Kaminski Lab: Systematic Entomology

Project Description and Objectives:

Using targeted enrichment sequencing, we will generate genomic data from approximately 400 specimens, including both freshly collected material and historical museum specimens. These data will be integrated with a comprehensive morphological dataset comprising more than 150 anatomical characters across the majority of Blaptinae genera.

The broader project addresses fundamental questions in evolutionary biology:

• How did desert-adapted lineages diversify and spread across the globe?

• What anatomical and molecular innovations enabled survival in arid environments?

• Can genomic and morphological evidence be combined to build a robust total-evidence classification framework?

• How should the immense diversity of Opatrini be classified in light of evolutionary history?

More information about the project: https://sites.google.com/view/kaminskientomo/blaptinae

PhD Project Scope (Opatrini Revision):

The PhD student will conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic and taxonomic study of the tribe Opatrini, the most diverse lineage within Blaptinae (>2,000 species).

The PhD project will:

• Generate and analyze phylogenomic data from modern and historical specimens

• Integrate genomic evidence with morphological datasets

• Test whether the current generic classification reflects evolutionary relationships

• Develop a revised, phylogenetically informed classification of the tribe

• Contribute to a major taxonomic synthesis of one of the most diverse groups of darkling beetles

This position is ideal for candidates interested in evolutionary biology, biodiversity research, systematics, and the application of modern genomic methods to museum collections. 

We Offer:

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position

• Training in modern phylogenomics, systematics, museomics, and integrative taxonomy

• Access to world-class museum collections and molecular laboratory facilities

• International collaborations and networking opportunities

• Funding for conference participation and scientific exchanges

• A supportive and collaborative research environment

Requirements:

Mandatory:

• MSc degree in biology or related discipline (or to be obtained before the start of the PhD program)

• Very good command of English (written and spoken)

• Strong interest in entomology, evolution, and systematics

• Ability to work independently and in a team

Preferred:

• Experience in systematics, insect morphology, zoological nomenclature, or taxonomy

• Familiarity with phylogenetic methods and/or bioinformatics

• Experience working with museum collections

• Scientific achievements (publications, conference presentations, participation in projects)

Conditions of Employment:

• PhD scholarship in accordance with NCN regulations (initially 5,000 PLN gross/month, after mid term evaluation 6,500 PLN gross/month)

• Duration: 4 years

• Planned start: October 2026

• The candidate will be enrolled in the international BioPlanet Doctoral School and based in Warsaw (see below).

Required Documents:

1. Application for admission to the BioPlanet Doctoral School

2. CV including education, research experience, and list of publications (if applicable)

3. Copy of MSc diploma (or equivalent)

4. Motivation letter

5. Contact details for at least one academic referee (or recommendation letter)

6. Certificates confirming English proficiency (if available)

7. Signed consent for processing personal data

Recruitment Process:

The recruitment will be conducted in accordance with NCN regulations and BioPlanet Doctoral School procedures.

The selection process includes:

1. Evaluation of submitted documents

2. Interview with selected candidates

Application Deadline and Contact:

Applications should be sent by 15 July 2026 to: Prof. Marcin J. Kamiński / Project leader (mkaminski@miiz.waw.pl)

Postgraduate studies:

The selected candidate will be asked to apply to the BioPlanet Doctoral School of the Polish Academy of Sciences and participate in the entrance examination (via Skype or in person). BioPlanet is a highly international doctoral school jointly operated by three renowned research institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences: the Museum and Institute of Zoology (MIZ PAS), the Institute of Mammal Research in Białowieża, and the Institute of Paleobiology. Together, these institutions provide a unique interdisciplinary environment spanning evolutionary biology, biodiversity science, ecology, systematics, conservation biology, genomics, and paleobiology.

The school does not charge tuition fees and offers both compulsory and elective courses conducted entirely in English. Doctoral studies will begin on 1 October 2026 and are expected to be completed within four years through the submission of a doctoral dissertation. 

About the Research Environment:

The project is based at the Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences (MIZ PAS) in Warsaw, one of Central Europe's leading centers for biodiversity and evolutionary research. The Institute houses a unique zoological collection comprising approximately 7 million specimens, representing diverse animal groups from all continents and major biogeographic regions of the world. These extensive collections provide an exceptional resource for integrative studies in systematics, taxonomy, biogeography, and evolutionary biology.

The PhD student will join the research group of Prof. Marcin J. Kamiński, based within the Zoological Museum, and will have access to both historical collections and modern molecular research infrastructure. The combination of world-class collections, active international collaborations, and expertise in phylogenomics and systematics creates an outstanding environment for doctoral research.