Jobs

About the labs involved 

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned plant biotechnology campus in Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society. 

The Functional Phosphoproteomics group (https://www.desmetlab.be/), tackles early temperature signalling in plants, such as the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the crop plants wheat and soybean. To unravel this, we focus on dynamic changes in protein phosphorylation status, since temporary and reversible phosphorylation of proteins is essential in regulating various processes. Through a phosphoproteomics approach, the lab has identified potential key regulators of thermomorphogenesis in A. thaliana and wheat, which we started to functionally characterize.

The Vascular Development group (https://www.derybellab.be), studies plant vascular development at the interface between developmental biology, cell biology and evolutionary biology. We like to implement novel omics technologies such as single cell approaches and chemical biology to help us answering our biological questions.

The Brassinosteroid group (https://www.russinovalab.be) studies the function of brassinosteroid hormones in stomatal development, focusing on mechanisms of signal integration between brassinosteroid and stomatal signalling pathways. Currently, the group explores how GSK3-like kinases, key negative regulators of brassinosteroid signalling, achieve signalling specificity through scaffold proteins using single-cell, cell biology, and proteomics approaches.

The Advanced Live Cell Imaging group (https:www//vandammelab.be) studies endomembrane trafficking in Arabidopsis, with a strong focus on clathrin-mediated endocytosis. In the framework of this project, the Van Damme lab is interested in how the interplay between the various secretory carrier membrane proteins (SCAMPs) and the various types of plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs) controls stomatal dynamics.

For this project, the PSB labs will collaborate with the Gevaert lab of the neighbouring VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology (https://gevaertlab.sites.vib.be/en#/). One of the Gevaert lab’s research interest is low-input to single-cell, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, for which they have swift access to state-of-the-art instruments. They are particularly interested in pushing the boundaries of this emerging research field by zooming in on protein modifications as well.

Background information 

The stomatal lineage represents an ideal model system due to the wealth of information on both development and the dynamic changes due to environmental conditions; and the availability of many stage-specific marker lines and scRNA-seq data. There is however great variability in stomatal responses, even in a single leaf under stress conditions where subsets of stomata close while others remain open. Currently, there are no markers to distinguish between these different stomatal populations. We therefore ultimately need single cell resolution to understand the dynamic changes in protein abundance and – ideally – in protein phosphorylation events in stomata during stress responses. 

Job description 

The consortium of labs is looking to recruit 1 highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher, who will be involved in elucidating the underlying signalling mechanisms that play a role in regulating plant growth under a changing climate, especially high temperature. The applicant will be tasked with mapping the dynamic changes in the stomata (phospho)proteome through low-input proteomics and single-cell mass spectrometry-based proteomics. First under control conditions to establish the methodology and, secondly, under abiotic stress conditions.

Profile 

Essential 

• You have an international PhD in (plant) molecular biology or biochemistry with max. 4 years of postdoc experience. 
• You are an expert in molecular biology, biochemistry and/or (plant) biotechnology. 
• You have guided (master/PhD) students and/or technicians. 
• You can take initiative, function well in a team, and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and a critical mindset.
• You look forward to the collaborative environment and interaction with multiple teams. You are comfortable with coordinating a project between labs.
• You are proficient in the use of the English language for both oral and written communication. 

Desirable but not required 

• Experience with (low input or single cell) mass spectrometry-based proteomics. 
• A publication record in peer-reviewed journals in the field of life sciences’ is an asset. 
• You are eligible and willing to apply for Marie Curie and/or EMBO postdoctoral fellowships. 

Key personal characteristics

• You have a strong sense of responsibility, maintaining a clean working environment.
• You can accurately compile and document experiments (using an ELN). 
• You have a no-nonsense can-do attitude.
• You build team interactions quickly.
• You feel great in a fun team and add to that spirit.
• You communicate clearly, candidly, and respectfully.

We offer 

• A 1 year postdoc position, with the possibility to extend for 1 year
• A multidisciplinary, highly stimulating and supporting international research environment at VIB and Ghent University (UGent). 
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure, including core facilities for proteomics. 
• Various training opportunities are organized at VIB to broaden your expertise and skills (training.vib.be). 
• Tentative start date: Fall 2025

How to apply? 

Submit your application through the VIB application tool. The call will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. 

Make sure that your application includes: 

• A detailed CV 
• A one-page summary of past research activities (e.g. in PhD/PostDoc projects) 
• A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, how your research experiences and interests are aligned with those of the lab and research topic and future goals 
• The names and contact details of 3 referees.

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

Phytohormones play a central role in regulating cell division and differentiation, shaping the overall course of plant development. Importantly, the synergy and interdependence of hormone signalling pathways are critical for driving cell cycle progression. These coordinated hormonal activities influence not only the rate of cell division but also the duration and dynamics of each phase of the cell cycle. With the advent of advanced technologies, such as single-cell genomics and live-cell imaging, we can now explore hormone regulation at unprecedented single-cell resolution. Using these tools, we have observed dynamic fluctuations in brassinosteroid signalling throughout different stages of the cell cycle (Vukašinović and Hsu et al., 2025, Cell).

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to investigate how hormonal signals are integrated and coordinated to control the plant cell cycle machinery. This project will combine live-cell imaging, phosphoproteomics, and metabolite profiling to unravel the complexity of phytohormonal regulation at the cellular level.

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).

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.