Overview

Workplace: Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany, Academy of Sciences and National Centre of Biomolecular Research, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic

Thesis Topic: Functional characterization of barley DNA damage response in the context of heat stress

Supervisor: doc. Aleš Pečinka, Ph.D.

Type of Cooperation: PhD fellowship (more information on PhD study programmes at the Faculty of Science here)

Expected Start Date: 1. 1. 2026

Application Deadline: 31. 10. 2025 (selection is opened immediately)

About the Workplace

We are seeking highly motivated doctoral candidates to join the Chromatin Organization and Function group led by Aleš Pečinka. The research group is based at the Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, in Olomouc.

The successful candidate will be formally enrolled in the PhD programme at the National Centre of Biomolecular Research, Masaryk University, Brno, while conducting the majority of experimental work in Olomouc. Occasional presence in Brno will be required for courses and programme-related activities.

Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics is an international laboratory at the Institute of Experimental Botany, Academy of Sciences that has gained a significant recognition for its expertise in analyzing plant genome structure and evolution. We employ a multidisciplinary approach encompassing molecular cytogenetics, flow cytometry, genetics, epigenetics and genomics.

Masaryk University is modern, dynamic and the most attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6500 staff and 33 000 students, a wide range of research areas and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

Faculty of Science MU, a holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty, offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University generating around 40 % of MU research results.

National Centre for Biomolecular Research at the Faculty of Science MU is focused on the study of bio(macro)molecules at the atomic level using experimental and computational methods. Equipment for nuclear magnetic resonance, crystallography, study of biomolecular interactions, genomics and proteomics is available. The department has access to powerful computational capacities used for computational chemistry, bioinformatics and chemoinformatics. The department also provides teaching and training of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral students in study programs focused on bioinformatics, biomolecular chemistry, experimental biology of plants, genomics and proteomics, and life sciences.

Description

Plant DNA damage responses (DDR) protect genome integrity, regulate cell cycle and limit growth. Therefore, understanding plant DDR is crucial for improving crop performance under stress conditions, and maintaining food security in the context of climate change. This challenge is addressed by the HeatDDR MSCA DN consortium of leading European plant DDR labs.

Selected student will have an opportunity to become a part of the HeatDDR MSCA DN consortium and build the research network with PhD student peers and leading scientists in plant DDR field.

Project aim: Functional analysis of key DDR transcription factors in the temperate model crop barley (Hordeum vulgare) using modern methods.

Offered Conditions

Selected candidates will receive a comprehensive training in barley genetics (transformation, CRISPR), molecular biology (RNA-seq, ChIP-seq), live confocal microscopy and more.

Besides, studying at our Faculty is an opportunity to study and live in a modern and dynamic city and one of 10 best student cities.

For the first three years, the PhD candidate will be supported through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN). The fellowship includes a monthly living allowance of €2,600, a €580 mobility allowance, and, where applicable, a €495 family allowance. After completion of the MSCA funding period, the position will be financed through the standard PhD scholarship at Masaryk University, complemented by additional resources from the Centre of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics. Additional support includes performance-based bonuses (scholarships for successfully published papers) as well as support for international mobility or attendance of conferences etc.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Master degree in plant biology, genetics, cell biology, biology, bioinformatics, or related disciplines (required at the time of enrolment to the PhD study program)
  • Prior training/experience in molecular biology, genetics and plant biology (positively evaluated during the interview and selection process)
  • Good communication skills (oral and written) in English
  • High level of commitment to complete the PhD studies

How to Apply

Please send your curriculum vitae, and cover letter with a concise summary of your previous research activities to: pecinkagroup@gmail.com

Selection Process

Received applications will be continuously reviewed and carefully considered. Shortlisted applicants meeting the requirements will be invited to an interview.

Please note that your application does not substitute an official admission process to Ph.D. studies at SCI MUNI. Details including discussion about the research topic, required documentation or formalities will be a subject of the interview with successful candidates. Only upon the informal pre-agreement with potential future supervisor, a formal application for PhD studies at Faculty of Science, Masaryk University can be submitted.

We are looking forward to hearing from you!