Introduction
The PhD program at the Institute of Molecular Genetics (IMG) and its sister Institute of Biotechnology (IBT) is part of a joint biomedical PhD program organized by
Charles University and several institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Individual PhD
programs focus on specific topics (e.g. immunology, cell biology etc.) and are organized by
graduate boards.
Currently, there are about 80 PhD students affiliated with the Institute.
The PhD program at the IMG and IBT focuses on molecular, cell and developmental biology, immunology, genetics
and virology.
The IMG comprises 23 research groups and is
supported by core facilities for microscopy and
cytofluorometry, genomics, bioinformatics and antibody production. Early 2007 marked the grand opening of a brand
new building located in the Academy campus in Krc, Prague-4. Therefore, the Institute is not only equipped with
state-of-the-art equipment for microscopy and whole-genome analysis, but currently represents one of the most
modern scientific facilities in Central Europe.
The IBT was founded on January 1st, 2008 by transformation of the Division of Biotechnology of the Institute
of Molecular Genetics and currently comprises 7 research groups. The primary ambition of this new institute is to develop cutting-edge basic
and applied research on topics opening for diagnostic and therapeutic applications in human medicine.
PhD application
The first step is to choose a laboratory that the applicant would like to join
(list of IMG and IBT laboratories
with open positions). By 23rd of February 2009 the applicant needs to complete the on-line application. The selected candidates will be invited for interview that will occur
on 3rd of March 2009 at IMG and IBT. The number of invited candidates will be restricted to ~30. After selection,
the candidates will be informed as soon as possible about the outcome and further steps necessary for admittance
to the PhD program in biomedicine.
List of IMG and IBT laboratories with open PhD positions
ON-LINE APPLICATION
Deadlines
| On-line application deadline: | 23 February 2009 |
| Interviews: | 3 March 2009 |
FAQ - frequently asked questions
"What is the relationship between interviews at the IMG/IBT and a graduate board?"
The graduate boards are official panels of researchers that supervise PhD programs at universities
and recommend applicants for PhD programs. Students applying to the PhD study are obliged to name their
future PhD supervisor. Interviews at IMG/IBT are an efficient way to find him/her.
"How should I prepare for the interview?"
For the interview with the PhD committee prepare max. 5 minute PowerPoint presentation (5-6 slides) about
your master (diploma) thesis. Bring the presentation on a USB stick or CD. Applicants should present to the PhD
committee the aim of their diploma thesis and major results. Do not try to incorporate every single result.
Remember that the goal of your presentation is to clearly describe the topic of your research to someone who
is absolutely not familiar with it. It is advisable to use one slide to describe major result or method used.
Presentations are in English and are followed by a five minute discussion. Interviews with potential supervisors
will be on individual basis. Applicants will be informed in advance if supervisors have any special requirements
for the interview. You may bring some of your results that you want to show to supervisors.
"If I do not manage to complete the application by the 31st January can I still participate at the interview?"
Yes, you can. Fill out the application and contact the head of the department you want to apply to.
If you do that before interviews you will likely be invited.
"If I do not participate at the interviews can I still be accepted to the PhD program at the IMG/IBT"
Yes, you can. The goal of the interviews is to bring the supervisors and students together on one day to find
a match. Students can arrange their interviews with supervisors independently of the official interview day but
it should be noted that the vast majority of free positions are filled during the interview day.
If you need any other information, please contact Petr Svoboda (petr.svoboda@img.cas.cz), chairman of the Committee for students' matters.
Organization of PhD studies
Education
Graduate students get advanced knowledge about a chosen field of study and also acquire practical
lab training e.g. to plan, perform and critically evaluate a scientific experiment. In addition, they
learn how to read, evaluate and write scientific publications and how to present their results.
PhD students are enrolled at Charles University, usually within the Faculty of Science or the First
Faculty of Medicine. Within the first three years of study, students take several recommended
courses and lectures. Students in collaboration with their supervisors choose from lectures and courses
organized by graduate boards and
courses organized at the IMG (list of courses). In addition, students are
encouraged to present their data at international conferences and attend practical courses which
pertain to their chosen field (e.g. EMBO, FEBS).
Graduate students actively participate in journal clubs.
At least once a year students present their results in front of their graduate board.
In addition, usually once per graduate studies a student gives a talk about his/her project
at the Institute seminar series.
Supervision during graduate studies
The main role in planning and organizing the graduate project and progress is played by the
supervisor. Student's progress and achievements (e.g. courses, lectures, publications) are collected
in a web database that is accessible to students and their supervisors.
At the beginning of the studies, the student can ask for a mentor, who assesses the student's
academic track independently of the student's supervisor, monitors student's progress and helps
with career development.
At the IMG, graduate study is organized by the IMG graduate committee and students are welcomed
to communicate with its members via suggestions, changes and questions concerning the graduate studies.
Graduate boards coordinate graduate programs among universities and the Academy of Sciences
and supervise graduate students in selected fields during their study. The final examination and
PhD thesis defense is also passed in front of the graduate board.
Requirements for PhD
Graduate study usually takes 3-5 years, maximum is eight years. Requirements for graduation
slightly vary among individual graduate boards, but in general a student needs to accomplish the
following:
- pass at least two recommended lectures or courses
- pass an internationally recognized English exam (e.g. First Certificate)
- pass the final exam organized by the graduate board
- publish 2-3 publications in journals with defined impact factor; student must be the
first author on at least one of these publications
- defend the PhD thesis
Finances
After admission to the graduate program the student usually receives a fellowship of ~6000 CZK/month.
In addition, the student becomes an IMG employee (usually part time) and receives a salary and additional
allowance (e.g. sponsored lunches).
Social life at the IMG
Graduate students at the IMG organize (ir)regular parties. In addition, once a year they organize
a student conference where they present their work and usually invite 1-2 recognized scientists
as keynote speakers (1st IMG PhD conference).
Life in Prague
Students in the PhD program can be accommodated at student dormitories but most students
rent an apartment. The cost of a dormitory depends on the provided service and location. A single
room costs 3-5 thousand CZK/month. A room in an apartment costs 5-6 thousand CZK/month.
Many culture and
sport
events occur every day in Prague.
There is a volleyball field near the IMG within the campus of the Academy of Sciences in Krc
that is heavily used during spring and summer. A new squash court and fitness center are planned
in the near future as well as a child daycare center, which will cater for children three years
and older.
List of recommended courses at IMG (most of them are presented in English)
autumn (November), 2 week lecture course, organized by J. Jonák and P. Svoboda
(application (in Czech) here)
RNA Structure and Function
spring, semestral lecture course, D. Staněk
autumn, semestral lecture course course, P. Svoboda
Innate Immunity
autumn, semestral lecture course, D. Filipp
Basic Immunology
spring, basic semestral lecture course for, suitable for non-immunologists who seek basic training in immunology, P.Otáhal, V.Hořejší
Advances in Immunology
autumn and spring, rolling seminar semestral course, includes detailed analysis of research papers, highly recommended for PhD students in immunology, K. Drbal, R. Spíšek, T. Brdička, P. Otáhal, J. Černý and D. Filipp
Acquisition and Processing of the Image in Microscopy
one-week course, will probably alternate between Czech and English versions, P. Hozák
Cell Nucleus and Gene Expression
(being considered to be taught in English) semestral lecture course, P. Hozák, Z. Hodný
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