PhD call in biology: Drivers of polyploid genome evolution

University of Silesia in Katowice; Polska; On-site; PLN 52,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Silesia in Katowice seeks a PhD student to work on the project Drivers of polyploid genome evolution: repetitive DNA dynamics and chromosome rearrangements. The role focuses on rDNA evolution in Amaranthus using molecular, cytogenetic, bioinformatic, and phylogenetic approaches.

The Doctoral School at the University of Silesia will supervise the four-year scholarship. English will be used for admission and interviews; the project is NCN-funded and coordinated by Dr.

Qualifications

• MSc diploma in Biology, Biotechnology, or related disciplines.
• Experience in molecular cytogenetics and molecular biology; basic DNA isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, and cloning.
• Additional experience in molecular cytogenetics and bioinformatics is advantageous.
• Good command of English; ability to present seminars and publications.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

DNA isolation

Cloning

Epifluorescence microscopy

FISH

Bioinformatics

Education

Master's degree in Biology or related field

Tools

Epifluorescence microscopy

FISH lab techniques

Job description

Biological sciences » Biological engineering

Organisation/Company University of Silesia in Katowice Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Biological sciences » Biological engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 15 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Warsaw) Country Poland Type of Contract Other Type of Contract Extra Information PhD Student in the Biology Job Status Other Job Status Extra Information n/a Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Other EU programme Reference Number 2025/59/B/NZ8/00852 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? Yes

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

Requirements

• 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.

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Additional Information

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

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.

The submitted documents will be evaluated by a selection committee led by the Project Leader. The admission process will be conducted in the second half of November. The interview will be conducted online. The final decision will be sent to candidates via e-mail by end of November.

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 Geofield