Overview
We invite applications for a full-time, two-year data scientist postdoctoralposition (with potential for an extension) spanning large-scale analyses in comparative ecology, evolutionary biology, and chronobiology at BULLAB, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague.
Start: September 2025 (negotiable)
Application deadline: June 15, 2025.
Research scope
BULLAB, led by Martin Bulla, explores global patterns and evolution of traits along with local adaptations. We focus on avian parental care, fear (along with urbanisation), and song, with biorhythms as our overarching theme.
We use our established global collaborations, together with our large-scale and detailed behavioural datasets to explore patterns and drivers of spatial and temporal variation, both between and within species, using comparative and chronobiological perspectives.
We aim to expand our research focus to macroecology and macroevolution, as well as to increase the diversity of our team.
Job description
The work will be mostly computational and will involve designing, organising, and maintaining databases and analysing global datasets using R, Python, or similar tools.
We offer a flexible research environment where the specific research focus can be tailored to your strengths and interests (e.g. macroecological and macroevolutionary or temporal trends analyses of avian parental care rhythms, fear or song).
We expect the postdoc to (i) lead and co-lead scientific papers, (ii) collaborate with international data holders and with other members of BULLAB, (iii) supervise and co-supervise students, and possibly to (iv) develop apps and web interfaces, and (v) teach.
Requirements
We seek a motivated and self-directed scientist, eager to explore new horizons and complement our expertise, with:
– The ability to (i) develop broad scientific questions and complex analyses, (ii) visualise complex data, (iii) manage large-scale databases, (iv) publish peer-reviewed papers, and (v) coordinate multiple co-authors and international collaborators.
– A proven track record of statistical analyses and programming in R (preferred), Python, or similar.
– A PhD in statistics, biostatistics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, ecology, chronobiology, mathematics, physics, or related fields such as sociology.
A bonus is experience with:
– AI-based automated data extraction from recordings, images, or text.
– Data mining and meta-analyses.
– App or web interface development (e.g., for data entry or visualisation).
We offer
– Full-time contract for 2 years, with potential for extension.
– Starting gross salary: 60,000 CZK/month (~2,400 EUR), net ~47,300 CZK/month (~1,890 EUR) depending on tax/family status. Czech median gross salary during 2024 was 38,500 CZK/month. Living costs (childcare, transportation) are typically lower than in Western Europe (for accommodation costs see https://www.sreality.cz/en).
– Institutional performance-based bonuses for high-quality publications.
– Full medical insurance and Czech social security.
– Meal allowance + access to additional university benefits.
– 25 – 40 days of paid holiday per year (depending on teaching load) + 5 sick days.
– Supportive and collaborative international environment (English is the working language).
– Excellent infrastructure: powerful computing resources, software access, and comfortable office space.
– Possible training through workshops and courses.
– Teaching opportunities.
– Our green, spacious campus on the Prague outskirts (Suchdol), with sports facilities (swimming pool, gym, athletic track, and indoor and outdoor playfields), nature nearby, and 30 min to the city centre. Prague is one of the safest cities in the world with excellent public transportation, international accessibility, and healthcare.
– Our Welcome Centre that will assist you with settling in Prague and navigating your first steps.
How to apply?
Send to bullab@fzp.czu.cz an email with the subject line 2025_postdoc_name-surname, and containing a single PDF (<10 MB) named 2025_postdoc_name-surname.pdf with:
- Motivation letter (max 1 page up to 550 words) emphasising your fit with BULLAB.
- Key contributions (max 1 page up to 550 words) highlighting how your research contributed to general scientific knowledge.
- Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), including selected publications and outputs such as code repositories, websites, apps, invited lectures.
- Contact details of 3 academic referees (e.g. former supervisor, collaborator or boss).
We, CZU offers:
– Institutional performance-based bonuses for high-quality publications.
– Full medical insurance and Czech social security.
– Meal allowance + access to additional university benefits.
– 25 – 40 days of paid holiday per year (depending on teaching load) + 5 sick days.
– Supportive and collaborative international environment (English is the working language).
– Excellent infrastructure: powerful computing resources, software access, and comfortable office space.
– Possible training through workshops and courses.
– Teaching opportunities.
– Our green, spacious campus on the Prague outskirts (Suchdol), with sports facilities (swimming pool, gym, athletic track, and indoor and outdoor playfields), nature nearby, and 30 min to the city centre. Prague is one of the safest cities in the world with excellent public transportation, international accessibility, and healthcare.
– Our Welcome Centre that will assist you with settling in Prague and navigating your first steps.
