"Senior Researcher"

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. 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 senior researcher will serve as the deputy chief of FISC. This work involves co-leadership in the activities of the Centre, including mentoring of Postdocs and PhD students as well as scientific and logistical coordination of visiting collaborative working groups and other visiting scientists. The researcher is also expected to carry out their own research program focused on aspects of biological invasions in forests, actively apply for research grant and coordinate them. Communication of research findings to different stakeholder groups and increasing the visibility of the Centre will be part of the activities too. This position reports to Andrew M. Liebhold, Chief Scientist of FISC (https://forestinvasion.cz/en/r-20696-team).

Position Qualifications:

• PhD completed at least 4 years ago and, substantial research experience including supervision of students or other scientists
• Previous success in grant proposal writing and administration.
• Research experience with invasive plants, insects, or plant pathogens.
• Research experience in quantitative ecology

We offer a two-year contract with the possibility of extension. The gross (brutto) monthly salary ranges from EUR 5,500 to EUR 6,300, corresponding to an approximate net monthly salary of EUR 4,060 to EUR 4,650, depending upon qualification. The cost of living in Prague is generally lower than many other European locations (see https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Prague). CZU can provide assistance with applications for visa and work permit, as needed. This and other services for foreign scholars will be provided by the CZU Welcome Centre (https://www.czu.cz/en/r-9190-international-relations/r-18688-welcome-centre-for-international-scholars).