Graduate position: BC-CAS_Czechia.ButterflyGenomicsHighElevations

PhD Position: Genomics of butterflies at high elevations

(Please, feel free to distribute to all potential candidates)

Closing date: May 8, 2026

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 in the tropical Andes, and to study population structure
and differentiation along elevational gradients.

You will have the opportunity to generate new genome assemblies and
whole-genome resequencing for 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.

You will benefit from international networking, hands-on training and
research mobility, working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary
team.

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.

Required qualifications:

Masters degree in biology or related fields (awarded
before start).

Good communication skills in English.

Independence and documented research productivity.

Funding and Environment:

The position is fully funded through a combination of research
grant salary and student stipend. The PhD program (4 years)
is based at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia
(https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en).

The research facility at the Biology Centre CAS
(https://www.entu.cas.cz/en/) 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.

How to apply:

Send your application in English to pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz, consisting
of one single PDF containing the following:

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 May 8, 2026. The top ranked candidates
will be selected for an interview in English. The start date is expected
in autumn 2026 (Czechia).

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Pavel Matos-Maravi

Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences
Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
Email: pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz
Web: https://pavelmatos.wordpress.com/

Matos Maravi Pavel Fortunato <pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz>

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