Fixed-term
PhD position: Cytokinin trafficking & signalling in plants
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 E-mail ondrej.plihal@upol.cz Requirements Research FieldBiological sciences » BiologyEducation LevelMaster Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications 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 Languages: ENGLISH Level: Good Additional Information Benefits 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 Selection process 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. Additional comments 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
Assistant Professor for Mendeleum
Assistant Professor for Mendeleum – Department of Genetics Academic Position at Mendel University- Mendeleum -Department of Genetics, Faculty of Horticulture Research Area: plant mycology, molecular genetics, microscopy, bioinformatics The focus of the research lies in the area of plant biotechnology, where molecular genetics methods are utilized for the protection of selected horticultural species, inbreeding or tissue cultures for invitro propagation and plant testing. Genomic studies are primarily aimed at grapevines, with a lesser focus on other plant species significant for the sphere of professional horticultural practice and research conducted at the faculty. In the field of plant protection, great attention is paid to the study of fungal diseases of grapevines, bacterial diseases of vegetables, particularly from the families Brassicaceae and Apiaceae, as well as viral diseases. An important part of the research also includes seeking alternative ways in plant protection(nanoparticles, substances based on natural materials, antagonistic microorganisms, etc.). What will your job responsibilities be? teaching the subjects Applied Mycology and Bioinformatics in Master’s study programs conducting laboratory and bioinformatics exercises(cultivation of fungi, molecular methods, sequencing data analysis, database work) leading lectures and exercises in both Czech and English preparing and updating study materials, syllabi, presentations, and practical exercises supervising and reviewing student theses providing expert consultations for students and supporting their independent research activity implementing modern teaching methods and digital tools into the education process preparing and managing grant projects(national and international) participating in scientific research activities in the field of applied mycology, phytopathology, genomics, and bioinformatics collaborating with domestic and foreign research institutions and industrial partners publishing results in professional and scientific journals and presenting at conferences, workshops, and seminars What do we expect from you? a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in mycology, bioinformatics, or a related field excellent knowledge of Czech and English experience in teaching in both Czech and English experience in supervising student theses at least in the role of consultant at least3years of experience in scientific research work in the field active participation in scientific projects publications-at least5publications in subject-specific journals (Jimp) developing international collaborations What research experience do we require? cultivation techniques-at least3years of practice PCR-based biotechnologies – at least3years of practice project experience-at least2submitted national scientific projects as a principal investigator What would we additionally appreciate? driver’s license category B experience in bioinformatics-proof in any form What can we offer you? 8weeks of vacation support for work-life balance an ITIC card, which allows you to access various discounts after three years of employment, contributions to selected retirement savings products and long-term care insurance working in an institution that has received the HR Excellence in Research Award from the European Commission Expected start date:April2026 Duration of employment: fixed term of3years with the possibility of extension Workload:0.2 (8hours per week) Place of work: Lednice Are you interested and would you like to become part of Mendel University-Department of Genetics at the Faculty of Horticulture? Apply for the selection process by 20thFebruary 2026, and send us: professional CV cover letter list of publications (Jimp) overview of bioinformatics experience-in any format How do our selection processes work? orlz.mendelu.cz/jak-u-nas-probihaji-vyberova-rizeni We look forward to seeing you! Place of work: Valtická 337, Lednice 69144, Jihomoravský kraj, CZ Education: College / University Employment: Part-time job Contact name: Miroslava Viktorinová Contact phone number: +420 519 367 208 Contact email: miroslava.viktorinova@mendelu.cz