JobsPhD Student Position in Mechanistic Environmental Toxicology, Adamovsky Lab, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

PhD Student Position in Mechanistic Environmental Toxicology, Adamovsky Lab, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic

Created by Wei-Chia Tseng
Sept 15, 2023

 

One PhD Student Position in Mechanistic Environmental Toxicology

Program: Environmental Health Sciences
Specialization: Environmental chemistry and toxicology
Dissertation topic: The toxicity of the environmental chemicals, microplastics, and plastic additives. Supervisor: Dr. Ondrej Adamovsky
Location: RECETOX, Masaryk University Brno, Czech Republic.

 

General information:

A PhD position is available at the Masaryk University, Center RECETOX (Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment). The appointed PhD Fellow will join Dr. Adamovsky group that is focused on identification of adverse effects of environmental contaminants by using zebrafish model organisms and broad spectrum of omics technologies including metagenomics and transcriptomics. We are a renowned research group committed to pushing the boundaries of scientific understanding. Our interdisciplinary team of experts is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of environmental toxicology. We invite you to be a part of our innovative research journey.

 

The position’s field of research

The study of the host microbiome and immunity holds immense significance in the field of environmental toxicology. The intestinal microbiome-immunity system plays an important role in mediating the effects of environmental chemicals on an organism’s health. Understanding this intricate host microbiome-immunity relationship is crucial as it can provide key insights into the mechanisms by which these chemicals negatively impact host organisms. The microbiome not only influences the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of toxic compounds but also serves as a critical modulator of the host’s immune, endocrine, and neural system. With respect to the topic of the thesis, the deregulation of this microbiome-immunity system will be studied by combination of latest omics technologies including metagenomics and transcriptomics.

 

In this groundbreaking PhD position, the student will embark on an exciting adventure to study the impact of chemicals on the microbiome and immunity of zebrafish, a model organism that has revolutionized our understanding of vertebrate biology and environmental toxicology. The proposed research will focus on elucidating the impact of chemical exposure on zebrafish microbial communities, and how exposure to emerging chemicals affects this delicate balance between microbiome and immunity. The project will specifically focus on determination of the impact of the plastic additives and broad spectrum of microplastics. Such investigation is a part of larger international scientific projects, specifically PLASTsensing  and EU PARC project (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals).

 

As a PhD researcher, you will embark on an exciting journey to:

  • Employ cutting-edge molecular techniques, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics to unravel complex effect of studied organisms.

  • Investigate the effects of chemical and microplastic exposure on zebrafish microbiome diversity and stability.

  • Analyse the functional implications of microbiome alterations in response to chemicals and microplastics.

  • Contribute to our understanding of how these findings impact the broader ecosystem and human health.

 

Ph.D. student position

  • A 4-year Ph.D. program with financial support for 4 years

  • Interdisciplinary scientific topics

  • Excellent and state-of-the-art research infrastructure

  • International mobility

  • International and friendly environment

  • Courses developing transferable skills

 

PLEASE NOTE: Before initiating the formal application process to doctoral studies, all interested candidates are required to contact Dr. Ondrej Adamovsky (ondrej.adamovsky@recetox.muni.cz) for informal discussion. The application is being submitted here.

 

About the workplace

Masaryk University is a modern, dynamic, and attractive university in the Czech Republic with ten faculties, more than 6000 staff and 30 000 students, a wide range of research areas, and a strong international position. We are the largest academic employer in the South Moravian Region.

 

Faculty of Science MU, holder of the HR Excellence in Research Award by the European Commission, is a research-oriented faculty offering university education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs) closely linked to both primary and applied research and high school teaching of the following sciences: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth sciences. We are the most productive scientific unit of the Masaryk University, generating around 40 % of MU research results.

 

RECETOX  focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in the area of Environment & Health, studying toxic compounds and their behaviour, transport & bioaccumulation to evaluate environmental effects, assess the exposure and health risks to humans, and develop technologies and biotechnologies to break them down.

 

Brno, the capital city of the South Moravian Region, situated approximately halfway between Prague and Vienna, is the largest university town in the Czech Republic and a modern metropolis with a long history and culture. Recognizing the university’s significant role in making Brno one of the most innovative cities in the CEE region, it continuously supports, together with the South Moravian Region, the local scientific, start-up, and high-tech communities.