PhD/MSc Position in Evolutionary Genomics of Amphizoic Microbial Eukaryotes Join our research team to explore the genomic and metabolic underpinnings of a rare and fascinating evolutionary phenomenon amphizoic lifestyle in microbial eukaryotes. We study Hexamita inflata, a unique unicellular flagellate (Diplomonada) that thrives both freely in aquatic sediments and inside animal hosts. This project combines fieldwork, single cell transcriptomics, comparative genomics, and experimental evolution to uncover how organisms switch between host-associated and free-living lifestyles an event exceptionally rare in nature. You will participate in: - Generating and analyzing genomic/transcriptomic data from natural populations and lab cultures - Investigating gene flow, expression patterns, and evolutionary pressures across habitats - Developing and applying cutting-edge methods in single cell biology and experimental evolution Start date: Flexible (2025). Duration: 4 years. Ideal candidates will have a background in evolutionary biology, parasitology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, or microbiology. Previous experience with omics data is a plus but not required. A PhD candidate has to hold a Master's degree, be at minimum conversational in English and have good communication and organisational skills. The position is fully funded. The minimum starting student net income will be ca 1,100 EUR/month sufficient to comfortably cover life expenses in Èeské Budìjovice. Additional salary will be negotiated based on skills and results. We expect several articles to be published in the course of the study in high quality journals. Active participation at international scientific conferences will be encouraged and supported. Our lab is based at the Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Èeské Budìjovice. The PhD/MSc studies will be performed at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia (https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en/study-at-the-faculty/information-for-phd-students). The Laboratory of Genomics and Diversity of Protists is a friendly and supportive environment of an international team. Èeské Budìjovice is a pleasant and safe mid-sized city of 100,000 people with relatively low living costs, situated in the South Bohemia region, less than 2 hour train ride from Prague. The BC CAS' campus is directly adjacent to the University of South Bohemia with an international student community. All questions and applications (CV + half-page motivation letter + contact details of 1-2 references) should be sent directly to Jan Brabec. Jan Brabec, PhD. (brabcak@paru.cas.cz) Laboratory of Genomics and Diversity of Protists Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Branišovská 31, Èeské Budìjovice, 37005 Czech Republic Brabec Jan (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)