"MSCA PhD Candidate of Cell-cycle regulation of DNA repair"

Department: Jiří Fajkus Research Group – Central European Institute of Technology

Deadline: 25 Mar 2026

Start date: September 2026

Job type: full-time

Job field: Science and research

Come to CEITEC MU in Brno and join us!

We are passionate plant biologists at CEITEC looking for

MSCA PhD Candidate of Cell-cycle regulation of DNA repair

About this position:

Marie Curie-funded PhD programme starting in September 2026, offering an exciting opportunity for PhD candidate to contribute to collaborative project goals. If you are interested in cell cycle regulation of DNA damage response in plants, join us.

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to study the dynamic behavior of key DNA repair proteins— e.g. PCNA1, MRE11, and PARP1—in both normal and DNA repair–deficient plants. Using live-cell imaging and high-resolution microscopy, you will uncover how these proteins reorganize in response to genotoxic stress and help safeguard the plant genome during development and replication. This project combines molecular genetics, advanced imaging, and quantitative analysis to answer fundamental questions in plant cell biology and genome stability. You will be part of AGILE, a large international project alongside 14 other PhD. students, all pushing the boundaries of quantitative imaging in plants.

The ideal candidate profile:

Must-have:

• MSc or equivalent degree (preferably in Life Sciences)
• Strong interest in cell biology (DNA repair field), microsccopy and processing of large datasets
• Strong English language skills – both spoken and written
• Eager to learn innovative approaches in data analysis, including the programming, AI – tools, machine learning
• Residence outside the Czech Republic

Nice-to-have:

• Prior experience with microscopy and plant research
• Experience living or visiting Czech Republic and awarness of its culutre
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Motivation and a collaborative mindset

What we provide to you:

• Competitive PhD. program combining a scientific research project with network-wide training in advanced microscopy and quantitative image analysis
• Full-time contract with an attractive salary, and lively atmosphere of Brno city
• Flexible working hours
• Personalized Career Development Plan providing tailored mentorship, doctoral training, and skills development (such as management, communication, transferable skills and networking with biotech companies)
• Participation in European network of doctoral candidates within AGILE project
• Open access to CEITEC MU core facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and experienced staff
• Benefits package: 6 weeks of paid holiday, medical insurance, financial contribution to meal and kindergarten/pension scheme and Multisport card, mental health care, sports lessons directly at the campus
• Kindergarten Elánek close to the Campus
• Support in these areas:
  • Welcome Office service before and after arrival
  • Grant Office support
  • CEITEC PhD Committee
  • CEITEC events – workshops, conferences, lectures, training, family gathering etc.

How to apply?

Application deadline: 25.03.2026

Application process:

• Applications, including a CV, motivation letter, list of publications, and two reference letters should be sent via the e-application
• 2-step application process will apply:
• first round of interviews are held in mid April by the AGILE consortium comitee
• preselected candidates will then apply to the doctoral programme at Masaryk University by 30th April followed by MUNI selection process in June.

Start date: idealy September 2026, in speciffic cases the start date can be negotiated

For any questons or issues with the e-application, please contact Martina Dvořáčková (martina.dvorackova@ceitec.muni.cz)