Selection Procedures
Institute of Experimental Botany of the CAS announces an open competition in accordance with the Act No. 283/1992 Coll. on the Czech Academy of Sciences, and the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences for a position Postdoctoral Researcher /Junior Researcher (Apple Genomics and Molecular Genetics).
The research team at the Apple Breeding Station focuses on modern apple breeding, genomics, and bioinformatics. We build on more than 60 years of research tradition and work with unique long‑term datasets encompassing genomics, phenotypes, and environmental data. Our research has a direct impact on agricultural practice - selected cultivars are successfully used in the Czech Republic as well as abroad.
Employment contract: Fixed-term (1 year) with the possibility of extension or transition to a permanent position; Workload: Full-time (1,0); Start date: Upon completion of the selection process or as agreed; Workplace: Rozvojová 263, Prague 6
What You Can Expect in This Role
- Analysis of genomic and multi‑omics data (WGS, pangenomics, GWAS, SV)
- Development and application of genomic prediction models
- Integration of genomic, phenotypic, and environmental datasets
- Collaboration on the development of tools supporting breeding activities
- Publication of research results and contribution to the team’s scientific output
- Participation in grant‑funded research projects
- Opportunity to supervise students in the future
Requirements
- Ph.D. in a relevant field (genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, or a related discipline), or near completion of a Ph.D. degree
- Experience with genomic data analysis
- Publication record or demonstrable publication potential
- Ability to conduct independent scientific work and strong analytical thinking
- Working proficiency in English (scientific publications, international collaboration)
Additional Qualifications That Will Be an Advantage
- Experience in a research or academic environment
- Knowledge of the Czech language
Research focus
- Marker Assisted Selection (MAS)
- GWAS and complex trait analysis
- apple pangenome and structural variation
- S-allele determination
- AI-informed breeding
- Genomic prediction (G×E×M – genotype × environment × management)
- Disease resistance and fruit quality
What We Can Offer You
- A friendly and motivating work environment within a renowned research institute
- Salary commensurate with experience, including performance‑based bonuses and employer‑provided benefits
- Flexible working hours
- Five weeks of paid vacation, additional health days, meal allowance via EDENRED card, contributions to pension or life insurance, MultiSport card, and language courses
- Free Czech and English language courses
- Opportunities for further education and professional development through specialized training
How to Apply
If you wish to apply, please send your CV to cerny@ueb.cas.cz and include the following text in the subject line: “Postdoc – Apple Genomics”.
Your Application Should Include:
- Structured CV
- Motivation letter (a maximum of one A4 page))
- List of publications
- Contact details for 1–2 referees
Application deadline: 12. June 2026. We look forward to hearing from you!
Personal Data Protection
By submitting your application, you confirm that you agree to the processing of your personal data for the purposes of this recruitment procedure, in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Your data will be processed only to the extent necessary for evaluating your application, for the duration of the selection process, and subsequently for the period required by applicable legal regulations. Personal data will not be shared with third parties. Detailed information on the processing of personal data is available on the Institute’s website.
Application deadline: 06/12/2026