Researcher in the field of pesticide data analysis, fate modelling, exposure, and risk assessment

Bursar of the Faculty of Science, Masaryk University announces an open competition for the position

Researcher in the field of pesticide data analysis, fate modelling, exposure, and risk assessment

Workplace: RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic
Type of Contract: temporary position with 1-year contract (with possible extension), non-academic
Working Hours: 1,0 FTE (full-time employment of 40 hours per week)
Expected Start Date: 1.1.2024 or negotiable (also with respect to immigration timelines for non-EU candidates)
Number of Open Positions: 1
Pay: negotiable
Application Deadline: 5.1.2024                                        
EU Researcher Profile : R3

About the Workplace

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6500 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science MU, holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.

RECETOX  focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in the area of Environment & Health, studying toxic compounds and their behavior, transport & bioaccumulation to evaluate environmental effects, assess the exposure and health risks to humans, and develop technologies and biotechnologies to break them down. http://www.recetox.muni.cz/en/career/career-at-recetox

Job Description and Research topic

Are you a dedicated researcher, passionate about environmental exposures and what they mean for the environment, ecosystems and humans? We’re seeking a researcher for to help us further research on risks from pesticides. You will be engaged in interdisciplinary research to uncover environmental exposure patterns, determinants and possible associated risks. effort. The position will be part of a large ongoing EU-project SPRINT and you will work within the Soil Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology group at RECETOX at Masaryk University (CZ) and closely cooperate with experts from Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences at Utrecht University (NL).

We are searching for an experienced, innovative and highly motivated scientist for the research topic “Using different types of data to further advance the field in human, animal and ecosystem risks from pesticides”. The topic is focused on existing pesticide-related data collecting, processing and analysing to construct tools for the pesticide emissions, exposure and risks estimations and mapping for European countries. The excellent skills are required in: data analysis/engineering, programming in R and/or SQL, databases, environmental fate modelling, and GIS. Previous experience with the topic of plant protection products and experience in risk assessment is advantage.

The position is open within the international collaborative H2020 project SPRINT, with the main aim to develop a Global Health Risk Assessment Toolbox to assess impacts of plant protection products (PPP) on ecosystem, plant, animal and human (EPAH) health. More information about project, its partners and other is here: https://www.sprint-h2020.eu/

Skills and Qualifications

• Ph.D. certification in the area of environmental sciences (env. toxicology, env. chemistry, ecotoxicology, geography ...) or closely related disciplines (e.g., environmental engineering)
• Must prove (in CV and motivation letter) previous sufficient experience and praxis in all of the following areas: 1) data analysis in R and SQL, 2) environmental modelling, 3) geographical information systems (GIS)
• Highly preferred previous practical experience with: crop protection and/or pesticides exposure and risk assessment; environmental chemistry, toxicology and ecotoxicology
• Enthusiasm and eagerness to gain insight into the research topic
• Independence, creativity and innovative spirit to develop novel tools for pesticide assessment
• Experience and high motivation to present and publish scientific results
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal English communication and teamwork skills

Informal inquiries about the position can be sent to prof. RNDr. Jakub Hofman, Ph.D.; phone:549 49 4267;
e-mail: [email protected] 

We Offer

• Vibrant working environment and access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• Fully equipped modern laboratories 
• The dynamic group surrounded by an international team of experts
• Involvement in national and international projects
• An interesting job in a dynamically expanding university area
• Flexible working hours and occasional home office to support personal needs in family and career compatibility
• Employee benefits such as 6 weeks of paid vacation per year, pension insurance contribution or nursery/children´s group allowance, a financial meal allowance, lunches in canteens of MU, Multisport card, vaccinations free of charge, discounted language courses, exclusive mobile tariff offer by Vodafone, childcare groups at Campus and Komenského náměstí
• Opportunity to work and live in a modern and dynamic city (for more information on costs of living, you can refer to Numbeo )
• Welcome Office provides support with your relocation to Brno

Application Process

The application shall be submitted online by 5.1.2024 via an e-application, please find the reference to the e-application in the beginning and end of the advertisement.

The candidate shall provide following:

• CV
• Cover letter describing candidate's research interest and experience
• Summary of research outputs and publications
• Names and contact details of at least 2 professional references.
• Copy of Ph.D. certification

After submitting your application successfully, you will receive an automatic confirmation email from jobs.muni.cz. In case of problems with filling in the e-application form, please contact us by e-mail: [email protected] .

Selection Process

Received applications will be considered carefully in line with principles of the EU Charter and Code for Researchers . Selection criteria: (i) meeting qualification requirements described above, (ii) all required documents provided.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a personal or online interview.

The Faculty Recruitment Policy (OTM-R) can be seen here .

Faculty of Science, Masaryk University is an equal opportunity employer. We support diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Visit our Career page .

We are looking forward to hearing from you!