PhD – Rapid Evolution in Communities – Czech Republic

Biology Centre CAS invites 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.

It is increasingly clear that evolution can be rapid, with important traits changing within a few generations. But it is only beginning to be understood the consequences of this eco-evolutionary process for dynamics of host – parasite interactions and stability of entire communities. It is asked 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, this collaborative project uses a novel experimental community model system of wild Drosophila species and their parasitoids from tropical Australia. They 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

Organisation/Company – Biology Centre CAS.

Field of research – Biological sciences.

Research profile – First Stage Researcher (R1).

Country – Czech Republic.

Application deadline – 7 Jan 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/Prague).

More information: Euraxess