Open PhD Positions 2026/2027

Welcome

We appreciate your interest in studying and working at the Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IEM CAS).

We place great emphasis on the careful selection of new students and staff, as we understand that the excellence of our research and the impact of our results depend on the skills, creativity, and commitment of every individual. We also recognise that choosing where to study and work is one of the most important decisions in a scientific career – and in life.

Supporting PhD students

PhD students form the foundation of our research teams and are a key pillar of scientific excellence at the IEM CAS. They play an essential role in shaping research directions, driving everyday scientific work, and turning ideas into tangible results.

At the IEM CAS, you’ll be part of a vibrant international scientific community tackling some of the most pressing challenges in human health – from neurodegeneration and cancer to regenerative medicine and environmental impacts on health.

PhD study is not about knowing everything, but about asking the right questions.

We are seeking ambitious, highly motivated, and talented students with a genuine interest in science and discovery. If you are driven by curiosity, eager to explore new ideas, willing to test innovative hypotheses, and ready to go beyond established boundaries, you may be the ideal candidate to join our community.

We believe that your knowledge, enthusiasm, and fresh perspective will not only shape your own scientific journey but will also enrich and strengthen our entire research team.

Registration Closed

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in our PhD positions.

Selected candidates will be contacted directly by the supervisors of the respective PhD positions.

To all other applicants, we would like to sincerely thank you for your interest. We would be very happy if you consider applying for future opportunities with us.

Need help?

If you have any questions, please contact our PR Department.

PR Specialist
Petr Caletka, MSc

+420 725 797 600

petr.caletka@iem.cas.cz

View more

Stay connected

If none of the currently advertised PhD positions match your interests, we would be happy to receive your CV and inform you about future opportunities.

Hedvika Vlastníková

+420 241 062 715

hedvika.vlastnikova@iem.cas.cz

View more

About the Institute

We are a renowned centre of basic biomedical research in the Czech Republic and worldwide. Our projects are focused on biomedical challenges, such as finding effective diagnostic markers and treatment of serious diseases associated with ageing of the human population (neurodegeneration, trauma, ischemia, musculoskeletal disorders, cancer and degenerative changes in vision and hearing). We also seriously consider the impact of environmental pollution on human health.

Visualisation of the new facade of the IEM CAS building

I chose the IEM CAS primarily because of my supervisor. From our first meeting, we established a strong connection and quickly became a great team.

Lydia Knight | Department of Neuroregeneration

Why study or work with us?

Although we are relatively small compared to other research institutions, we try to keep up with the world’s leading institutions and provide our scientists with the best conditions for their challenging work. Since September 2021, we have been a proud holder of the prestigious HR Excellence in Research award for excellence in managing human resources in a scientific environment. In addition, we are also a holder of the Ethnic Friendly award, which declares an equal attitude towards national and ethnic minorities and multiculturalism within our work teams.

My long-standing interest in neuroscience and stem cell research has been fulfilled through my PhD project at the IEM CAS.

Kristýna Kárová | Department of Neuroregeneration

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At the IEM CAS, we believe that high-quality science can only flourish in an environment where people feel safe, respected, and have equal opportunities. That is why, in October 2025, we established the position of DEI Specialist, to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in our work environment. The aim is to systematically nurture the institution’s culture and strengthen equal opportunities for all employees.

More information

How do our employees evaluate us?

Thanks to our employees’ anonymous and independent evaluation, you can immediately see how it really works at the IEM CAS.

Evaluations on www.atmoskop.cz (open in a new window – only available in Czech) go through a multi-step verification process to ensure that the evaluator is a real employee of the institution or company, while all personal and identifying information is hidden from the employer. Therefore, you can be sure of a completely transparent and objective evaluation directly from our employees.

Graph showing the percentage evaluation of the IEM CAS by its employees. Employer evaluation: balancing work and family 86%, stability and the company's future 73%. Colleague evaluation: Respectful and fair treatment 81%, Mutual understanding 85%. Supervisor evaluation: overall cooperation 84%, fairness 77%, confidence 80%. (Updated 19. 1. 2026)

We are proud of our PhD students and postdocs

Our PhD students and postdoctoral researchers achieve remarkable success, including high-impact publications, prestigious awards, and international recognition. Discover how young scientists at the IEM CAS turn ambition into excellence.

Organisation of PhD studies

Study is provided by the collaborating universities, including Charles University in Prague, the Czech Technical University in Prague, the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, among others.

The main role in planning and organising the study is carried out by the supervisor from IEM CAS, in cooperation with the relevant university.

The conditions of admission and the organisation of studies, are governed by the valid regulations of the particular university.

Detailed information will be provided by your supervisor.

About the Czech Academy of Sciences

The primary mission of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CAS) and its institutes is to conduct research in a broad spectrum of the natural, technical, and social sciences and the humanities. This research, whether highly specialised or interdisciplinary, aims to advance scientific knowledge at an international level while also taking into account the specific needs of Czech society and national culture. Researchers at the Academy institutes also participate in education, particularly through doctoral study programmes for young researchers and by teaching at universities. The Academy also fosters collaboration with applied research and industry. The integration of Czech science into the international context is promoted through numerous joint international research projects and the exchange of scientists with counterpart institutions abroad.

The CAS is primarily financed by the state budget. The Academy’s research funding pattern conforms to current international standards. In addition to basic institutional financing of the research objectives of the CAS´s institutes, target-oriented financing is increasingly being practised to carry out research and grant projects selected through public competition. The CAS was the first institution in the Czech Republic to establish its own Grant Agency, which financially supports research projects selected through a peer-review procedure involving reviewers from abroad. The individual Academy institutes obtain additional financial resources by participating in national and international research programmes.