PhD position - "Tracing the alternative nuclear genetic codes in non-model eukaryotes" PhD project description: For reasons that are still unclear, ciliates serve as an evolutionary hotspot for the emergence of various genetic code aberrations. The aim of the proposed PhD project is to reconstruct the evolution of the most common variant of alternative nuclear genetic code in ciliates and eukaryotes, where UAA and UAG codons encode an amino acid instead of translation termination. In collaboration with the Laboratory of RNA Biology of Protists (Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences), a student will reveal underlying mechanisms behind this major change of how information in the sequence of mRNA is translated into the protein. What we offer: A 4-year Ph.D. position is available under the Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. The position is funded by the Czech Science Fundation (full-time salary, attendance of scientific meetings, research) and includes also a scholarship for PhD students. Application process: We are looking for candidates with a strong interest in microbiology, evolution, and molecular biology. They should have experience or interest in learning some basic bioinformatics. They should be fluent in English (written and spoken) with good communication and organisational skills. The successful candidate has to hold a Master's degree in Biology before they start the PhD study. To apply, please send a cover letter explaining your background, skills, and motivation for this position, your CV, and contact details of at least one academic reference willing to provide a recommendation. Please submit your application before March 31, 2025 to tomas.panek@natur.cuni.cz. Research Interests of our lab: We combine in silico approaches with genome/transcriptome sequencing and advanced electron microscopy to characterize novel deep-branching lineages of microbial eukaryotes, their metabolism, cellular and molecular peculiarities. OUR WEB: https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoologie/panek/research/ OUR PUBLICATIONS: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=cs&user=XtWBV9MAAAAJ The PhD position starts on 1st October 2025. We look forward to receiving your application! Tomá¹ Pánek, Ph.D. Lab Head Laboratory of Comparative Genomics of Microbial Eukaryotes Department of Zoology Faculty of Science Charles University Vinicna 7, Prague 2, 128 43 Czech Republic (Czechia) Mgr. Tomá¹ Pánek, Ph.D. Tel.: +420 221 95 1072 E-mail: tomas.panek@natur.cuni.cz Department of Zoology; Faculty of Science Charles University in Prague Faculty of Science Vinièná 7, 128 43 Praha 2 www.natur.cuni.cz/en "Mgr. Tomá¹ Pánek" (to subscribe/unsubscribe the EvolDir send mail to golding@mcmaster.ca)