PhD Studentship in Rapid Evolution in Communities

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Experimental Ecology

Employment contract

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.

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.

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

• 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

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 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. We provide our employees from abroad with welcome service (visa application, administration, relocation & settlement support).

To apply please send one document comprising a motivation letter, CV, and contact details for two references via the REPLY button below.

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