PhD Position in Population Genomics of High-Elevation Butterflies

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 of the Czech Academy of Sciences. You will be part of an exciting research project aimed at understanding rapid evolution and adaptation in butterflies flying at high elevations. The goal of the PhD work is to infer signatures of genetic adaptation in Pierini white butterflies evolving at high elevation in the tropical Andes, and to study population structure and (adaptive) differentiation along elevational gradients.

You will have the opportunity to generate new genome assemblies for white butterflies that are only found at 1,500–4,000 m in the Andes. The focus of the research is on Phulia and Leptophobia, two rapidly diversifying genera with high-elevation specialists of independent origins. Alongside this comparative approach, whole-genome resequencing data will allow inferring the population genomics and demographic history of species with broad elevational ranges (~2,300–3,800 m) to understand the roles of neutral and adaptive genomic differentiation along elevation in high tropical mountains.

You will benefit from international networking, hands-on bioinformatics training and research mobility thanks to our close collaboration with Lepidoptera genomics initiatives such as Project Psyche, LepEU, and the COST Action 10kLepGenomes, and working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

• Master’s degree in biology or a related field (should be awarded before 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, bioinformatics and/or comparative genomics is advantageous for this position.

• 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

Position details: 

• You will enroll in the PhD program (4 years) at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia (https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en). Funding consists of a combination of a research grant salary and a student stipend, fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic with a comfortable margin.
• The deadline for applications is May 8, 2026. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview
  in English. The successful applicant is expected to begin in autumn 2026 (start date is flexible).

About the workplace:

The position is based 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).

Please send: 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) and CV, including contact details of at least two referees familiar with your work via the REPLY button below. The documents must be attached in one single PDF file.

For more information about this position, contact Dr. Pável Matos-Maraví (pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz)