Website Palacký University Olomouc (Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci)
Offer Description
Project description
How do plants decide when to grow, pause, or reprogram their metabolism under stress? In our lab, we explore the “decision-making language” of plants – with a focus on cytokinins, their signalling networks, transport routes, and the downstream developmental and stress responses they control.
Importantly, cytokinin signalling is not confined to plants. Cytokinins appear to be part of a broader, cross-kingdom chemical vocabulary, as several microbes can also produce these growth regulators. Among this project’s aims is to better characterize cytokinin root transporters that may contribute to the communication between microbes and plants.
Key approaches may include:
- genetic and molecular dissection of hormone transport/signalling modules
- reporter lines and quantitative imaging, including confocal microscopy
- transcriptomics and proteomics with integrative data interpretation/model building
- targeted hormone-related + tracer-based approaches.
Tasks and responsibilities
You will:
- design and conduct experiments in Arabidopsis and barley
- perform molecular cloning and genome engineering (CRISPR/Cas), qPCR, and work with reporter lines
- carry out phenotyping, imaging, and hormone-related assays/tracing
- contribute to transcriptomic/proteomic experiments and integrative analysis
- present results, write manuscripts, and build a clear biological model
Where to apply
Requirements
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in plant biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or related fields
- solid practical skills in molecular biology and/or plant experimental work
- good written and spoken English
- motivation for a PhD and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Desirable (nice to have)
- experience with confocal microscopy, plant transformation, or reporter-based imaging
- basic data analysis skills (R/Python), statistics, or omics/bioinformatics
- prior experience with hormone biology/plant signalling/transport
Level: Good
Additional Information
- Fully funded PhD project supported by a GAČR grant (basic research funding)
- a project that can be shaped to your strengths, with supportive supervision and international collaborations
- access to modern infrastructure at the Faculty of Science and the broader LGR environment
- a stimulating research setting in the historic university city of Olomouc
Please send a single PDF including
- CV
- short motivation letter (max 1–2 pages)
- summary of MSc thesis/research experience (optional but encouraged)
- copy of degree certificate and transcript of records (if available at the time of application)
- contact details for 1–2 referees
by email toondrej.plihal@upol.cz.
Deadline: applications are welcome until the position is filled.
Applications are welcome from candidates worldwide; applicants currently based in the EU may find administrative onboarding simpler.
About the research group
The PhD student will join the Molecular Mechanisms of Plant Growth and Development group within the Laboratory of Growth Regulators. The group combines molecular plant biology with advanced analytical approaches, and is equipped with modern infrastructure, including high-resolution confocal microscopy and controlled growth facilities suitable for GMO work.
Contact
- City: Olomouc
- Website: https://www.upol.cz/en/, https://www.prf.upol.cz/en/
- Street: Křížkovského 8
- Postal Code: 77147
- E-Mail: ondrej.plihal@upol.cz
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