PhD Candidate in Molecular Epigenetics in Plant Vernalization

Department: Anna Schulten Research Group – Central European Institute of Technology Deadline: 31 Dec 2026 Start date: Expected January 2027 Job type: part-time Job field: Science and research Come to CEITEC MU in Brno and join us! We are plant molecular biologists at CEITEC looking for a PhD candidate in Molecular Epigenetics in Plant Vernalization About this position:  We invite applications for the four-year PhD project, fully funded through a JUNIOR STAR grant from the Czech Science Foundation. You will receive a hands-on training in plant molecular genetics, epigenetics, and protein biochemistry, including genetic engineering and methods to investigate protein-protein and protein-chromatin interactions. If you are a curious and motivated researcher looking for an exciting PhD opportunity, we would love to hear from you! Who we are? We are freshly established research group, based at CEITEC Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, looking for new colleagues to join our team. “How do plants regulate gene expression in response to environmental signals to control their development?” Our research addresses this fundamental question by investigating the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation. The PhD project will focus on VEL proteins, components of Polycomb complexes involved in controlling flowering in response to prolonged cold (vernalization) in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. You are the right fit for us if you have: Must-have: MSc degree in Life Sciences Experience with molecular biology techniques (eg. DNA/RNA isolation, cloning, RT-qPCR, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, …), ideally in plant systems Fluency in English (spoken and written) Nice-to-have: Strong organizational and time-management skills Motivation, scientific curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. What awaits you:  Interesting and meaningful work in a cutting-edge scientific team Excellent technical equipment at CEITEC MU Support for education and personal development, including mentoring A part-time (0.6 FTE), fixed-term employment contract for four years Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff Flexible working hours Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid vacation, medical insurance, financial contribution to meals and kindergarten/pension scheme, Multisport card, mental health care, sports lessons directly at the campus  Daycare for children on Campus Support from: Welcome Office service before and after arrival  Grant Office support  CEITEC events – workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gathering etc.  How to apply?  Application deadline: 31.12.2026; interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis Start date: from January 2027 Applications, including a CV, motivation letter, list of publications, and contacts for at least two references should be sent a e-application below.