Offer Description
Subject: „Drivers of polyploid genome evolution: repetitive DNA dynamics and chromosome rearrangements”
Unit of the project realization: Faculty of Natural Sciences; Institute of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection – University of Silesia in Katowice
Unit realizing the PhD student education: Doctoral School at the University of Silesia in Katowice
The project will focus on rDNA evolution and organization in Amaranthus using molecular, cytogenetic, bioinformatic, and phylogenetic approaches to understand post-polyploidization genome evolution, including sequence variation and chromosomal localization. It also investigates karyotype evolution and chromosome number changes, including chromosome fusions and dysploidy, using oligo-labeling probes, fluorescent in situ hybridisation, and comparative cytogenetic analyses.
Research will be carried out in the frame of the project „Drivers of polyploid genome evolution: repetitive DNA dynamics and chromosome rearrangements” (number of the project 2025/59/B/NZ8/00852), financed from NCN under management of dr hab. Bożena Kolano, prof. UŚ
Scope of Duties
- Plant material cultivation and preparation
- Chromosome number analyses and detection of inter- and intraspecific variation
- DNA isolation and cloning of rDNA sequences
- Preparation of chromosome spreads (including 3D polyacrylamide-based preparations)
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunostaining
- Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy analyses, including image processing
- Participation in bioinformatic analyses
- Design and application of oligonucleotide probes for FISH
- Participation in data analysis, manuscript preparation, and conference presentation
Where to apply
Website: https://irk.us.edu.pl/pl/offer/SD-GRANT-2026/programme/20-S3PRZ_NZ800852/
Requirements
Research Field: Biological sciences
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- MSc diploma (or other documents confirming the Master’s degree) in Biology, Biotechnology, or related disciplines.
- The candidate should have experience in molecular cytogenetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. A basic practical skill set in standard molecular biology techniques is required, including DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, and cloning.
- Additional experience in molecular cytogenetic methods and bioinformatics will be highly advantageous. This includes techniques such as non-radioactive DNA probe labelling, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) with various probe types, epifluorescence microscopy, and digital image acquisition and analysis. Knowledge of bioinformatics analyses will be considered an asset.
- A good command of English at a fluent level is required, enabling the candidate to present seminars and prepare scientific publications.
- The candidate should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team.
Specific Requirements
Candidates should register in IRK system and select „Admission to the Doctoral School at the University of Silesia in Katowice – ADMISSION FOR PROJECTS” (https://irk.us.edu.pl/en-gb/) and choose the right project title.
Recruitment link: https://irk.us.edu.pl/pl/offer/SD-GRANT-2026/programme/20-S3PRZ_NZ800852/
Documents should be sent by November 15 to the following e-mail address: bozena.kolano@us.edu.pl In case of any questions, before the formal application please contact to the grant leader for the e-mail address given above.
Required documents:
- Motivation letter with a description of scientific interests
- CV
- List of scientific achievements (e.g. publications, conference presentations, scholarships, etc.)
- Copy of the MSc diploma or a relevant document (as described in the requirements)
- Contact details of at least one referee who can provide a recommendation letter.
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Additional Information
Benefits
Research will be carried out in the frame of the project „Drivers of polyploid genome evolution: repetitive DNA dynamics and chromosome rearrangements” (number of the project 2025/59/B/NZ8/00852), financed from NCN under management of dr hab. Bożena Kolano, prof. UŚ
Duration of the scholarship: 48 months Scholarship amount: PLN 4 693,24 gross (before the mid-term evaluation) / PLN 5 546,55 gross (after mid-term evaluation)
Project description: The research will focus on the evolution and organisation of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences in selected Amaranthus species using molecular, cytogenetic, bioinformatic, and phylogenetic approaches. The analyses will aim to improve understanding of genome evolution and rDNA dynamics during polyploidization and diploidization processes, including sequence variation, chromosomal localization, and transcriptional activity of rDNA variants. The project will also investigate karyotype evolution and chromosome number variation in Amaranthus, with particular emphasis on chromosome fusion events and dysploidy, by integrating genome assembly data with comparative cytogenetic analyses. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and chromosome-specific oligonucleotide probes will be used to identify chromosomal rearrangements and to elucidate mechanisms underlying genome organization and evolution in Amaranthus
Eligibility criteria
Documents should be sent by November 15 to the following e-mail address: bozena.kolano@us.edu.pl
In case of any questions, before the formal application please contact to the grant leader for the e-mail address given above.
The submitted documents will be evaluated by a selection committee led by the Project Leader. The admission process will be conducted in accordance with the regulations of the National Science Centre (NCN). The admission process will be conducted in English. The recruitment interview will take place in the second half of November. The exact date will be announced at a later date. The interview will be conducted online. The final decision will be sent to candidates via e-mail by end of November.
Website for additional job details: https://us.edu.pl/szkola-doktorska/en/2026/09/07/nabor-na-nauki-biologiczne-drivers-of-polyploid-genome-evolution/
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Doctoral School at the University of Silesia in Katowice
Country: Poland
State/Province: Silesia
City: Katowice
Postal Code: 40-007
Street: Bankowa 14
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