Open research positions: Investigation of the Terrestrial HydrologicAl Cycle Acceleration (ITHACA)

We offer one Ph.D. and one post-doctoral researcher position within the ITHACA project. Funded by the Czech Science Foundation, this 5-year Junior STAR grant will provide an answer on how the acceleration of the hydrological cycle will influence water availability over land. We will achieve this by using a combination of statistical and process-based approaches, aiming to high-impact results and new discoveries that will help us understand how the water cycle responds to global temperature. The project team led by Y. Markonis consists of experts in hydroclimatology (M. Hanel, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague), hydrology (O. Rakovec, Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research), and stochastic hydrology (S. M. Papalexiou, University of Calgary). In addition, it is also supported by external collaborations with Imperial College London, Florida Tech, and Beijing Normal University.

The ideal post-doctoral researcher will be someone with background in the study of the water cycle, as well as good understanding of statistics and/or atmospheric physics. Strong communication and empathy skills are essential, as the researcher is expected to have a fundamental role in the building and coordination of a 10-member team. We welcome a strong publication record, in terms of a few high-quality publications, instead of a plethora of mediocre papers. Previous mentoring and teaching experience is considered important, since the position involves working closely with Ph.D. candidates and supervising courses such as Exploratory Data Analysis, Applied Environmental Statistics or Earth System Sciences. We offer an annual contract starting as soon as possible with an extension of up to four years and a net salary between 1300 and 2000 EUR depending on the candidate’s expertise, plus publication bonuses. Most importantly, we offer an inclusive, thriving environment, where you can develop your research aspirations and have fun.

For the Ph.D. position starting in October 2022, we are looking for candidates with a degree in geosciences, computer science or engineering, and some experience in hydrology or atmospheric sciences. Good knowledge of programming in R is essential, and previous research experience in paleoclimatology, data science, and/or statistics will be considered an asset. The successful candidate will be supported by a scholarship and a contract summing to 900 – 1200 EUR, with potential raises depending on the ongoing evaluation of performance. With the completion of the Ph.D. studies, you will have developed a strong expertise in the statistical analysis of big datasets, established a broad background in the processes related to the hydrological cycle, and become proficient in academic writing and teaching. On top of this you will enjoy multi-discipline collaborations and exposure in culturally diverse environment.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) is the leading Czech university in water research. Currently, the university has more than 18 000 students (10% are international students), six Faculties and one Institute. CZU offers over 170 accredited study programs at B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. levels with a quarter of them offered in English. Since 2007 the Czech University of Life Sciences has been a member of the Euroleague for Life Sciences and was recently ranked as the most sustainable university in the Czech Republic. The Faculty of Environmental Sciences (FES) is one of the top Faculties nationwide with extensive experience in teaching and broad research interests. It follows an integrative, multi-disciplinary approach in the doctoral and master’s degree programs, and the faculty is committed to providing graduate students with skills to be successful in a range of careers. The project will be carried out in the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Modeling, a fast-growing and dynamic department with high research activity and increasing international exposure. Our scientific studies cover a broad range of subjects ranging from hydroclimatic variability to planetary hydrology. CZU is located in Prague, one of the top-ranked European cities to live in, with a rich history in arts and science. 

The post-doctoral position will be open until filled, while the deadline for the Ph.D. position is the 20th of March. Interested candidates should send a CV and a motivation letter explaining how their research interests relate to the position to ithaca@fzp.czu.cz.