Millipedes are one of the largest and most important invertebrate classes. Typically detritivores, millipedes are considered keystone species in many terrestrial ecosystems. Like most arthropods, millipedes host a diverse microbiome in their guts, yet the exact roles of this gut microbiome remain unclear. Millipede species share much of their diet but differ in their gut conditions and, hence, likely in the microbially-derived processes occurring in them, as evidenced by the fact that only some species are methanogenic. Therefore, millipedes make an excellent model system for studying the microbiome structure and function, and the role of small anaerobic niches in the functions of terrestrial ecosystems. This project builds on our previous work1,2,3 with two model species of millipedes and will chart the pan-microbiome of the millipedes and elucidate its functions.
1. Nweze JE, Šustr V, Brune A, Angel R. Functional similarity, despite taxonomical divergence in the millipede gut microbiota, points to a common trophic strategy. Microbiome. 2024;12:16.
2. Nweze JE, Schweichhart JS, Angel R. Viral communities in millipede guts: Insights into the diversity and potential role in modulating the microbiome. Environ Microbiol. 2024;26:e16586.
3. Nweze JE, Gupta S, Salcher MM, Šustr V, Horváthová T, Angel R. Disruption of millipede-gut microbiota in E. pulchripes and G. connexa highlights the limited role of litter fermentation and the importance of litter-associated microbes for nutrition. Commun Biol. 2024;7:1–12.
Requirements
Applicants should hold an M.Sc. in Biological Sciences (preferably microbiology) and must be strongly motivated to work in this multidisciplinary field. The work will be split between lab and computational work. Prior experience in Linux, bioinformatics, and scripting languages will be favourably considered. Candidates must be proficient in English.
Please submit a professional CV (no more than two pages), a statement of interest and motivation for the position (max. one page), a list of publications (if any), and the names and contact information of two professional references via email with the subject Millipedes_microbiome_2025-PhD to the contact below.
Preference will be given to applications received by January 10th 2022.
Possible starting dates: February – June 2025.
Only suitable applicants that match the abovementioned criteria and adhere to the application procedure will be answered.
Further information
Dr Roey Angel (roey.angel@bc.cas.cz)
Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry
Biology Centre CAS
CZECHIA
Research infrastructure and study programme
Work will be done at the Institute of Soil Biology and Biogeochemistry (ISBB), Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences (BC CAS) in České Budějovice under the graduate study programme of the University of South Bohemia. ISBB focuses on soil regeneration and maintenance of soil fertility in both natural and human-affected ecosystems. The main research lines include the structure and dynamics of soil communities, the interactions amongst soil animals, microorganisms and the abiotic part of the soil, soil microstructures, and nutrient cycling and soil transformation. We use diverse methodological approaches (molecular biology, stable isotopes, field ecology, mathematical modelling, etc.) and a combination of analytical and holistic approaches to problem-solving. Core facilities with shared equipment support all research groups.
About the location
České Budějovice is a medium-sized town ca. 150 km south of Prague with 100,000 inhabitants. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and a growing community of foreign scientists at the University and the Biology Centre. Three faculties and five research institutes dealing with aquatic and terrestrial biota are located on the same campus, allowing easy access to other researchers and resources. The town and the surrounding countryside provide numerous opportunities for research and leisure activities. Living costs are low by international standards. Czech language courses are offered to international staff to help them reach a basic level of proficiency in everyday situations.
BC CAS is a receiver of an HR award and is experienced in accommodating ex-pats. We promote diversity and welcome your application regardless of age, gender, cultural and social background, religion, disability or sexual identity.
Links
About the research group:
https://www.bc.cas.cz/kontakty/adresar-zamestnancu/zamestnanec/20948/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Roey_Angel
Support for ex-pats at the Biology Centre:
https://www.bc.cas.cz/en/employees/#anchor
About the doctoral programme:
https://www.prf.jcu.cz/en/study-at-the-faculty/information-for-phd-students
Studying in Czechia and living costs
https://www.studyin.cz/live-work/living-costs/
https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Ceske-Budejovice