Postdoctoral position
Physical Geography / Arctic Research
Would you like to work in research that begins where most of the world ends?
The Centre for Polar Ecology at the Faculty of Science is expanding its research team and is seeking a postdoctoral researcher specialising in physical geography or related fields. You can look forward to a combination of scientific research, working with GIS and fieldwork in the Arctic, utilising the University of South Bohemia's research station in Svalbard.
You will be part of an interdisciplinary team that brings together geography, ecology, biology, soil sciences and spatial analysis with the aim of understanding the dynamic changes in the polar environment.
What might you work on?
We welcome applicants with a professional interest in, for example:
- geomorphology, palaeoreconstruction, periglacial processes, permafrost and active layer
- glacial and post-glacial development, chronosequences, erosion and sedimentation
- GIS, remote sensing, UAV photogrammetry and spatial modelling
- sedimentology, quaternary or structural geology, or near-surface geophysics
We also offer the opportunity to develop your own research within the framework of our centre's long-term activities.
What will your role involve?
- developing your own research topic focused on the Arctic environment
- taking part in field campaigns in Svalbard and other Arctic sites
- processing and interpreting field, laboratory and spatial data
- publishing your findings in international scientific journals
- preparing grant proposals and developing international scientific collaboration
- working with students and, depending on interest, teaching of Arctic focused courses
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a researcher who is independent, motivated and keen to push the boundaries of knowledge in the unique environment of the polar regions.
You should have:
- a PhD in physical geography, geomorphology, quaternary geology or a related discipline
- a record of scientific publications commensurate with your career stage
- a very good command of English
- experience in field research
- a desire to work in an international team and to take part in research in challenging polar conditions
What you can look forward to with us:
- work in exceptional locations across the Arctic
- support of a respected polar research centre
- opportunities to develop your own scientific profile
- international and interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from various scientific fields
- a working environment in České Budějovice with flexible working arrangements
- a 100% full-time position on a fixed-term contract of 1 year, with the possibility of extension at the discretion of the head of the department
- salary of CZK 37,500
- 5 weeks of annual leave
- 4 days of sick leave
- meal allowance
- financial bonus upon reaching the age of 50
- financial bonus at the birth of a child
- financial contribution towards a supplementary pension scheme or supplementary pension savings
- contribution towards childcare for employees' children under the age of 3
- discounted mobile phone plans and banking services
- access to the university kindergarten, access to the faculty's summer day camp
- language and staff training courses to develop communication skills, language proficiency and other areas
- creative freedom, support for professional and personal development
Please send your application (CV, cover letter, publication list, research proposal, career development plan, and contacts for two referees) as a single PDF to jobs@prf.jcu.cz by 15 October 2026.
For further information about the position, please contact:
doc. Ing. Jiří Bárta, Ph.D. (bartaj03@prf.jcu.cz)