Přehled

We offer a full-time PhD position in an interdisciplinary field encompassing biogeochemistry, ecotoxicology, ecology, and environmental science. The successful candidate will join the research team of Markéta Zárybnická at the Dept. of Ecology in collaboration with Vladislav Chrastný at the Dept. of Environmental Geosciences, both at the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Czech Republic.

Research topic

The PhD student will be part of the POLLCHAIN project, funded by the Czech Science Foundation (GAČR), investigating the bioaccumulation and origins of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the food chain, focusing on mid-trophic small mammals. The project utilizes long-term data and specimen collections from the area known as the “European Black Triangle” (the Ore Mountains study area) and contemporary samples from two additional study areas that differ in sources and contamination levels.

Role of the PhD student

The main objective of the PhD student’s research will focus on tracing contamination sources and PTE accumulation in different tissue types and across the trophic chain using contemporary and historical samples. The training and research will involve field sample collection, analytic methods including metal(loid) concentration and isotope analyses, processing various types of data, statistical analyses, and dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

We require:

  • Strong communication skills in English and a willingness to learn new scientific concepts, computational skills, and field/lab techniques.
  • A master’s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, applied chemistry, toxicology, ecology, environmental science, or a related discipline.
  • Proficiency in scientific literature review, databases, and summarizing key findings.
  • Experience with R (or similar statistical software), particularly with multivariate analyses and generalized linear models.
  • Laboratory experience in analytical methods is an advantage but not required.

We offer:

  • Gross salary: 32,000 CZK/month (~1,280 EUR); net: ~26,000 CZK/month.
  • Student accommodation on campus (6,000–10,000 CZK/month, for details, see here).
  • Full medical insurance and social security benefits.
  • Salary supplement for high-quality publications.
  • Start date: October 2025 (PhD duration is four years).
  • Guaranteed data availability (long-term collections and recent samples).
  • Funding for fieldwork, lab materials, and travel expenses for the first two years.
  • Access to fully equipped field and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, including spectrometry and mass spectrometry instruments.
  • Collaboration with experts from different fields.
  • Field experience across three study areas in Czechia, including the unique Ore Mountains region, historically affected by severe air pollution.
  • International working environment with English as the primary language, located on a green and spacious campus in Suchdol, on the outskirts of Prague. The campus is 12 km from Prague Airport, a 20-minute commute from the city center by public transportation or bike, and a 15-minute walk from several protected natural areas.
  • Excellent campus facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, athletic track, and indoor and outdoor sports fields.
  • Living in Prague, one of the safest cities in the world, with excellent public transportation, international accessibility, and high-quality healthcare.

Applications:

To apply, please send a single .pdf file of less than 10 MB that contains the information stated below to the following email: pollchain@fzp.czu.cz

  • Motivation letter (1–2 pages) describing your expertise and research interests, stating why you see yourself as a good fit for our group/research and why you are interested in getting a PhD.
  • Your CV, including a list of your publications and any other relevant outputs if available.
  • Contact details for 2–3 academic referees, such as your former supervisor or collaborator.
  • Include “PhD 2025” and your name in the subject line of the email and in the name of the .pdf file.

Review of applications will begin on May 9, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

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