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- 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 field 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 (dboukal@prf.jcu.cz) 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 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
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the research team! Before your interview, check out their recent publications and projects. This will not only help you understand their work better but also give you some great talking points during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for this PhD position. Highlight your experience with freshwater snails and data analysis in R, and don’t forget to show your passion for invasion ecology!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past students from the University of South Bohemia. They can provide insider tips on the application process and what to expect during your time there.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always here to help if you have any questions along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD position in Invasion Ecology & Global Change
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 motivation and relevant experience come through clearly.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the PhD position. We’re looking for your lab experience, especially with freshwater snails or similar organisms, so make that stand out!
Include a Writing Sample: A writing sample is crucial for us to gauge your ability to communicate scientific ideas. Choose a thesis chapter, report, or publication that showcases your best work and is relevant to the research area.
Follow Application Instructions: Make sure to follow the application instructions to the letter! Send your email with the correct subject line and attach everything in a single PDF. We appreciate attention to detail, and it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
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 relevant studies, especially those mentioned in the job description. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the project.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight your experience with laboratory experiments and data analysis, particularly using R. Be ready to discuss specific projects or tasks where you've successfully applied these skills. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can contribute to the research team's goals.
✨Prepare for Interdisciplinary Questions
Since this position involves interdisciplinary research, expect questions that bridge organismal biology and community ecology. Think about how your background connects these fields and prepare examples of how you've worked across disciplines in the past.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
You'll likely need to present findings at conferences, so practice explaining your previous research clearly and concisely. Consider preparing a short presentation on a relevant topic to showcase your communication skills and ability to engage an audience.
