Kaminski Lab: Systematic Entomology

Job Description:

The Kaminski Lab of Systematic Entomology invites applications for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the historical biogeography and evolutionary history of the darkling beetle subfamily Blaptinae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), with a particular emphasis on desert-adapted lineages. The successful candidate will play a central role in reconstructing the temporal and spatial dynamics of arid-zone colonization and diversification and will contribute to a total-evidence phylogenetic classification of the subfamily. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) and provide scientific support and mentorship to a PhD student involved in complementary project tasks. More details on the project can be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/kaminskientomo/blaptinae 

Main Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

·        Conducting phylogenetic research based on genomic and morphological data.

·        Revising selected taxonomic units.

·        Implementation of the biogeographic analytical framework defined in the project plan.

·        Testing alternative scenarios concerning the colonization of desert environments by ancestral lineages of Blaptinae.

·        Preparing publication-ready figures and manuscripts in collaboration with the Principal Investigator.

·        Collaborating with and providing scientific mentorship to the PhD student employed within the project.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications

·        PhD degree in biological sciences or a related discipline, obtained prior to the start of employment. In addition, in accordance with NCN requirements, the doctoral degree must have been obtained either in the year of employment in the project or within the 12 years preceding 1 January of the year of employment. This period may be extended to account for documented career breaks.

·        A publication record demonstrating the ability to independently plan and carry out research projects.

·        Documented experience in historical biogeography, phylogenetics, and/or taxonomy.

·        High motivation for conducting scientific research and demonstrated research independence.

·        Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

Preferred Qualifications

·        Experience in the analysis of biogeographic data, including ancestral area reconstructions and ecological niche modeling.

·        Knowledge of the systematics and classification of insects within the family Tenebrionidae.

·        Experience working with genomic and/or phylogenomic datasets.

·        Ability to work effectively in an international research team.

Application Materials:

All application materials should be prepared in English and submitted by email to mkaminski@miiz.waw.pl (subject line: OPUS-Beetles).

Required documents:

·        Cover letter describing research interests and suitability for the position.

·        Curriculum vitae.

·        At least one letter of recommendation or contact details of at least one senior researcher who can provide a reference.

·        Copies of documents confirming academic degrees (e.g. PhD diploma).

·        GDPR consent statement authorizing the processing of personal data for recruitment purposes.

Recruitment Process:

The recruitment procedure consists of two stages:

1. Pre-selection of candidates by the Selection Commission, based on submitted documents.

2. Interviews with pre-selected candidates.

Interviews are planned for mid-March 2026 and may be conducted online. The Selection Commission will make a final decision within one month of the recruitment deadline. Only pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview. The Commission reserves the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate. The decision of the Selection Commission is final and not subject to appeal.

Job Benefits:

·        Base salary: 11,666 PLN gross per month (approximately 6,992 PLN net).

·        36 working days of paid leave per year.

·        Full scientific and organizational support within a well-established research group.

·        High potential for first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.

·        Direct mentoring experience with a PhD student.

·        Strong international visibility within beetle systematics and biogeography.