PhD Position in Insect Thermal Biology

Institute of Entomology

Department of Biochemistry and Physiology

Laboratory of Insect Diapause

Employment contract

Biology Centre CAS, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic opens a PhD position for the Laboratory Insect Diapause at the Institute of Entomology.

The Kostal Lab (Lab of Insect Diapause) is seeking a PhD student with a focus in environmental and thermal physiology of insects. The successful applicant will work on a Czech Science Foundation-funded project to investigate the differences in metabolic capacities to accumulate cryoprotective molecules in 40 drosophilid species originating from tropical to subarctic regions. The project uses broadly integrative approach combining experiments on diversity and evolutionary trade-offs, adaptive meaning, and physiological mechanisms of cryoprotection focusing on mitochondrial membrane composition, integrity and function upon cold stress. The project includes extensive work with state-of-the-art metabolomics platforms (GC/LC-MS, MALDI TOF), high resolution respirometry (Oroboros Oxygraph), and electron microscopy (cryo-SEM, TEM). The project includes interactions with other labs at BC CAS or in Czech Republic and is based on close collaboration with Johannes Overgaard group, University of Aarhus, Denmark (an opportunity for research visit).

More about the lab and its research: https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/departments/department-of-biochemistry-and-physiology/laboratory-of-insect-diapause/

Required:
• Master’s degree.
• Interest in the physiology of insects.
• Enthusiasm for working in the lab and learning new techniques.
• Ability to work independently.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable:
• Previous experience of work in physiology/biochemistry/molecular biology lab.
• Practice in metabolomics, and/or respirometry, and/or microscopy techniques.
• Experience with scientific publishing in the above fields.

We offer you:
• An exciting research project
• Research stays in our collaborating laboratories
• Further financial support

Employment benefits:
• Subsidized lunches in our own canteen
• Standard health insurance and social security
• Benefits from Social fund and student benefits
• Working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• Welcome service and further support for foreigners (HR Award)
• Friendly & stimulating international working environment
• Work-life balance in a middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities
• Free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• Opportunity to take part in mentoring programmes as a mentor or a mentee

The Institute of Entomology (https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/homepage/) is one of five research Institutes of the Biology Centre - a vibrant international community of ca 300 scientists plus ca 150 PhD students. The Institute offers a dynamic, diverse, and well-equipped mentoring environment, with opportunities for development of collaborations and own side projects.

The PhD program at the Institute of Entomology runs in close collaboration with the Faculty of Science of the University of South Bohemia (https://prf.jcu.cz/en/), which provides the stipend, the necessary legal frame, and also organizes specialized courses for PhD students.

The successful applicant will start any time between September 2023 and June 2024, as mutually agreed upon. The PhD program is for 3-4 years. The salary, which comfortably covers living expenses in the Czech Republic, will be composed of stipend from the University of South Bohemia and part time employment at Institute of Entomology BC CAS, including full health coverage.

Further information about the position may be obtained through e-mail: Vladimir Kostal, kostal@entu.cas.cz.

The Biology Centre CAS holds the HR Award. Our selection process meets European standards for recruitment of researchers (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/candidates/otm-r/) and we provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support). Gender equality plan (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/about-us/gender-equality/) has been accepted in 2022.

The Biology Centre is located in České Budějovice (2 hours south of the capital Prague), a middle-sized city with ca. 100K inhabitants, relaxed atmosphere, over 750 years of tradition and a breathtaking countryside around. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. There is also a growing international expert community at the Biology Centre CAS (BC CAS, https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/) and the University of South Bohemia (USB, https://www.jcu.cz/en/). In addition, the living costs are still low by international standards. Check out our Guide for Expats (https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/) to read about life in the city and the Czech Republic.

Interested candidates should apply by submitting the following documents and information via the REPLY button below:
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of 2-3 referees that can testify about the professional qualities of the candidate
• Letter of intent that explains the reasons for your interest in our laboratory and identifies your most relevant skills or experiences