Jobs
About the lab
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned Plant Biotech campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to integrate genetics, cell biology, genomics, and bio-computing to unravel plant biological processes and to further translate this knowledge into value for society. Please visit us at www.psb.ugent.be for more information.
Jenny Russinova lab at PSB focuses on research on brassinosteroid hormones (https://www.russinovalab.be).
Job description
Brassinosteroids are steroidal phytohormones that regulate plant development and physiology, including adaptation to environmental stresses. They are synthesized in the cell interior and exported across the plasma membrane to bind receptors at the cell surface. We recently discovered that members of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, ABCB19 and ABCB1, previously linked to auxin export, also function as brassinosteroid exporters, and we resolved their structures (Ying et al., 2024, Science; Wei et al., 2025, Plant Communications; Hu et al., 2025, Trends Biochem. Sci.). With this PhD project, we aim to unravel the molecular bases underlying brassinosteroid transport and its coupling with signalling, as well as the roles of phosphorylation in these processes and in the regulation of transporter activity and substrate specificity.
We are looking for a motivated PhD student to investigate brassinosteroid transport mechanisms by combining live-cell imaging, phosphoproteomics, and CRISPR-based screens.
Profile
Essential
Master's degree in Plant Biotechnology, Plant Physiology, Biology, Molecular Biology, Physiology, or a related discipline. You are fluent in English spoken and written (at least a B2 level of proficiency).
Desirable but not required
Experience in work with Arabidopsis, plant development and plant hormone biology
Key personal characteristics
- Highly motivated, hardworking and passionate about driving and performing research and associated laboratory tasks
- You have excellent interpersonal communication skills and strong time-management skills.
- You must be very meticulous, proactive, independent, and self-motivated.
- You are a team player and can take responsibility.
- You are enthusiastic to be part of a dynamic research lab.
We offer
- A 4-year PhD position through Ghent University
- A working climate, in which trust, international collaboration, and commitment are essential.
- Access to state-of-the art tools and infrastructure within an excellence-based research institute.
- A stimulating and supportive international research environment.
- Various training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills
How to apply?
If you are interested in performing high quality science related to plant hormones, please use the online VIB application tool.
Make sure your application includes:
- A detailed CV
- A one-page summary of past research activities
- A one-page motivation letter, describing how your expertise and ambitions match the research theme
- The names and contact details of two to three referees.
Applications by email will not be considered.
A first review of applications will start immediately. A short list of applicants will be selected based on the CV and motivation letter. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.
Applications are welcome until the position is filled.
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The selected candidate will join the Nelissen lab to develop multiplex genome editing systems in sorghum, tropical maize and rice, leading to the identification of gene combinations strengthening seedling vigor.
We are seeking a highly motivated, critical and creative individual with a strong interest in molecular biology, plant physiology, phenotyping, abiotic stress tolerance and genome editing. This role involves working closely with the other members of the team on projects related to plant phenotyping as well as with industrial partners.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and lead your research project, with sufficient guidance and mentoring
- Contribute to mentoring junior lab members and participate in grant writing and dissemination activities
- Develop and execute strategies for cloning, genotyping, RNA sequencing, stress assays
- Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions
- Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Profile
Essential
- PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology
- Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
- Enthusiastic team player
- Openness to collaborate with industry
- Passion to apply plant biotechnology for applications in the Global South
Welcome but not required
- Experience in bio-informatics
- Interest in automated phenotyping
Key personal characteristics
- You are enthusiastic about scientific research and eager to know and understand
- You appreciate multi-disciplinarity for problem-solving
- You can work well in a team and independently
- You bring precision and critical reflection to your work
- You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions
We offer
- A 2-year position at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
- A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as working language)
- A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
- Starting date is negotiable, as soon as possible
- Various training opportunities to broaden your skills
How to apply?
Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:
- Please upload your full CV
- Please upload a motivation letter
- Please add the contact details of at least two references
More information
Hilde.nelissen@vib.be
We are looking for a highly motivated and talented machine vision / mechanical engineer to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The selected candidate will join the Nelissen lab, and will work alongside scientists to develop and implement a mobile 3D machine vision system for small plants.
The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical, electrical or robotics engineering, and have expertise in building camera systems and computer vision. This role also involves working closely with the other members of the team on projects related to plant phenotyping (assessing e.g. plant body form, color, and landmarks). Therefore, we require a team player who also possesses the ability to work independently.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, plan and implement a 3D camera system for acquiring plant seedlings in the visible spectrum, and which is mobile or semi-mobile
- Design and programming of computer vision software to extract plant phenotypic data
- Catalyze the development of the system from prototype to user-friendly instrument
- Communicate with scientists to facilitate the experimental setup and the possible traits
- Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions
- Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving
Profile
Essential
- Degree in Engineering or proven practical experience in the implementation of machine vision systems
- Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
- Enthusiastic team player
- Openness to learn the basics of plant growth
Welcome but not required
- Experience in plant biology
- Interest or experience in image-based plant phenotyping
Key personal characteristics
- You are enthusiastic about scientific research and eager to know and understand
- You appreciate multi-disciplinarity for problem-solving
- You can work well in a team and independently
- You bring precision and critical reflection to your work
- You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
- You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions
We offer
- 2 years staff position at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
- A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as working language)
- A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
- Starting date is negotiable, but preferentially as soon as possible
- Various training opportunities to broaden your skills
How to apply?
Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:
- Please upload your full CV
- Please upload a motivation letter
- Please add the contact details of at least two references
More information
Hilde.nelissen@vib.be