PhD student in microbial ecology in dryland areas of the Himalayas

A full-time PhD position is open at the Institute of Botany, CAS in Budweis, Czechia to study the rhizosphere microbiome of Himalayan plants using meta-omics techniques.

A full-time PhD position is open at the Institute of Botany, CAS in Budweis, Czechia to study the rhizosphere microbiome of Himalayan plants using meta-omics techniques.

 

Understanding the ecological links between above- and below-ground biota is crucial for understanding ecosystem functions and predicting the impact of climate change on biodiversity. Our knowledge of plant-microbe interactions comes mostly from productive environments. The negative impacts of ongoing climate change are mitigated through active management, which often alters the relationships between plants and their associated microbes. However, natural ecosystems such as high-elevation mountains with stressful environments are often early indicators of changing climate, but knowledge on plant-microbe interactions is scarce. These rapid changes cause shifts in plant distributions, vegetation cover and ecosystem functioning. Yet, it remains unknown what role root-associated bacteria and archaea play in helping these plants flourish in the harsh environment and spread to previously unvegetated sites. The project aims to study the root-associated microbial communities of the highest growing vascular plants on Earth and elucidate their role in climate-induced processes of upward plant migrations, distributional shifts and vegetation changes.

 

We are looking for a motivated person, capable of independent and teamwork, eager to learn new things and push her/his scientific career forward. This person is required to have:

  • M.Sc. in Biological Sciences, preferably microbiology.
  • Experience with field and molecular lab work.
  • Experience with Linux, bioinformatics and scripting languages will be favourably considered but is not essential.
  • Excellent English communication skills (spoken and written).
  • Consent to work in hard field conditions of the Himalayas is obligatory.

We offer an attractive and collaborative working environment with connections to international and national research institutions.

  • Gross monthly income 24,000 CZK covering all living costs in the designated locality.

The contract includes additional benefits such as health insurance, food vouchers, flexible working hours, 25 days of holidays. ( https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Ceske-Budejovice )

  • Bonus payments for publications.
  • Project budget for conference and workshop visits.

 

The position is open starting March 1st 2021 with a duration of 3 years.

Deadline for applications:  31st of January 2021.

 

Applications are accepted via email with the subject Himalaya_ISME PhD to the principal investigator Klara Rehakova (krehakova@email.cz):

  • Motivation letter, including your previous work experience and skills, and a clear explanation of your fit for the project, is required.
  • CV including your publication record and any other relevant outputs (code repositories, reports, your personal website, etc.).
  • The names and contact information to two professional references.

 

About the locations

The workplace is Třeboň located in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic for more info see www.butbn.cas.cz and www.ibot.cas.cz

The university location and the place where most of the students live is České Budějovice. It is a medium-sized city ca. 150 km south of Prague with 100,000 inhabitants, a relaxed atmosphere, and a growing community of foreign scientists at the University and the Biology Centre. Three faculties and five research institutes dealing with aquatic and terrestrial biota are located on the same campus, allowing easy access to other researchers and resources. Both the town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. Living costs are low as compared to international standards. Czech language courses are offered for international staff to reach a basic level of proficiency in everyday situations.

More informations: https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en

https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Ceske-Budejovice 

Application deadline:
Start date: Flexible
Location: Třeboň, Czechia