PhD Position in Insect Molecular Biology and Immunology

Institute of Entomology

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

Laboratory of Developmental Genetics

Employment contract

Viral infections are found in virtually all honey bee colonies worldwide. Together with the parasitic mite Varroa, they are considered the main causes of honey bee colony losses. Research has focused primarily on the Deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been well characterized in terms of its pathogenicity. However, methods for treating viral infections of honey bees or preventing their development are still insufficiently explored. While beekeepers have access to a wide range of commercially available substances to suppress Varroa mites, there is currently no reliable procedure or commercial application for controlling viral infections in honey bees.

The results of our previous research show that extracts from certain fungi and plants exhibit antiviral effects against honey bee viruses. However, it is necessary to identify the active compounds responsible for these antiviral effects and to find a suitable carrier that enables sufficient uptake of these substances by the bee organism. The most advantageous approach to prevent viral infections would be the development of an effective vaccination method for honey bees. Although vaccination in insects was until recently considered impossible, recent findings suggest otherwise and open an exciting research avenue.

PhD project description

As part of the PhD programme, we offer a project focused on three interconnected objectives:

1. To test selected natural compounds for their antiviral activity using three screening systems: cell lines, Drosophila and honey bees. The subsequent goal is to identify the active substances through fractionation.
2. To investigate the antiviral effects of hyaluronic acid and to use its advanced carrier systems for effective delivery of antiviral compounds. In collaboration with the Czech company Contipro.
3. To develop innovative glucan microparticles for vaccination and stimulation of antiviral immunity in honey bees.

Basic research project with a strong emphasis on practical application and potential commercialization.

Why to join us?

• A project with real meaning and practical impact
• You will help bees and the planet
• An interdisciplinary approach
• Collaboration with the leading Czech company Contipro
• Funding secured for the full duration of the PhD studies

• A Master’s degree in molecular biology/zoology
• Enthusiasm for science and for bees
• Ability to think independently and work with scientific literature
• Good communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• No fear of bees. We will teach you everything else… Previous experience with bees is still very welcome.

• 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

About the study and funding

Fully funded PhD position (4 years). The successful candidate will receive a university PhD scholarship and a salary from the project from the employer (Biology Centre CAS), sufficient to cover living expenses in the Czech Republic.

Language of the programme: Czech or English. Information for PhD students here.

Collaborative nature of the project between:

• Laboratory of honey bee biology (Alena Krejčí) and Laboratory of insect immunometabolism (Adam Bajgar), University of South Bohemia (USB), Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics in České Budějovice
• Biology centre, Czech Academy of Sciences in České Budějovice (Laboratory of developmental genetics)
• Contipro company, Dolní Dobrouč

About the employer

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).

Please send your CV and a motivation letter via the REPLY button below by 21 February 2026.

Informal inquiries can be directed to Dr. Alena Krejčí (akrejci@prf.jcu.cz).