Doctoral position in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology TOPIC: The role of parasites and microbiota in the success of invasive freshwater fishes Doctoral position for 4 years (starting September 2026) is available at the Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, located in Brno, Czech Republic. All applications submitted before 3 April 2026 will be fully considered. Selected candidates will be interviewed online. The study will be done in Ecological and Evolutionary Biology doctoral program. The doctoral project aims (1) to investigate the effects of invasive fish species on parasite and microbial communities of native fish species at the level of different host tissues, (2) to reveal interactions between parasites (including both ecto- and endoparasites) and microbiota in invasive and naturalized/native host species, and (3) to assess interactions between external microbiota diversity, host vulnerability to a single parasite infection and host overwintering under experimental conditions. Two fish systems will be used in this project (1) invasive gibel carp Carrasiusgibelio and naturalized economically important common carp Cyprinus carpio (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae), (2) invasive pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus and native European perch Perca fluviatilis and (Eupercaria). Field and experimental approaches will be used for realization. Microbiota (bacterial communities) will be analyzed using DNA metabarcoding. Selected candidate will work in the international Aquatic Parasitology group. One of the scientific topics of this group is the invasion biology of aquatic and semi-aquatic vertebrates, including the issue of co-introduction of non-native parasites and the transfer of pathogens to native species. The research also includes the study of hybrid zones (hybrid systems of fish and amphibians in southern Europe). In connection with the newly acquired project, the topics of invasion biology and microbial ecology are interconnected, in particular the study of the potential transfer of microorganisms in connection with biological invasions and their success. QUALIFICATIONS Master study in Biology or related discipline. We expect applications from candidates with a background in host-parasite ecology, evolution or fish parasitology. SCHOLARSHIP 25,000 CZK corresponding to 1,030 EUR per month is a scholarship provided by Masaryk University (this amount is sufficient for life in the Czech Republic) plus additional 15% in form of the working contract will be covered by the project funding. All research expenses will be covered from the project of the supervisor. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Feel free to consult through informal enquires by email to prof. Andrea Vetešníková Šimková, e-mail: simkova@sci.muni.cz (supervisor of the doctoral thesis). For formal applications, please submit a CV with explanations of your previous work and motivation to apply for this position in your Cover Letter (1-2 pages). You include the contacts for your former supervisors or coworkers. Submit your application until 3 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed online in April. Andrea Vetešníková Šimková (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)