Job Description

Ph.D. Student Position at the Department of Invasion Ecology (M/F/D)

Starting date:                 1 January 2026

Duration:                        1 year (with the possibility of extension)

Location:                        Průhonice, Czech Republic

Type of contract:           temporary

Application deadline:   2 November 2025

Are you interested in understanding global patterns of biodiversity evolution and building your career as
an evolutionary biologist? We invite applications for a Ph.D. position on this topic.
Project description: The project will broadly investigate how genome size and polyploidy influence the
evolution of functional traits, adaptation, and diversification in angiosperms. By integrating large scale trait
datasets, genomics, phylogenetics and evolutionary theories, with opportunities to work both on living
collections and herbarium specimen, the project will address key questions in angiosperm macroevolution.
Main activities and duties:
We are looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. student with a strong interest in the diversity, evolution and
ecology of angiosperms. The student will conduct research that combines the collection of trait, genome
size and chromosomal data from living collections and herbarium specimen, the integration of large-scale
datasets from diverse databases, and the application of cutting-edge statistical and phylogenetic
comparative methods to test hypotheses in plant macroevolution.
Required qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Plant Sciences (Botany), Evolutionary Biology, Ecology or a related
  field
• Solid background in plant biology (e.g., systematics, evolution, cytogenomics, ecology)
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with statistical analyses and
  programming (preferably in R or Python)
• Strong written and spoken English skills (language certificate not required)
  Desirable skills
• Experience in working with large datasets and databases
• Familiarity with phylogenetic methods and comparative approaches in evolutionary biology
• Experience with cytological techniques and functional trait measurement in plants
• Experience in fieldwork or greenhouse experiments and working with herbarium collections
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, international environment
• Prior experience in scientific writing and/or publishing is considered beneficial
  Applications should include:
• CV (with standard details, research interests, previous experiences, list of publications [if any], and
  contact information of two referees)
• Motivation letter
  
  We offer: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to receive mentorship and to develop their
  scientific career in evolutionary biology. You will join the newly established Plant Evolutionary Ecology
  group led by Dr. Sreetama Bhadra in the Department of Invasion Ecology, and work in an internationally
  collaborative team and friendly environment of the Department and the Institute. The Institute is well-
  equipped for the studies planned within the project.
  The contract includes benefits such as:
• Competitive salary
• Flexible working hours
• 25 days of vacation (when working full-time)
• 5 sick days (when working full-time)
• Lump sum meal allowance
• Pension scheme
  Selection process: Candidates will be evaluated based on their CV and other information provided.
  Application deadline: 2 November 2025
  Send applications to: recruitment@ibot.cas.cz, subject “Ph.D. Student Position 1001”
  Starting date (negotiable): 1 January 2026
  Duration: 1 year (with the possibility of extension)
  Location: Průhonice, Czech Republic
  Additional information: If you have any questions regarding the application, please send an informal email
  to Dr. Sreetama Bhadra (sreetama.bhadra@ibot.cas.cz). To apply please always use the
  recruitment@ibot.cas.cz email address.
  CZECH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
  With almost 10,000 employees more than half of whom are researchers with university degrees, the Czech
  Academy of Sciences is the largest research-performing institution in the Czech Republic.
  The primary mission of the Academy and its 54 institutes, including the Institute of Botany, is to conduct
  basic research in a broad spectrum of natural, technical, and social sciences and the humanities.
  Researchers also participate in education, particularly through doctoral study programmes for young
  researchers and by teaching at universities. The Academy fosters collaboration with applied research and
  industry.
  To find out more, please visit the website: Czech Academy of Sciences
  INSTITUTE OF BOTANY
  The Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences is an international institute with over 150
  researchers and is one of the main centres of botanical research in the Czech Republic and carries out
  fundamental research on plant species, populations, and communities. It offers researchers an excellent
  environment for field research, common garden, and laboratory experiments as well as laboratory
  analyses.