Ph.D. studies
Content of this page
At the Institute of Physiology CAS, we provide systematic training for students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral study programs. In this area, we cooperate with a number of Czech universities as well as with renowned foreign institutions. Offers of bachelor’s and master’s thesis topics can be found both on the Institute’s website and in the information systems of the respective faculties, where Institute staff members are registered as supervisors or, where appropriate, as consultants. Scientists of the Institute of Physiology serve as principal supervisors of nearly 60 postgraduate students, half of whom are from abroad. Postgraduate studies are always organized by the field board at the university and must be completed by the defense of a doctoral dissertation at the relevant faculty.
Open PhD positions
New topics for PhD studies for the 2026/2027 academic year can be found under the green icon above.
How to apply?
Choose up to 3 doctoral projects from the topics offered and submit your application via the web application (pink icon). Candidates will be notified by the end of March 2026, and successful applicants will be assisted with their application to the doctoral program administered by the university (usually Charles University in Prague). The application deadline is March 15, 2026. The doctoral program begins in October 2026.
On February 12, 2026, we are organizing a Day of Physiology and Medicine for University Students, where we will present the available positions for all PhD., Bc., and MSc. theses. More information here.
PhD study at the Institute of Physiology CAS (IPHYS)
PhD students conclude an employment contract with IPHYS with a work engagement. Institutional and grant funds may be used to cover the work engagement. Depending on the extent of the engagement, students may use the benefits available to IPHYS employees.
Benefits
Academic and Research Opportunities
- Attractive PhD topics in neuroscience, cardiology, and metabolism
- Access to cutting-edge techniques and advanced equipment (e.g. proteomics, metabolomics, advanced microscopy)
- Possibility to participate in translational research and collaborate with clinical partners
- Regular evaluation of PhD thesis progress with the possibility of external consultations
- Free access to online editions of top-tier scientific journals through the IPHYS library system
Professional Development
- Opportunities to participate in domestic and international scientific courses, workshops, and conferences
- Possibility of an international internship during the course of study
- Language courses (English, Czech for foreigners) organized by the Czech Academy of Sciences
- Events organized for PhD students (seminars, PhD conference, training courses, informal meetings)
Employment and Personal Benefits
- Employment status at IPHYS (up to a full-time contract) with associated benefits, such as a Multisport card that provides free or discounted access to sports facilities
- Five weeks of holiday
Student Life and Support
- Modern campus with on-site accommodation (available for up to one year)
- On-site facilities including two canteens, a café, a kindergarten, and medical services
- Support and guidance for international students and employees, including assistance with the visa process
- Access to sports facilities on campus
Scope
- Offering open research topics for PhD students organized by the Committee for the PhD Program (February–March) – the so-called “PhD call.” Official admission procedures for doctoral studies take place at the faculty of the relevant university in the Czech Republic and are organized by the subject board (typically April – application submission, June – admission proceedings). The beginning of studies usually coincides with the beginning of the academic year of the respective university.
- Introductory one-day internal course for incoming students (October) – general information about PhD studies at IPHYS, familiarization with service departments of proteomics, metabolomics, and microscopy. One-day course on the proper handling of laboratory animals (for those who will work with animals during their studies).
- Regular assessment of dissertation progress and consultations regarding PhD studies (June or at any time upon the student’s written request to the Committee Chair).
- “Advancement Report” for 3rd-year students; includes presentation of achieved results for the PhD thesis, study progress, and discussion with members of the Committee for the PhD Program (March–May). Evaluated by the Committee for the PhD Program.
- Participation in all regular institution-wide Monday lectures, including Bureš lectures and methodological seminars.
- PhD student off-site meetings (every 2 years). Annual informal meeting(s) of PhD students at IPHYS.
- Mandatory internal defence of PhD thesis: To ensure quality of scientific outputs from IPHYS, before submitting the PhD thesis to the university, it must be defended before an internal committee. The student shall notify the Chair of the Committee for the PhD Program in writing requesting a date for the internal defence of his/her PhD thesis. Based on the research area, 3 committee members from IPHYS will be appointed for the internal defence. At least one of them must be from the Committee for the PhD Program responsible for internal defences. One opponent is always appointed for the defence who will read the work and may write a written assessment. During the defence, the student presents the work in a 20-minute presentation, answers questions from those present, and receives recommendations for improving the text and presentation. During the internal defence, the designated Committee member for the PhD Program will keep minutes, which will be forwarded to the Chair of the Committee.
Requirements
- Participation in events for doctoral students listed in points 2–6 and 8 of the PhD Program at IPHYS.
- Fulfill obligations arising from the study regulations for postgraduate studies at the respective universities and from the requirements of individual boards for doctoral studies.
- Adherence to the Code of Ethics for researchers of the Czech Academy of Sciences, the Statutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences, and internal regulations of IPHYS.
- Participation in domestic and international conferences in accordance with the creative activities of an employee and the scientific concept of IPHYS.
- Cooperation in organizing outreach activities run by IPHYS and the Czech Academy of Sciences for the public, e.g., Science Fair, Brain Awarness Week, Researchers’ Night, Open Doors House.
- Submit documentation to the Economic Department of IPHYS – Proof of Enrollment for the given academic year and report without delay all changes related to studies.
PhD study subjects
The Institute of Physiology is directly accredited as a training facility in the following areas:
| Faculty of Science, Charles University | Physical Chemistry |
| Animal Physiology | |
| Microbiology | |
| Imunology | |
| Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics and Virology | |
| Developmental and Cellular Biology | |
| Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University | Biophysics, Chemical and Macromolecular Physics |
| Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology | Biochemistry and Bioorganic chemistry |
| Faculty of Chemical technology, University of Chemistry and Technology | Bioinformatics |
| 1.LF UK, 2.LF UK, 3.LF UK | Nutritional and Metabolic Sciences |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK, LF UK in Pilsen | Medical Biophysics |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Experimental Surgery |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Human Physiology and Pathophysiology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Pharmacology and Toxicology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Cell Biology and Pathobiology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Neurosciences |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK, LF UK in Pilsen | Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry |
Dissertations
In 2025, 9 PhD thesis were successfully defended.
For supervisors
The agreement on the mutual cooperation in the implementation of a doctoral study program between IPHYS and the following institutions:
The agreement on the mutual cooperation in the implementation of a doctoral study program between IPHYS and the following institutions:
| Faculty of Science, Charles University Agreement´s supplement | Physical Chemistry |
| Animal Physiology | |
| Microbiology | |
| Imunology | |
| Molecular and Cell Biology, Genetics and Virology | |
| Developmental and Cellular Biology | |
| Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University | Biophysics, Chemical and Macromolecular Physics |
| Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology | Biochemistry and Bioorganic chemistry |
| Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology | Bioinformatics |
| 3. LF UK | Nutritional and Metabolic Sciences |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK, LF UK in Pilsen | Medical Biophysics |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Experimental Surgery |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK | Human Physiology and Pathophysiology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK (with IOCB and IEM) | Pharmacology and Toxicology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK (with IEM, IMG and IMB) | Cell Biology and Pathobiology |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK (with IEM) | Neurosciences |
| 1. LF UK, 2. LF UK, 3. LF UK, LF UK in Pilsen (with IOCB and IMG) | Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry |
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