Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join an interdisciplinary research project focused on Midichloria, a unique intracellular symbiont capable of invading mitochondria of oocytes of several tick species, e.g. Ixodes ricinus. Despite its exceptional biology, the mechanisms underlying mitochondrial specificity of Midichloria remain unknown. This project aims to identify metabolic and functional features that render mitochondria susceptible to bacterial invasion, addressing a fundamental question in host–symbiont interactions.

The PhD student will investigate whether mitochondrial invasion is associated with distinct mitochondrial states reflecting altered metabolic activity or functional imbalance. Using comparative biological models, the project will examine mitochondrial physiology, stress-related and redox-associated processes in relation to symbiont localization, integrating imaging-based approaches with targeted molecular and biochemical analyses.

In the later phase, the project will explore whether Midichloria can retain its mitochondrial targeting capacity beyond its native host environment, testing the robustness and specificity of this interaction across biological systems. Overall, this research will reveal general principles of mitochondrial recognition by intracellular bacteria and provide a conceptual framework for exploiting symbiotic interactions to modulate mitochondrial states.

We require you to have:

  • Master’s degree in biology or a related life science field (completed before the start of the PhD)
  • Experience with cell biology, microbiology, or molecular biology approaches
  • Basic familiarity with microscopy, biochemical, or molecular techniques
  • Good communication skills in English (written and spoken)
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
  • Strong interest in experimental research and fundamental biological questions

We offer you:

  • 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly, subsidized lunches in our own canteen
  • Pension insurance contribution, support of leisure sport & cultural activities
  • Full health insurance and social security, student benefits for PhD students
  • Free Czech language classes, professional trainings and mentoring programme
  • Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
  • Campus-based daycare for employees’ children from the age of 1 year
  • Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
  • English speaking, friendly & stimulating international working environment
  • Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for various activities
  • Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance

Work will be conducted at the Institute of Parasitology (IoP), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC CAS), in České Budějovice, within the graduate study programme of the University of South Bohemia (USB). The instutite performs research on human and animal parasites at the organismal, cellular and molecular levels.​ The successful candidate will join the group of Dr Jan Perner (Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Ticks), see more here: https://www.paru.cas.cz/en/sections/disease-vectors-and-pathogens/laboratory-of-molecular-biology-of-ticks/). The starting date will depend on the result of the admissions at the USB.

You will enroll in the PhD program (4 years) at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia (https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en). Funding consists of a combination of a research grant salary and a student stipend, fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic with a comfortable margin. (You will work part-time at the BC CAS and part-time at the USB, full-time in total.) More about doctoral studies at the FoS USB: https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en/study-at-the-faculty/information-for-phd-students

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (max. 2 hours south of the capital Prague), a safe middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, historical centre and a breathtaking countryside around providing numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. It has a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS and the neighbouring University of South Bohemia. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

The Biology Centre holds the HR Award. Our selection process is transparent, open, non-discriminating and fair. For more information about the researchers recruitment policy at our institution, see our OTM-R (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/). We provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support).

To apply, please send us your structured CV, motivation letter, contact details for at least 2 references and a copy of diploma in one single pdf document via the REPLY button at the end of our official website: https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/278

Further inquiries can be directed to Dr Jan Perner (perner@paru.cas.cz).

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