*PostDoc position on evolution of (deep-sea) fish vision in Prague*

[LAST CALL!!]

We are looking for a passionate and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join
our team focused on evolution of fish vision. Fishes have evolved
remarkable visual adaptations to thrive in diverse and often extreme
environments, including the deep sea. We take a comparative approach,
investigating lineages with striking visual specializations such as
multibank rod-only retinas, multiple rhodopsin duplications, or - on the
contrary - complete loss of rod cells. Our core methodologies center on
genomics and transcriptomics, with the ultimate goal of linking molecular
patterns to functional adaptations.

Start date: 1st January 2026

Application deadline - *14th of July 2025* (the candidate has to be
selected by 1st of August)

Duration: up to 2 years (with possibility for extension)

Location: Department of Zoology, Charles University, Prague, Czech
Republic, EU

*Further info*:
https://www.fishevo.com/open-postdoctoral-position-function-of-fish-vision/

We specifically look for someone with hands-on *expertise in histological
techniques such as immunohistochemistry and FISH * to address evolutionary
questions related to rod cell diversity, differenciation, or loss in
several species with unique vision. The successful candidate will have the
opportunity to work independently while also contributing to collaborative,
interdisciplinary projects. Prior experience in the field of evolutionary
biology, or with experiments on vertebrate retina is a plus, it is not a
requirement. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work at the
intersection of molecular evolution, sensory biology, and comparative
functional genomics.

The successful candidate will join the Fish Evolution research group of
Zuzana Musilova at Charles University in Prague and will be part of the *ERC
project "SensingDEEP: deep-sea fish vision pushing limits of the vertebrate
eye"*.

*We offer*:

- an international research group with the ERC funding located in an
inspiring historical city

- a competitive salary way-exceeding the average for the Prague city

- possibility to participate at international conferences and our
collaborations

*We seek*:

- a candidate with motivation and enthusiasm for biology, nature and
science willing to perform research on various groups of fishes

- a candidate with experience with histological techniques such as
immunohistochemistry and FISH, and with ability to conduct experiments
independently

- a candidate with a PhD degree in biology or related fields (or to be
finished before starting the position - to be consulted individually)

The application (CV + motivation letter) should be sent to Zuzana Musilova
(zuzmus[AT]gmail.com and/or zuzana.musilova[AT]natur.cuni.cz). The
(pre-)selected candidate will additionally apply (with my guidance) for the
Charles University Junior Fond programme to be eligible for a more
competitive salary. The candidate has to be pre-selected by 1st of August
and then proceed with the formal application (everything will be
coordinated with me).

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

Zuzana Musilova, PhD.
(zuzmus@gmail.com)

Department of Zoology
Charles University
Vinicna 7, CZ-128 44 Prague
Czech Republic - Europe

zuzmus <zuzmus@gmail.com>

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