Graduate position: Krakow, Poland. PhD in Invasion Genomics of Invasive Hemipteran Pests
Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD position within the project:
"Invasion success through genomic lens: insights from whole-genome diversity of invasive Hemiptera pests"
funded by the Polish National Science Centre.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Biological invasions are increasing worldwide and represent a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying invasion success remains a central challenge in invasion biology.
This project will investigate the genomic basis of invasion success using two invasive Hemipteran insect species, Cinara curvipes and Leptoglossus occidentalis, as model systems. Using whole-genome sequencing data, we will examine population genomic differentiation, structural variants (SVs), transposable elements (TEs), and gene family expansions potentially associated with adaptation and successful range expansion. We will also investigate the role of facultative bacterial endosymbionts in promoting invasiveness.
 
The successful candidate will participate in:
- de novo genome sequencing, assembly and annotation of Cinara curvipes,
- analyses of structural variation, TE content and gene family evolution,
- investigation of bacterial endosymbiont diversity and distribution.
The project combines molecular laboratory work with bioinformatic and population genomic analyses, with a stronger emphasis on genomic data analysis.
SUPERVISION AND COLLABORATION
The PhD student will be supervised by Dr Aleksandra Biedrzycka at the Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland, and will collaborate with Dr Pierre Nouhaud (INRAE-CBGP, Montpellier/Marseille, France).
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must hold an MSc degree by the start of the position and should have:
- a strong interest in evolutionary genomics, population genomics, or invasion biology,
- experience or interest in bioinformatics and genomic data analysis,
- good English communication skills,
- good organizational skills and motivation for independent research.
FUNDING
The position is funded for 48 months.
- approximately 5000 PLN gross gross/month before the mid-term evaluation,
- approximately 6500 PLN gross gross/month after the mid-term evaluation.
APPLICATION
Please submit first an informal application to:
Dr Aleksandra Biedrzycka
biedrzycka@iop.krakow.pl
Applicants should submit:
- a cover letter describing their background, skills and motivation,
- a CV,
- contact details of at least one academic referee.
Formal applications will be submitted through the Doctoral School of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Detailed information regarding required documents and recruitment procedures will be published on the Doctoral School website:
https://botany.pl/en/doctoral-school-en/admissions-en
DEADLINE
Application deadline: 7 August 2026
Starting date: 1 October 2026
We welcome applications from motivated students interested in evolutionary genomics, biological invasions and biodiversity research.
Dr hab. Aleksandra Biedrzycka
Instytut Ochrony Przyrody
Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Al. Adama Mickiewicza 33
31-120 Kraków

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