"Postdoctoral Scientist – Applied Economics at the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC)"

The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences invites applications for the position of Postdoctoral Scientist – Applied Economics at the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC).

Job Description:

The Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) is one of the leading universities in Central Europe, specializing in life sciences, environmental studies, and sustainable development. With over 18,000 students and a strong international community, CZU is a dynamic and modern institution committed to excellence in research, innovation, and education. CZU consistently ranks among the top universities in sustainability and environmental impact, as recognized in global university rankings.

CZU is hosting a new socio-ecological synthesis centre aimed at advancing the scientific understanding of the ecology and management of biological invasions in forests. The Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC, https://forestinvasion.cz/en) is funded under the ERA Chairs Call of the Horizon Europe Programme, the EU’s primary funding program for research and innovation. The synthesis centre hosts collaborative interdisciplinary working groups from outside institutions, along with a team of new postdocs, to explore the many facets of biological invasions by plants, insects, and tree pathogens in forests worldwide. The activities of FISC are conducted in collaboration with prestigious research and innovation institutions including the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Botany.

FISC uses the 'synthesis centre' model that has been successfully applied in various other socio-ecological synthesis centres around the world. The anticipated scope of Centre research ranges from topics such as the macroecology of forest insect invasions, the physiological ecology of plant invasiveness, mutualisms among invading organisms in forests, risks and benefits of non-native trees in forestry, social perceptions of non-native species in forests, economic optimization of forest biosecurity, and the global impacts of invasions on global forest ecosystem processes.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, and do not discriminate based on gender identity, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other aspect of diversity.

Position Description:

The individual will serve as a researcher at FISC and will conduct research on economic aspects of invasions by plants, plant pathogens and insects in forests and their management. This work will involve the analysis of data on invasions, their impacts and their management.

The postdoc will also use bioeconomic models to quantify the costs and benefits of the use of non-native trees in forestry or optimize tree selection across contexts. This work will also include the quantification of economic impacts of invasions on ecosystem services provided by forests. These analyses will involve the application of cost-benefit analysis or bioeconomic analysis to evaluate different policy options for managing forests and for direct management of non-native species. The researcher can also help identify and pursue other economic questions related to forest invasions.

The scientist’s work will involve organizing working group collaborations, searching for data sources, curating data, and writing research papers.

The postdoc will be jointly mentored by FISC Chief Scientist Dr. Andrew Liebhold and Prof. Tomáš Hlásny in the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Science, Czech University of Life Science.

Position Qualifications:

• Completed PhD
• Research experience with ecological economics
• Academic training in applied economics or agricultural / resource / ecological economics or data science with economic or social science specialization
• Knowledge and experience with applied statistics and statistical software
• Significant publication record including multiple papers published in major journals (e.g., excluding those published by MDPI, Hindawi, and Frontiers).
• Good communication skills in the English language
• Ability to work in a team

Other Desirable Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with biological invasions and their management
• Previous experience of working with forest ecosystems
• Previous experience with behavioral economics
• Knowledge of multicriteria optimization

Application Instructions:

Applications should consist of the following PDF files:

1. Motivation letter describing applicants' research interests and experience (file naming convention: Surname_Applied Economics_Letter.pdf)
2. Curriculum Vitae (file naming convention: Surname_Applied Economics_CV.pdf)
3. List of two individuals who may be contacted regarding letters of support (file naming convention: Surname_Applied Economics_Support.pdf)

Applications need to be sent to fisc.recruitment@fld.czu.cz no later than 28th of September 2025. Applicants will be notified once their applications have been accepted for evaluation.

We Offer:

A position at a university with the HR Excellence in Research Award, ensuring fair recruitment, clear career progression, and strong institutional support for researchers. Opportunities for professional growth, including access to international research networks, interdisciplinary collaborations, and career development programs. Support for international researchers, including assistance with visa applications, work permits, and relocation via the CZU Welcome Centre. Employee benefits (e.g. allowance for meals, supplementary pension insurance, vacation and others). 5 weeks vacation plus 5 days of bonus leave.

We offer a two-year, part-time to full-time position with the possibility of extension. The full-time gross (brutto) salary ranges from CZK 74,500 - 124,000 (~EUR 3,000- 5,000) corresponding to an approximate net salary of CZK 54,600-91,800 (~EUR 2,200-3,700) depending upon qualification.

The cost of living in Prague is generally lower than many other European locations. CZU is able to provide assistance with applications for visa and work permit as needed.

Recruitment and Selection:

A two-stage review process will be conducted. In the first stage, the Recruitment Committee will assess the submitted materials. Applicants who are not selected to proceed will receive notification with reasons for their dismissal no later than 6th of October 2025. The second stage will consist of an online interview with the Recruitment Committee. Invitations for this stage will be sent no later than 13th of October 2025. The successful candidate will then be invited to negotiate a contract. Employment may begin on 1st of November 2025 or at another mutually agreed date.