PhD Studentship – Rapid Evolution in Communities
Location: Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
Organization: Laboratory of Experimental Ecology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences
Contract Type: Four-year PhD Studentship (starting March 2026 onwards)
Main Description:
This position is funded by an ERC grant of Jan Hrcek to explore exciting questions on the interface of population genetics and community ecology. The research focuses on understanding how rapid evolution impacts host-parasite interactions and community stability, and how rapid evolution affects maintenance of diversity in communities and genetic variation in populations.
The project uses a novel experimental community model system of wild Drosophila species and their parasitoids from tropical Australia. The candidate will perform multigenerational laboratory microcosm experiments and track eco-evolutionary dynamics using 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.
The successful applicant will join a multinational team of postdocs, PhD students and technicians at the Laboratory of Experimental Ecology (http://lab.hrcek.net). The laboratory obtained prestigious high-level funding for five years (ERC Consolidator grant) and can provide substantial resources and support for exceptional research. The laboratory is part of a dynamic international centre for research in species interactions.
The position will include a research stay abroad. Together with the PhD student, a co-supervisor will be chosen from current international collaborators or new collaborations will be started.
Requirements:
- MSc degree (required to enter PhD in Czech Republic)
- Working language is English
- Applicants from all countries are eligible
Experience that 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/Conditions:
- Four-year fully funded PhD studentship
- Guaranteed salary by law in the Czech Republic that comfortably covers living expenses
- Research stay abroad included
- Substantial resources and support from ERC Consolidator grant (five-year funding)
- Multinational and collaborative research environment
- Part of a dynamic international centre for research in species interactions
How to Apply:
Send one document comprising a motivation letter, CV, and contact details for two references to:
Jan Hrcek Email: janhrcek@gmail.com
Application Deadline: 7th January 2026
Interviews: Shortly after deadline
Start Date: From March 2026 onwards
Laboratory website: http://lab.hrcek.net
