At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct experiments on freshwater snails and analyse ecological data.
- Company: University of South Bohemia, a vibrant research community.
- Benefits: Fully funded PhD position with a scholarship and part-time employment.
- Why this job: Join an interdisciplinary project and make a real impact on ecosystem research.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in relevant fields and experience with lab experiments.
- Other info: Relaxed city environment with excellent access to Prague and Vienna.
The predicted salary is between 1000 - 1500 ÂŁ per month.
We are seeking a PhD student to join our team for a newly funded three-year interdisciplinary project: Global change, freshwater snails and ecosystem effects: Will smaller invasive species dominate?
Project Overview
The project will investigate the mechanisms and effects of species invasions along environmental gradients and their consequences for community- and ecosystem-level responses, using native and invasive freshwater snails as a model system. The project builds on our previous modelling studies and will utilise our on-site mesocosm facility. International collaborators include Assoc. Prof. Pavel Kratina (QMUL, London, UK), Dr. Arnaud Sentis (INRAE, Aix-en-Provence, France) and Prof. Otto Seppälä (University of Innsbruck, Austria).
You will be primarily involved in the experimental part of the project. Your responsibilities will include:
- Maintaining snails in the laboratory and conducting experiments to test their responses to warming and eutrophication.
- Participating in field sampling and mesocosm experiments.
- Analyzing ecological data (e.g., in R).
- Writing scientific manuscripts and presenting findings at conferences.
This is a fully funded PhD position (4 years). The PhD can start between April and September 2026, with an earlier starting date preferred. You will receive a university PhD scholarship and part-time employment on the project. The total monthly income, starting at ~32,000 CZK in the first year (~1,330 EUR, plus health insurance and pension contributions), is sufficient to cover local living costs.
Required Qualifications for the PhD Position
- Master’s degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, limnology, or a related field.
- Experience with laboratory experiments and culturing organisms; prior work with freshwater snails or other macroinvertebrates is preferred.
- Experience with R or similar tools for ecological data analysis is beneficial.
- The working environment is international; excellent communication skills in English are essential.
How to Apply
Please send an email with the subject “PhD Application – Snails Project” to Prof. David Boukal and attach a single PDF containing the following:
- CV
- Cover letter describing your motivation and relevant experience
- Contact details for 2–3 referees
- Writing sample: thesis chapter, report, or publication.
Application deadline: extended until 15 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed shortly after. The selected PhD candidate will then submit a formal application to the Faculty of Science at USB, followed by faculty-level interviews.
Host institution: University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Science, Department of Ecosystem Biology. České Budějovice is a relaxed city of ~100,000 inhabitants and is within easy reach of Prague and Vienna. The campus brings together the University and several research institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, offering access to a vibrant research community and numerous modern facilities.
PhD position in Invasion Ecology & Global Change in London employer: EURAXESS Czech Republic
Contact Detail:
EURAXESS Czech Republic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD position in Invasion Ecology & Global Change in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former PhD students in the field of invasion ecology. They can give you insider tips on the application process and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with the research team's previous work and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just interested, but invested!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile and connect with professionals in your field. Share relevant articles or insights to showcase your passion for environmental science and ecology.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD position in Invasion Ecology & Global Change in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for invasion ecology and how your background aligns with the project. We want to see your personality and motivation, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When listing your experience, focus on what’s most relevant to the PhD position. Highlight any work with freshwater snails or similar organisms, and don’t forget to mention your skills in R or data analysis. We love seeing how you can contribute to our team!
Keep it Professional but Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, we also want to get to know you! Use a friendly tone in your writing sample and cover letter. Share your journey in ecology and why this project excites you. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Follow Application Instructions Carefully: Make sure to follow the application instructions to the letter. Attach all required documents in a single PDF and use the specified email subject line. We’re excited to hear from you, so let’s make sure everything is in order when you apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Czech Republic
✨Know Your Snails!
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of freshwater snails and their ecological roles. Familiarise yourself with the specific species you'll be working with and any recent studies related to them. This will show your genuine interest in the project and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with laboratory experiments and data analysis, especially using R. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully conducted experiments or analysed ecological data. This will demonstrate your practical skills and how they align with the PhD position.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the project, the team, and the research environment at the University of South Bohemia. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your English
Since the working environment is international, ensure your English communication skills are sharp. Practice discussing your research interests and experiences in English, as this will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.