PhD Studentship in Plant-Herbivore Ecology

Institute of Entomology

Employment contract

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates to join the prestigious JUNIOR STAR project funded by the Czech Science Foundation, aimed at exploring the global drivers of phytochemical diversity. This project investigates the fascinating diversity of plant metabolites by analysing how various aspects of chemical diversity correlate with biotic and abiotic stress factors. This highly interdisciplinary research combines fieldwork in diverse locations worldwide (Europe, USA, Panama, Cameroon, Japan) with advanced laboratory work using cutting-edge techniques in metabolomics, biostatistics, and bioinformatics. Through these methods, the successful candidate will help reveal global trends in plant chemical strategies and their effects on multitrophic interactions and chemical communication among plants, insect herbivores, and their natural enemies.

The successful applicant will join the Ecology Department at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Science (web) and the Zoology Department of the University of South Bohemia (web). The PhD study will be supervised by Dr. Martin Volf (web). The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) (web) where the studies will take place and conduct fieldwork and research stays in Europe and overseas. Our department is a diverse, international team studying ecology, evolution and biogeography, and a world-class centre for interaction network research with regular publications in leading journals.

We are looking for candidates that have:

• A MSc degree (non-negotiable requirement for PhD program eligibility)
• A strong interest in chemical and community ecology of plants and insects
• Ability to work in demanding field conditions
• Basic experience working in molecular biology or analytical chemistry laboratories
• Excellent biostatistical skills
• Experience in bioinformatics (optional)
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Ability to work independently
• A driver’s license (optional but highly recommended)

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• 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)
• English speaking, 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
• Concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• Access to accommodation in dormitories at the campus shared by the BC and the USB

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) and the University of South Bohemia (USB). 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.

The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences 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 deadline for applications is December 9th 2024. The best candidates will be interviewed in mid-December. The successful applicant is expected to start on April 1st 2025 (later start date negotiable). This five-year project offers a scholarship fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic for the full standard duration of the PhD studies. Applicants from all countries are eligible.

To apply, please send a CV, contact details for three references, and a cover letter stating qualifications, previous work and motivation via the REPLY button below by 09.12.2024 23:59 CET.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. Martin Volf  at volf@entu.cas.cz.