Ancient Biomolecules: Genomics, Proteomics and Pathogen Detection in Historical Samples

Our research combines molecular biology, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics to investigate biological information preserved in challenging and highly degraded samples. We are particularly interested in the recovery and interpretation of DNA and proteins from historical tissues and in the development and application of multi-omic approaches that maximize the information obtained from limited and irreplaceable biological material.

The successful candidate will contribute to the development of this research area while having substantial freedom to establish their own research questions and independent projects within the broader scientific scope of the group.

Research focus:

The postdoctoral project will focus primarily on genomic and multi-omic characterization of historical and degraded biological samples.

Possible research directions include:

• genomic and metagenomic analysis of historical and degraded biological material;
• development and application of NGS and bioinformatic workflows for challenging, highly fragmented or low-input samples;
• integration of genomic and proteomic datasets;
• identification and characterization of organisms and potential pathogens in historical material;
• assessment of molecular preservation, degradation and contamination, including evolutionary and comparative genomic analyses where relevant.

The project may also extend towards the detection, genomic characterization and evolutionary analysis of pathogens in historical or otherwise degraded biological material in collaboration with partner laboratories.

The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with PhD and MSc students conducting complementary experimental research on extraction and molecular characterization of DNA and proteins from historical tissues.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• independently plan and conduct research within the scientific scope of the position;
• analyze NGS and other omics datasets using appropriate bioinformatic approaches;
• contribute to the design and optimization of experimental and analytical workflows;
• cooperate with researchers working on molecular biology, proteomics and historical biological material;
• prepare scientific publications and present results at international conferences;
• contribute to supervision and mentoring of undergraduate, MSc and PhD students;
• actively contribute to the development of a collaborative and internationally oriented research environment.

Where to apply

E-mail: katerina.rybakova@uhk.cz

Requirements

Research Field: Other

Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We are looking for a researcher with a PhD in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, evolutionary biology, microbiology, biological anthropology or a closely related discipline.

The candidate should have:

• experience with genomics and analysis of NGS data;
• practical bioinformatics skills and the ability to work independently with sequencing datasets;
• experience with molecular biology methods, including DNA extraction and PCR-based approaches;
• ability to work independently and to develop scientific questions beyond predefined experimental tasks;
• experience with scientific writing and publication of research results;
• good communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team;
• good command of English.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be an advantage:

• ancient or historical DNA;
• degraded, low-input or otherwise challenging biological samples;
• metagenomics;
• pathogen genomics;
• comparative or evolutionary genomics;
• proteomics and LC-MS/MS data analysis;
• multi-omics data integration;
• Linux-based bioinformatics and workflow development;
• programming or scripting in R, Python or related languages.

We do not expect candidates to have expertise in all of these areas. We particularly welcome applicants with strong genomic and bioinformatic expertise who are interested in expanding their research towards historical samples, proteomics and multi-omics.

Languages: ENGLISH

Level: Excellent

Additional Information

Benefits

We offer:

• a three-year full-time postdoctoral position;
• the opportunity to join and help shape a new and growing research area at the Department of Biology;
• substantial scientific independence and the possibility to develop an individual research profile;
• access to molecular biology laboratories and research infrastructure at the Faculty of Science;
• opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration in genomics, proteomics, microbiology and molecular analysis of historical material;
• opportunities to collaborate with external research partners;
• involvement in supervision of students and development of new research projects;
• a friendly and collaborative working environment with emphasis on good research practice and collegial relationships;
• work at a modern university campus in Hradec Králové, a well-connected university city approximately 100 km east of Prague.

Selection process

Applicants should submit:

• documents listed in Article VII, paragraph 2, items a) to e) of the Vice-Rector's Directive No. 13/2026
• documents listed in Article 3, paragraph 6 of the Dean's Decision No. 09/2026.

Applications should be sent by e-mail to: katerina.rybakova@uhk.cz.

Application deadline: October 2, 2026.

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

For informal enquiries about the scientific scope of the position, please contact: alena.fucikova@uhk.cz.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1

Company/Institute: Univerzita Hradec Králové

Country: Czech Republic

State/Province: Czech Republic

City: Hradec Králové

Postal Code: 50003

Street: Rokitanského 62

Contact

State/Province: Czech Republic

City: Hradec Kralove

Website: http://www.uhk.cz/

Street: Rokitanskeho 62

Postal Code: 50003

E-Mail: katerina.rybakova@uhk.cz

Phone: 608525835