New PhD position open in evolutionary immunology - Charles University, Prague
doc. RNDr. Michal Vinkler, Ph.D.
Dear colleagues,
The Evolutionary and Ecological Immunology (EEI) group at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, is opening a four-year funded PhD position in avian evolutionary immunology (deadline for applications: 6th April 2025).
I would be grateful if you could circulate the following advertisement at relevant fora or pass it to whom it may concern.
PhD project topic: “Immunological mechanism of host evolutionary adaptation to increasing virulence in a novel avian pathogen”
Despite their importance in predicting epidemiological trends, the molecular mechanisms of animal immunity evolution in response to infectious diseases remain mostly unknown. In the 1990s, a new strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) caused an epidemic of mycoplasma conjunctivitis in house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus), leading to significant population declines. Recent results obtained in collaboration with our American colleagues indicate that finches have adapted to MG by increasing tolerance rather than resistance, which in coevolution promotes pathogen virulence, contributing to its transmission. Our American colleagues have access to house finch individuals from different populations, and also viable historical isolates of MG (from the 1990s as well as recent) available for infection experiments. This doctoral project aims to:
1. Analyze gene expression changes during MG infection using transcriptomics.
2. Develop a sterile immunological model to identify key regulatory genes.
3. Experimentally test the effects of knocking down key immune molecules.
4. Compare inflammation-related gene variations across finch populations.
5. Investigate immune responses to different pathogen exposures.
This project is innovative in its interdisciplinary application of the modern -omics approaches and also in bridging the traditionally divided disciplines into evolutionary immunology, directing a new focus of infection biology.
Requirements:
Candidates should have a strong interest in avian evolutionary biology, immunology and molecular genetics. MSc degree in biology (immunology, zoology, genetics or related fields) and good English language skills are required. For the formal requirements, please check the university web page (https://natur.cuni.cz/en/admissions/doctoral-study/conditions-of-admission-procedure/programmes-with-commencement-in-october).
Offers:
We offer a funded PhD position for four years starting from 1st October 2025. The university rules guarantee that the student will receive at least 25000 CZK/month (equivalent of ca. 1000 EUR/month). Additional salary will be negotiated based on skills and results. The PhD student will be part of a young and enthusiastic interdisciplinary team (https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoology/eei). Despite close collaboration with several co-workers, the project allows independent intellectual input. Collaboration with Dana Hawley's research group (https://www.biol.vt.edu/faculty/hawley/index.html) opens the possibility of an internship at Virginia Tech, US. We expect at least three articles to be published in the course of the study in international peer-reviewed journals. Active participation at international scientific conferences will be encouraged and supported.
Application:
Applications are submitted through a Google form (https://forms.gle/ykPMJmJ5aNPeAg1a7). Applications delivered via postal service or e-mail will not be considered.
Links:
For further information see the EEI group web page (https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoology/eei/opportunities/), and the web of the Faculty of Science, Charles University (https://natur.cuni.cz/en/admissions/doctoral-study/menu) or contact Prof. Michal Vinkler at michal....@natur.cuni.cz (no applications).
We look forward to receiving your on-line application until 6th April 2025.
Kind regards,
Michal Vinkler
Tel.: +420 221 95 1845
E-mail: michal....@natur.cuni.cz
Katedra zoologie
Univerzita Karlova
Přírodovědecká fakulta
Viničná 7, 128 43 Praha 2
www.natur.cuni.cz
Department of Zoology
Charles University
Faculty of Science
Viničná 7, 128 43 Praha 2
www.natur.cuni.cz/en
doc. RNDr. Michal Vinkler, Ph.D.
Dear colleagues,
if you know about someone who might be interested, please share the information: LAST CHANCE TO APPLY for a four-year funded PhD position in avian evolutionary immunology in the Evolutionary and Ecological Immunology (EEI) group at the Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague (DEADLINE for applications POSTPONED to 9th April 2025). Here is the basic info (advertisement attached):
PhD project topic: “Immunological mechanism of host evolutionary adaptation to increasing virulence in a novel avian pathogen”
Submission of the initial application files: through a Google form (https://forms.gle/ykPMJmJ5aNPeAg1a7).
Links: the EEI group web page (https://web.natur.cuni.cz/zoology/eei/opportunities/), and the web of the Faculty of Science, Charles University (https://natur.cuni.cz/en/admissions/doctoral-study/menu) or contact Prof. Michal Vinkler at michal....@natur.cuni.cz.
Thank you, best wishes,
Michal