Postdoctoral Position in Plant Chemical Ecology

We are inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher to join our project exploring the drivers and functional roles of phytochemical diversity in plants.
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Project Overview
Our research investigates the remarkable diversity of plant metabolites and their correlations with biotic and abiotic stressors at a global scale. To test our hypotheses, we focus on the Salicaceae family that represents a unique model system, being globally distributed in diverse environments. The project combines field observations with advanced metabolomics techniques. The successful candidate will enhance these efforts through laboratory-based experiments to test the functional roles of phytochemical diversity in plant defence. This work involves conducting feeding experiments with model herbivores to determine how different dimensions of chemical diversity influence performance of insect herbivores.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing plant extracts from plant species with varying chemical profiles
• Rearing insect herbivores and performing feeding trials using diets infused with various plant extracts
• Analysing and interpreting the data and results
• Leading the preparation of manuscripts for publication

While the project has defined goals, we welcome candidates with initiative and interest in broadening its scope through independent hypothesis testing.

​Required Qualifications and Skills:

• PhD in a relevant field (required for postdoctoral eligibility)
• Strong interest in chemical ecology, plant-insect interactions, or entomology
• Proficiency in insect rearing and basic analytical chemistry techniques
• Solid background in biostatistics and R
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

About the Host Institution
The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Evolutionary Ecology led by Dr. Martin Volf at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Science. The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) where the laboratory experiments will take place. Our department is a diverse, international team studying ecology, evolution and biogeography, and a world-class centre for interaction network research with regular publications in leading journals.

Position Details:

• Application deadline: September 4, 2026
• Interviews: mid-September 2026
• Start date: early January 2027 (fixed)
• End date: August 31, 2027 (fixed)
• The position is fully funded and includes a fellowship sufficient to cover living expenses in the Czech Republic.
• Applicants from all countries are welcome to apply.

 
How to Apply

• Please send the following to Dr. Martin Volf ([email protected]):
• Your CV
• A cover letter outlining your qualifications, relevant experience, and motivation
• Contact information for three referees