PhD position in Plant Molecular Biology

Institute of Plant Molecular Biology

Employment contract

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a collaborative project between the Biology Centre, Institute of Microbiology (Czech Academy of Sciences - CAS) and CEITEC MU to study Polycomb repression in green algae.  Work will be mostly carried out in the group of Iva Mozgová, https://mozgovalab.umbr.cas.cz/ at the Biology Centre CAS in České Budějovice, CZ. We are an international research group with interest in the function and evolution of the Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRC). Our main focus is understanding PRC2 function in plant growth and vegetative development and its evolution in the green lineage. We combine methods of molecular biology, biochemistry, plant physiology and bioinformatics. 

Competitive candidates:

• have an excellent knowledge of English – oral and written
• have an active attitude to problem-solving
• have good communication skills and are able to work in an international team and collaborate with other researchers and students
• are open to developing new approaches
• previous experience with work using algal models is an advantage
• previous experience in epigenetics and NGS data analysis is an advantage

We offer:

• PhD position (full-time equivalent, 4 years)
• starting date August or September 2025
• participation in cutting-edge research projects 
• access to the state-of-the-art research infrastructure & equipment
• professional career development, soft skill and science courses offered within the PhD programme

• 5 weeks of paid holiday yearly (for 1 FTE)
• subsidized lunches in our own canteens
• working in a stable, prestigious research institution of international importance
• implemented European standards in human resources (HR Excellence in Research Award)
• English-speaking, stimulating and friendly environment
• work-life balance in a historical middle-sized university city offering options for outdoor and cultural activities
• free language classes (Czech for foreigners, English for Czechs)
• concessionary services at the contractual operator and bank
• availability of subsidized on-site childcare for children up to 3 years of age

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.

Please submit your (1) motivation letter and (2) CV including contacts of two referees via the REPLY button below by 15 March 2025.