Overview

We invite prospective candidates for a four-year PhD Studentship funded by ERC grant of Jan Hrcek to explore exciting questions on the interface of population genetics and community ecology.

Workplace: Biology Centre CAS, Institute of Entomology, Czechia
Department: Department of Ecology
Laboratory: Laboratory of Experimental Ecology
Employment relationship: Employment contract
Job type: Researcher
Researcher profile: R1
Duration: Fixed-term
Job status: Part-time
Job starting date: 1. 3. 2026
Application deadline: 7. 1. 2026
Min. education level: Master Degree or equivalent

JOB DESCRIPTION:

It is increasingly clear that evolution can be rapid, with important traits changing within a few generations. But we are only beginning to understand the consequences of this eco-evolutionary process for dynamics of host – parasite interactions and stability of entire communities. We ask how rapid evolution impacts maintenance of diversity in communities and maintenance of genetic variation in populations – processes which have been mostly studied separately.

To address these questions, our collaborative project uses a novel experimental community model system of wild Drosophila species and their parasitoids from tropical Australia. We are able to perform multigenerational laboratory microcosm experiments and track eco-evolutionary dynamics in fine detail. The candidate will use a combination of approaches: experimental community evolution, population genomics, and eco-evolutionary modelling. The specific PhD projects will result from a discussion between the candidate and the supervisor.

REQUIREMENTS:

A MSc degree is required to enter PhD in Czech Republic.

Following experience is an advantage:

• Research experience with laboratory experiments
• Experience with population genetics or molecular ecology
• Experience in eco-evolutionary dynamics or population genetic modelling

BENEFITS:

• 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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The deadline for applications is 7th January 2026 with interviews short after. The position can start from March 2026 onwards.

Recently, guaranteed income for PhD students has become a law in the Czech Republic and the student will thus receive a salary which comfortably covers living expenses in the Czech Republic. The working language is English and applicants from all countries are eligible.

Together with the PhD student we will choose a co-supervisor from current international collaborators or start new collaborations. The position will include a research stay abroad.

The successful applicant will join the Laboratory of Experimental Ecology [ http://lab.hrcek.net ] at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic, under the supervision of Dr Jan Hrcek. The laboratory is a multinational team of postdocs, PhD students and technicians. The applicant will thus have the opportunity to work extensively with other team members. The laboratory obtained prestigious high-level funding for five years (ERC Consolidator grant) and therefore can provide substantial resources and support for exceptional research. The laboratory is part of a dynamic international centre for research in species interactions.

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).

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply please send one document comprising a motivation letter, CV, and contact details for two references via the REPLY button at the end of our official website: https://jobs.bc.cas.cz/en/detail/274

Further inquiries can be directed to Dr Jan Hrcek [ janhrcek@gmail.com ].