Summary
The Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS), Institute of Entomology, is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Comparative and Population Genomics of Butterflies at High Elevations. The project focuses on understanding the evolution, adaptation, population structure, and genomic differentiation of white butterflies living at high elevations in the tropical Andes.
The successful candidate will work on Pierini white butterflies, particularly the genera Phulia and Leptophobia, which include high-elevation specialists and rapidly diversifying lineages. The research will combine comparative genomics, population genomics, whole-genome resequencing, bioinformatics, and evolutionary analyses.
The PhD program is for 4 years at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, with funding through a combination of research-grant salary and student stipend designed to fully cover living expenses in the Czech Republic.
PhD Scholarship in Comparative and Population Genomics of Butterflies at High Elevations
Scholarship Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | PhD Position |
| Research Area | Comparative & Population Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, Entomology |
| Research Subject | High-elevation butterflies of the tropical Andes |
| Host Institution | Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences |
| Institute | Institute of Entomology |
| PhD University | University of South Bohemia |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Location | České Budějovice, Czech Republic |
| Funding | Research grant salary + student stipend |
| Language | English |
| Application Deadline | September 11, 2026 |
| Expected Start | Autumn 2026; flexible |
| Application Method | |
| pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz |
Designation
PhD Student – Comparative and Population Genomics of Butterflies at High Elevations
Research Area
- Comparative Genomics
- Population Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Population Genetics
- Bioinformatics
- Entomology
- Butterfly Genomics
- Adaptation and Natural Selection
- Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics
- Conservation and Biodiversity
Location
Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences – Institute of Entomology
Branišovská 31, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
The PhD student will enroll in the 4-year PhD program at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia. České Budějovice is a historic city in southern Czechia with convenient access to Prague and Vienna.
The research environment within the Department of Ecology and Institute of Entomology is highly international, diverse, collaborative, and multidisciplinary.
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree in Biology or a related field. The degree must be completed before the PhD starting date.
- Good written and spoken English communication skills.
- Ability to work and learn independently.
- Demonstrated research productivity.
- Experience in population genetics, bioinformatics, and/or comparative genomics is advantageous.
- Candidates who have co-authored at least one scientific publication, either submitted or accepted, will receive priority.
Job Description
The selected PhD candidate will join an international research team investigating how butterflies evolve and adapt to high-elevation environments in the tropical Andes.
The primary research objectives include:
- Identifying genomic signatures of natural selection in Pierini white butterflies adapted to high elevations.
- Investigating population structure and adaptive differentiation along elevational gradients.
- Generating new genome assemblies for white butterfly species occurring between approximately 1,500 and 4,000 meters in the Andes.
- Studying the rapidly diversifying genera Phulia and Leptophobia.
- Conducting comparative genomic analyses of high-elevation specialists with independent evolutionary origins.
- Using whole-genome resequencing to investigate population genomics and demographic history.
- Examining species with broad elevational ranges of approximately 2,300–3,800 meters.
- Distinguishing neutral genomic differentiation from adaptive differentiation associated with elevation.
- Applying bioinformatics and genomic approaches to understand adaptation in high tropical mountains.
The student will also benefit from international networking, hands-on bioinformatics training, research mobility, and collaboration with Lepidoptera genomics initiatives including Project Psyche, LepEU, and COST Action 10kLepGenomes.
Funding / Scholarship Benefits
The PhD position provides financial support through a combination of:
- Research grant salary
- Student stipend
- Funding designed to fully cover living expenses in the Czech Republic with a comfortable margin
- International research networking opportunities
- Hands-on training in bioinformatics and genomics
- Opportunities for research mobility
- Collaboration with international Lepidoptera genomics initiatives
- Membership in a diverse and multidisciplinary research environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application by email in English to:
Dr. Pável Matos-Maraví
Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences
Email: pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz
The following documents must be combined into one single PDF file:
- Cover Letter – Maximum 2 pages, explaining:
- Your motivation for applying.
- How your academic background and skills fit the project.
- Your potential research plans within the focus of the PhD position.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Include contact details for at least two referees familiar with your work.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in English.
Last Date to Apply
September 11, 2026
Expected starting date: Autumn 2026, with some flexibility.
Contact
Dr. Pável Matos-Maraví
Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences
Branišovská 31
370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Email: pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz
Website: pavelmatos.wordpress.com
