Ph.D. Position in Reproductive Biology: The Center of Plant Structural and Functional Genomics, Institute of Experimental Botany in Olomouc, Czechia, invites applications for a Ph.D. position to study the genetic and developmental consequences of ploidy transitions in barley seeds. The project focuses on understanding how ploidy changes affect embryo and endosperm development and aims to generate a detailed cytological and developmental atlas of barley seed formation.
Ph.D. Position in Barley Reproductive Biology, Polyploidy & Seed Development
Designation: Ph.D. Student
Research Area: Plant Biology, Genetics, Barley Seed Development, Polyploidy
Location: Olomouc, Czechia
Eligibility/Qualification:
- MSc (or equivalent) in Plant Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, or related fields
- Strong interest in cytogenetics, microscopy, and developmental plant biology
Job Description:
The Ph.D. student will:
- Establish experimental frameworks to analyze seed development in diploid, triploid, and tetraploid barley lines
- Develop a triploid inducer line and generate stable tetraploid barley lines
- Conduct polyploid induction and verification via flow cytometry
- Perform genome editing (CRISPR/Cas) and create reporter lines
- Analyze seed histology, developmental staging, and cell-type-specific changes using advanced microscopy
- Utilize assisted image analysis and data visualization tools
- Gain professional skills including scientific writing, public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving
Supervisor/Host:
Dr. Anna Nowicka, Senior Scientist, Plant Chromatin Organization and Function Group, led by Prof. A. Pecinka. Dr. Nowicka specializes in chromatin organization and cereal seed development, integrating cytogenetics, flow cytometry, advanced microscopy, and transcriptomics.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should email 3 CVs and 3 brief motivation letters (POF) to pecinka@emal.cam with the subject line: PRO. Seed Development.
Important Details:
- Selection starts immediately and continues until the position is filled
- Expected start date: 1 September 2026
- Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted
- Competitive salary according to EB CAS rules, including social and health insurance, and 25 days of vacation
Keywords: Plants, Seeds, Polyploidy, Microscopy, Image Analysis, Barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Group Website: https://olomouc.ueb.cas.cz/en/research-groups/pecinka-group
