We are opening a new PhD position !

PhD Studentship in Plant-Herbivore Ecology:  
Global trends in phytochemical diversity and plant-herbivore interactions​

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates to join the prestigious JUNIOR STAR project funded by the Czech Science Foundation, aimed at exploring the global drivers of phytochemical diversity. This project investigates the fascinating diversity of plant metabolites by analysing how various aspects of chemical diversity correlate with biotic and abiotic stress factors on the global scale. To test our hypotheses, we focus on the Salicaceae family that represents a unique model system, being globally distributed in diverse environments. Using advanced metabolomics techniques, we will dissect the chemical profiles of Salicaceae species and assess various dimensions of their chemical diversity across latitudes and continents. We will explore how these dimensions govern interactions with both biotic and abiotic factors. This project will reveal the ecological processes that maintain chemical diversity and generate the seemingly endless number specialized metabolites that allow plants to thrive on our planet.​

This highly interdisciplinary research combines fieldwork in diverse locations worldwide (Europe, USA, Panama, Cameroon, Japan) with advanced laboratory work using cutting-edge techniques in metabolomics, biostatistics, and bioinformatics. The aims include analysing the chemical diversity of leaf metabolomes and exploring how it shapes interactions between plants and insect herbivore communities in tropical and temperate ecosystems. Additionally, we plan to conduct field experiments to investigate how plants use infochemicals and their diversity to attract the natural enemies of their herbivores in various environments. Through these approaches, the successful candidate will help reveal global trends in plant chemical strategies and their effects on multitrophic interactions and chemical communication among plants, insect herbivores, and their predators.
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We are looking for candidates that have

• A MSc degree (non-negotiable requirement for PhD program eligibility)
  • A strong interest in chemical and community ecology of plants and insects
  • Ability to work in demanding field conditions
  • Basic experience working in molecular biology or analytical chemistry laboratories
  • Excellent biostatistical skills
  • Experience in bioinformatics (optional)
  • Fluent spoken and written English
  • Ability to work independently
  • A driver’s license (optional but highly recommended)

 
The successful applicant will join the Ecology Department at the Institute of Entomology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Science (web) and the Zoology Department of the University of South Bohemia (web). The PhD study will be supervised by Dr. Martin Volf (web). The candidate will live in Ceske Budejovice (Czech Republic) (web) where the studies will take place and conduct fieldwork and research stays in Europe and overseas. Our department is a diverse, international team studying ecology, evolution and biogeography, and a world-class centre for interaction network research with regular publications in leading journals.
The deadline for applications is December 9th 2024. The best candidates will be interviewed in mid-December. The successful applicant is expected to start on April 1st 2025 (later start date negotiable). This five-year project offers a scholarship fully covering living expenses in the Czech Republic for the full standard duration of the PhD studies. Applicants from all countries are eligible. To apply, please send a CV, contact details for three references, and a cover letter stating qualifications, previous work and motivation to Dr. Martin Volf ([email protected]) where you can also send any queries