PhD Position in Plant Functional Morphology and Evolutionary Biology (Parallel Evolution of Clonality in Angiosperms)

The Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences is seeking a motivated PhD student to join the research group led by Prof. Jitka Klimesova. The position focuses on the parallel evolution of clonality in angiosperms, with a strong emphasis on plant functional morphology, plant architecture, and evolutionary biology. The research will involve building and analyzing databases of clonal and bud bank traits, conducting experimental and correlative studies, and exploring the evolutionary significance of belowground plant organs and their traits in relation to environmental parameters. The group (ExFuMo) is internationally recognized for its work on plant modularity, belowground organs, and trait-based approaches to understanding plant life-history strategies. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing projects expanding trait databases from Central Europe to a global scale, participate in experimental assessments of plant morphology, and engage with a vibrant community of plant ecologists and evolutionary biologists. Applicants should have a background in plant biology, ecology, or related fields, and a keen interest in evolutionary analyses and functional trait research. Experience with morphological trait assessment, database management, or experimental plant science is advantageous. The position is based at the Department of Experimental and Functional Morphology, Institute of Botany CAS, with possible collaboration with Charles University, Prague. For more information about the research group and Prof. Klimesova's work, visit her academic page or follow her on X (Twitter) . Interested candidates should contact Prof. Klimesova directly and prepare application materials as outlined. Funding details are not specified; please consult the Institute's website for information on PhD stipends and support.