POST-DOCTORAL POSITION IN MICROBIAL ECOLOGY OF SHOREBIRDS

POSITION OVERVIEW. We are seeking a motivated and talented field biologist to join our team. The post-doc will carry out field investigations of breeding and non-breeding shorebirds and combine this with microbial sampling. We seek applicants with strong background in evolutionary biology, animal behaviour or ecology, and willingness to learn microbial ecology. The position is part of a collaborative project "The role of migratory birds in spreading antimicrobial resistance" funded by the Hungarian Research agency (HUN-REN). This is a joint project with Prof Sam Sheppard (Oxford University).

ABOUT US: The position is based at University of Debrecen (Hungary) where our team has PhD students, postdocs and collaborating academics. The post-doc will be mentored by an international team of scientists. We continue to aim high profile publications (see below). Beyond significance in ecology, animal behaviour and evolution, our research has direct implications for biodiversity conservation by preserving species and by working with local communities to protect shorebird habitats. We work globally using an international network of scientists and conservationists, see  www.szekelylab.com 

FURTHER DETAILS.  The main task of the post-doc is to carry out field investigations of both breeding and non-breeding shorebirds, use efficient microbiological sampling protocols in the field, carry out data analyses and publish papers. In addition, s/he will advise research of MSc and PhD students and possibly contribute at modest level to postgraduate teaching (all in English).

We seek applicants with strong research background in one (or more) of the following fields: behavioural ecology, population ecology, field biology, wildlife conservation, disease ecology and microbiology. Applicants should have a Ph.D. in animal ecology, behavioural ecology, population demography or a related field, and background in quantitative analyses. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Knowledge of programming languages such as R is required, and experience with biostatistics or demography is desirable. Proficiency in English is essential as is research track matching the career stage of the applicant. Field experience, bird ringing licence and full driving licence are essential.

DURATION: The position is available immediately and the contract will be offered until 31 December 2027. 

SALARY: The gross salary is up to 800,000 HuF per month (approx 2,200 EURO). Living in Hungary is substantially cheaper than in Western Europe, and the salary we offer is equivalent of an assistant professorial salary in Hungary. Social and health insurance contributions are independent of salary and paid by the employer.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT: The position is based in Debrecen: a vibrant and liveable city in eastern Hungary with large international student community. Debrecen has good public services, and rental housing and food are affordable. The post-doc will be based at the Department of Evolutionary Zoology.  Our research team works closely with Hortobagy National Park - a UNESCO Heritage Site just outside Debrecen.

HOW TO APPLY: Please send i) a cover letter explaining your research interests and suitability for the position, ii) your CV with a list of scientific publications, and iii) contact information of two referees to Ms Rita Nagy  nagy.rita@science.unideb.hu 

Please use the subject line "HU-RIZONT post-doc application." Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. Application deadline: 18 July 2026. 

Selected recent publications by our team: Prof T Szekely (Debrecen/Bath) and Prof Sam Sheppard (Oxford). For our complete track record, please see GoogleScholar and ResearchGate.
Amano, T., T. Szekely, ..2018. Successful conservation of global waterbird populations depends on effective governance. Nature 553: 199-202.
Kubelka, V.R. Freckleton, T. Szekely. 2018. Global pattern of nest predation is disrupted by climate change in shorebirds. Science 362: 680-683.
McDonald, G. C., .T. Szekely..2023. Remating opportunities and low costs underlie maternal desertion. Evolution 77: 97-109.
Mourkas, E., ..T. Székely .. & S. K. Sheppard. 2024. Proximity to humans is associated with anti-microbial resistant enteric pathogens in wild bird microbiomes. Current Biology 34: 3955-3965.
Szekely, T. 2019. Why study plovers? The significance of non-model organisms in avian ecology, behaviour and evolution. Journal of Ornithology 160: 923-933.
Szekely, T... 2023. The causes and implications of sex role diversity in shorebird breeding systems. Ibis 166: 357-385.

T.Szekely@bath.ac.uk

(to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to
evoldir@evoldir.net)