Graduate position at Charles University Prague focused on avian
evolutionary immunology

The Evolutionary and Ecological Immunology (EEI) group at the Faculty of
Science, Charles University, Prague, is opening a four-year funded PhD
position in avian evolutionary immunology (deadline for applications:
6th April 2025).

PhD project topic: ?Immunological mechanism of host evolutionary
adaptation to increasing virulence in a novel avian pathogen?

Despite their importance in predicting epidemiological trends, the
molecular mechanisms of animal immunity evolution in response to
infectious diseases remain mostly unknown. In the 1990s, a new strain
of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) caused an epidemic of mycoplasma
conjunctivitis in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), leading to
significant population declines. Recent results obtained in collaboration
with our American colleagues indicate that finches have adapted to MG
by increasing tolerance rather than resistance, which in coevolution
promotes pathogen virulence, contributing to its transmission. Our
American colleagues have access to house finch individuals from different
populations, and also viable historical isolates of MG (from the 1990s
as well as recent) available for infection experiments. This doctoral
project aims to:

1. Analyze gene expression changes during MG infection using transcriptomics.
2. Develop a sterile immunological model to identify key regulatory genes.
3. Experimentally test the effects of knocking down key immune molecules.
4. Compare inflammation-related gene variations across finch populations.
5. Investigate immune responses to different pathogen exposures.
This project is innovative in its interdisciplinary application of the
modern -omics approaches and also in bridging the traditionally divided
disciplines into evolutionary immunology, directing a new focus of
infection biology.

Requirements:
Candidates should have a strong interest in avian evolutionary
biology, immunology and molecular genetics. MSc degree in
biology (immunology, zoology, genetics or related fields)
and good English language skills are required. For the
formal requirements, please check the university web page
(https://natur.cuni.cz/en/admissions/doctoral-study/conditions-of-admission-procedure/programmes-with-commencement-in-october).

Offers:
We offer a funded PhD position for four years starting from 1st October
2025. The university rules guarantee that the student will receive at
least 25000 CZK/month (equivalent of ca. 1000 EUR/month). Additional
salary will be negotiated based on skills and results. The PhD
student will be part of a young and enthusiastic interdisciplinary
team (https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoology/eei). Despite close
collaboration with several co-workers, the project allows independent
intellectual input. Collaboration with Dana Hawley's research group
(https://www.biol.vt.edu/faculty/hawley/index.html) opens the possibility
of a research visit to Virginia Tech, US. We expect at least three
articles to be published in the course of the study in international
peer-reviewed journals. Active participation at international scientific
conferences will be encouraged and supported.

Application:
Applications are submitted through a Google form
(https://forms.gle/ykPMJmJ5aNPeAg1a7). Applications delivered via postal
service or e-mail will not be considered.

Links:
For further information see the EEI group web page
(https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoology/eei/opportunities/),
and the web of the Faculty of Science, Charles University
(https://natur.cuni.cz/en/admissions/doctoral-study/menu) or contact
Prof. Michal Vinkler at michal.vinkler@natur.cuni.cz (no applications).

We look forward to receiving your online application until 6th April 2025.

Kind regards,

Michal Vinkler

doc. RNDr. Michal Vinkler, PhD

Head of the Department of Zoology
Faculty of Science, Charles University
Vinicna 7, CZ 128 44 Praha 2
Czech Republic, EU

Laboratory for Evolutionary and Ecological Immunology
Animal Evolutionary Biology Unit

tel: +420221951845
e-mail: michal.vinkler@natur.cuni.cz

Michal Vinkler <vinkler1@natur.cuni.cz>

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