VP1 Researcher (junior/postdoc) 1: Phage ecology

Job description

• Postdoc position in the newly established research group Phage Ecology and Evolution Group led by dr. Bogna Smug.
• Conduct independent research in microbial genomics and evolution.
• Analyze large-scale bacterial genomic datasets using bioinformatic and computational approaches.
• Perform functional analyses of thousands of bacteriophage genomes from diverse ecological niches.
• Contribute to the development of research projects and lead first-author publications in high impact journals.
• Present research findings at meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary research team.
• Assist in mentoring students and junior researchers.

Qualification requirements – required

• Doctorate (at least 5 years since obtaining the doctoral degree).
• PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, Data Science, Microbiology, Evolutionary Biology, or a related field.
• Strong computational and bioinformatic skills.
• Proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Python or R.
• Experience using high-performance computing (HPC) or computational clusters.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Strong written and spoken English.
• Interest in microbial ecology and evolution.

Qualification requirements – preferred

• Experience in comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis.
• Experience in bacteria / phage genomics.

Research level

• R2 – Recognized

The expected form of employment

• 100%

The expected start date

• 1 August 2026 (or later by agreement), the contract till the 31 December 2028, with a possibility of extension

The language in which the selection procedure will be conducted

• English (the knowledge of Czech language is not important)

Documents required from the participant

• Link to the application form for the recruitment process
• Link for sending the required documents (in English)
  • Letter of intent
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Copy of the doctoral diploma

Application deadline

• 15 July 2026 (inclusive)