PhD – Position in Butterfly Conservation Genomics – Czech Republic

Biology Centre CAS is seeking a motivated PhD student to join our international team at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences. You will be part of an exciting research project on population and comparative genomics of threatened butterflies in the Czech Republic. The goal of the PhD position is to quantify the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of butterflies associated with one of the most species-rich yet highly threatened biotopes in Europe – dry grasslands and steppes.

You will have the opportunity to carry out fieldwork across the Czech Republic and work closely with local managers and with the Czech Nature Conservation Agency. New whole-genome sequencing data will be mapped to chromosome-level reference genomes provided by our partners at Project Psyche. Access to continental-scale field samples and standardized population genomics protocols will be provided by our collaborators at the European Population Genomics Consortium – LepEU.

Requirements

The applicant must have the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology or related fields (must be awarded prior to the starting date).
• Good communication skills in English, written and spoken.
• Independence in learning and working, with documented research productivity.

Priority will be given to candidates who have co-authored at least one scientific publication (submitted or accepted). Experience with population genetics, comparative genomics and/or the analysis of genomic data using bioinformatics protocols is advantageous.

Benefits

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly, subsidized lunches in the 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

Organization/Company –Biology Centre CAS.

Research field – Biological sciences » Biology.

Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1).

Country –Czech Republic.

Application Deadline – 24 Sep 2025 – 00:00 (Europe/Prague).

More information: Euraxess.