PhD Position in Comparative and Population Genomics of Butterflies at High Elevations

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to join our international team at the Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences. You will be part of an exciting research project aimed at understanding the evolution and adaptation of butterflies flying at high elevations. The goal of the PhD work is to infer signatures of selection in Pierini white butterflies evolving at high elevation in the tropical Andes, and to study population structure and (adaptive) differentiation along elevational gradients.

You will have the opportunity to generate new genome assemblies for white butterflies that are only found at 1,500–4,000 m in the Andes. The focus of the research is on Phulia and Leptophobia, two rapidly diversifying genera with high-elevation specialists of independent origins. Alongside this comparative approach, whole-genome resequencing data will allow inferring the population genomics and demographic history of species with broad elevational ranges (~2,300–3,800 m) to understand the roles of neutral and adaptive genomic differentiation along elevation in high tropical mountains.

You will benefit from international networking, hands-on bioinformatics training and research mobility thanks to our close collaboration with Lepidoptera genomics initiatives such as Project Psyche, LepEU, and the COST Action 10kLepGenomes, and working within a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Priority will be given to candidates who have co-authored at least one scientific publication (submitted or accepted). Experience with population genetics, bioinformatics and/or comparative genomics is advantageous for this position.

The applicant must have the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in biology or a related field (should be awarded before the starting date).
• Good communication skills in English, written and spoken.
• Independence in learning and working, with documented research productivity.

You will enroll in the PhD program (4 years) at the Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia (https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en). Funding consists of a combination of a research grant salary and a student stipend, fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic with a comfortable margin.

The position is based in Ceske Budejovice, a charming historical city in the south of the country, within easy reach of Prague and Vienna. Our working environment (Department of Ecology, Institute of Entomology) is highly diverse and international.

The application is submitted by e-mail to pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz and written in English. The following documents must be attached in one single PDF file:

• Cover letter, outlining your motivation, how your background and skills fit the project, and your potential plans within the research focus of this position (max. 2 pages).
• CV, including contact details of at least two referees familiar with your work.

The deadline for applications is September 11, 2026. The shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in English. The successful applicant is expected to begin in autumn 2026 (start date is flexible).

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Dr. Pável Matos-Maraví

Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences

Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic

Email: pavel.matos@entu.cas.cz

Web: pavelmatos.wordpress.com

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