Overview
Biology of parasitic protozoa, helminths and arthropods at the level of cellular and molecular organisms and their interactions with hosts. Mechanisms of pathogenicity, functional morphology and biochemistry of parasites, Mechanisms of action of antiparasitic drugs and emergence of resistance. Biology and ecology of infectious disease vectors and their interactions with pathogens.
Start of studies in the summer semester (April)
Opening of applications and publication of the dissertation topics: 15. 11. 2025
Application by: 15. 12. 2025
Detailed information about the study programme
Offer of dissertation topics:
- Black flies in Malawi and Cameroon: molecular taxonomy and role in transmission of Onchocerca volvulus
- Frog Trypanosomes: Development, Mode of Transmission and Host Specificity in the Context of Diversity (DSP-II)
- Functional characterization of metalloproteases and related enzymes in Schistosoma mansoni eggs: Roles in host-parasite interaction and pathogenesis (DSPII)
- Role of sand fly midgut proteins in the interaction with Leishmania and gut bacteria.
Profile of the graduate
The graduate’s profile of the Doctoral Study Program (DSP) Parasitology is largely determined by the specific objectives of the doctoral thesis, which determines the nature of the training for independent scientific work or for practice in the field. The graduate has expertise in various parasitic organisms (e.g., protozoa, helminths, arthropods), especially their molecular biology, immunology and biochemistry, as well as their pathogenicity or epidemiology, all with an emphasis on host–parasite interaction. The graduate is able to solve theoretical and practical problems related to the research on parasites and parasitic diseases at multidisciplinary level, both in basic and applied research. Is well versed in the issues connected with the doctoral thesis and is able to solve theoretical and practical problems related to parasites at multidisciplinary level. The graduate is able to discuss with experts at the international level and to present achieved results in international journals and at scientific meetings. Is able to participate in international projects focused on parasitology or related disciplines and are ready to work at universities and research institutes, in education sector, health care or veterinary medicine, but also in state/governmental administration or in private (e.g., pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies), both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Application submission
The application is submitted electronically through the Charles University study information system. The completed application must be submitted electronically in the study information system no later than on 30. 4. 2026 for study programmes starting in the winter semester (October) and no later than on 15. 12. 2025 for study programmes starting in the summer semester (April).
The admission fee is 100 EUR and it is paid for each submitted application.
Required application appendice is the agreement of a supervisor in the format of the following form available here. We recommend reaching out to the supervisor as soon as possible (ideally before 31. 3. 2026 for study programmes starting in the winter semester and before 30. 11. 2025 for study programmes starting in the summer semester), so the application could be send out in time in case the agreement is granted.
Entrance exam
The regular date of entrance exam for all doctoral programmes starting in the winter semester (October) is in June 2026 (to be specified), an alternative date is in June 2026 (to be specified).
The regular date of entrance exam for all doctoral programmes starting in the summer semester (April) is 4. – 5. 2. 2026, an alternative date is 11. – 12. 2. 2026.
The request for an alternative day is submitted and approved via the electronic information system.
The form of the entrance exam is an oral interview, which mainly concerns the issues of the planned dissertation and the candidate’s knowledge within the field of expertise of the given study programme.
Find more information in:
Important links
Applicants with specific needs
If you have a physical handicap, you can apply for a modification of the entrance exam. For more information read the Conditions of the admission procedure for doctoral study programmes.
Departments involved in this programme
Guarantor of the study programme
doc. RNDr. Jan Votýpka, Ph.D.
jan.votypka@natur.cuni.cz
Do you have a question?
Complete information about the admission procedure can be found on the website for applicants. For questions, please contact the admissions contact persons.
