PhD Position in Butterfly Conservation Genomics

Institute of Entomology

Department of Ecology

Laboratory of Molecular Ecology and Phylogenetics

Employment contract

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our international team at the Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences. You will be part of an exciting research project on population and comparative genomics of threatened butterflies in the Czech Republic. The goal of the PhD position is to quantify the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity and adaptive potential of butterflies associated with one of the most species-rich yet highly threatened biotopes in Europe – dry grasslands and steppes.

You will have the opportunity to carry out fieldwork across the Czech Republic and work closely with local managers and with the Czech Nature Conservation Agency. New whole-genome sequencing data will be mapped to chromosome-level reference genomes provided by our partners at Project Psyche (https://www.projectpsyche.org/). Access to continental-scale field samples and standardized population genomics protocols will be provided by our collaborators at the European Population Genomics Consortium – LepEU (https://lepeu.github.io/).

Multiple avenues for international networking, hands-on training and mobility will be available. Our research team is part of the 10kLepGenomes COST Action (chaired by Prof. Niklas Wahlberg, Lund University, Sweden; https://10klepgenomes.eu/) and close collaborators in this project include Prof. Mark Blaxter and Dr. Joana Meier (Wellcome Sanger Institute, UK), Dr. Kay Lucek (University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland) and Prof. Chris Wheat (Stockholm University, Sweden).

The applicant must have the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology or related fields (must be awarded prior to the starting date).
• Good communication skills in English, written and spoken.
• Independence in learning and working, with documented research productivity.

Priority will be given to candidates who have co-authored at least one scientific publication (submitted or accepted). Experience with population genetics, comparative genomics and/or the analysis of genomic data using bioinformatics protocols is advantageous.

• 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

It is expected that you will enroll into the PhD program (4 years) at the Faculty of Sciences, University of South Bohemia (https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en). Funding consists of a combination of research grant salary and student stipend, fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic, with a comfortable margin. 
The research facility is in Ceske Budejovice, a charming historical city in the south of the country, within easy reach of Prague and Vienna. Our working environment (Department of Ecology, Institute of Entomology) is highly diverse and international.

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).

Are you interested in the offer? Send us your application through the REPLY button below. The application must be written in English. The following documents must be attached in one single PDF file:
• Cover letter, outlining your motivation, how your background and skills fit the project, and your potential plans within the research focus of this position (max. 2 pages). 
• CV, including contact details of at least two referees familiar with your work.

The deadline for applications is September 23, 2025. The top ranked candidates will be selected for an interview in English. The successful applicant is expected to begin in autumn 2025 (start date is flexible).

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz.