts. Include the identification code Postdoc.14.2026.MBU. Review starts immediately and continues until the position is filled, so early application is encouraged. More information is available on the lab website and the institute website.