PhD position: Ecological interactions of coexisting cryptic Gammarus species

The Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science at Charles University in Prague, is seeking a motivated PhD student to assess the ecological interactions of coexisting cryptic Gammarus species

Background

Within a joint Austrian-Czech project focusing on the freshwater amphipod Gammarus fossarum in the streams of Western Carpathians and Eastern Alps, we will explore feeding ecology, functional morphology, reproductive interactions and direct competition for resources of various lineages of this species complex, which differ in the extent of divergence but occur in mountain streams in syntopy. The project combines field sampling, molecular identification of specimens, stable isotope
and gut content analyses, morphological characterization of functionally relevant traits, and behavioural experiments in laboratory conditions.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join the Prague team. The student will contribute to fieldwork in eastern Czechia and will be involved in most of the above-mentioned research lines, but particularly strongly in the work package focusing on trophic ecology of the coexisting cryptic species. The following research questions will be answered;

  • Is cryptic diversity ecologically relevant?
  • Do coexisting, morphologically similar but genetically divergent lineages of an invertebrate differ in their roles in the ecosystem?
  • Are more related lineages more likely to interact when competing for resources or mating opportunities?

Requirement

  • The ideal candidate is interested in both ecology and evolutionary biology
  • Must have obtained a degree equivalent to M.Sc. (B.Sc. is not sufficient due to local legislation) by March 2026 at the latest
  • Must have some experience with lab work, and willing to learn new methods and contribute to both field- and labwork (DNA, stable isotopes) and laboratory experiments.
  • A car driving license (and experience with manual gear shift)
  • The ability to successfully collaborate within a wider team of students and with other national and international research groups
  • Good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential for candidates of any nationality.

More information

The student will work under supervision of prof. Adam Petrusek at the Department of Ecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. The department has suitable facilities for the DNA work, and offers supporting work environment in an international team. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with teams at University of Ostrava (Czechia) and University of Graz (Austria), where the student may also spend several months of the study in an internship.

Our Offer

The position is available for up to four years, starting in April 2026. The PhD candidate’s net monthly income will start at ca 32.000 Czk (ca 1330 EUR) in the first year, and may increase over time

Application

If interested, send a motivation letter outlining your past research, motivation for this position and specific experience (max. 2 pages), CV, list of publications or conference presentations (if available), abstract of Master or Diploma thesis, and contact details of 2-3 senior scientists that can provide references on you in a single PDF file to petrusek@natur.cuni.cz until November 30, 2025.

Pre-selected candidate(s) will be invited for interviews over Zoom and encouraged to submit a formal application through the university study system.