Jobs
About us
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB, www.psb.vib-ugent.be) is a world-leading plant science institute with the mission to unravel the biology of plants and use the insights gained to improve the sustainability of agriculture and the climate change resilience of crops. The Maere lab at PSB (http://www.maerelab.be) is active in the fields of computational biology, evolutionary genomics and plant systems biology. Current research topics include developing a single-plant omics strategy to unravel the molecular wiring of plant phenotypes, studying dosage balance-sensitive genes in plants, and modeling the evolution of transcriptional systems in silico.
We are currently looking for a talented postdoc to join our team in the context of a project funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), in which we will model the effects of whole-genome duplication on the evolution of transcriptional systems.
Project description
Whole-genome duplications (WGDs) have been found all over the plant kingdom, as well as e.g. in yeast and animal lineages. WGDs have been associated with increased speciation, adaptation to changed environments, domestication of plants and yeasts and the origin or elaboration of evolutionary novelties. In the context of ongoing climate change, WGDs may be a crucial mechanism to help plants and other organisms adapt. However, the evidence supporting these hypotheses is mostly circumstantial, and the molecular mechanisms by which WGD might influence the adaptability and evolvability of organisms remain understudied. The effects of WGD on the evolution of molecular systems have until now only been studied with highly abstracted models. A more detailed modeling approach, inspired on the engineering-type approaches used in molecular systems biology, is needed to get mechanistic insight into the impact of WGDs on the evolution of molecular systems. In this project, we will use a mechanistic, sequence-based genotype-phenotype mapping model in combination with population-based evolutionary simulations to study the evolution of transcriptional systems after WGD. We will in particular study whether and under which circumstances polyploids exhibit a short-term adaptive advantage compared to their diploid progenitors, and whether and how WGD increases long-term evolvability. Based on our simulation results, we will dissect which molecular and evolutionary mechanisms influence the adaptability and evolvability of diploids and polyploids.
Your profile
- You have a PhD in Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, (Bio)Engineering, Mathematics or Physics.
- You have expertise in dynamical systems modeling (ODEs) and machine learning and very strong programming skills (Java, Python).
- A background in evolutionary genomics research is a strong plus, as is previous experience in the genome duplication research field.
- You have an outstanding publication record in peer-reviewed international journals.
- You are fluent in English (spoken and written).
- You are meticulous, well-organized, responsible and self-critical.
- You have a passion for science and you can think outside the box.
Our offer
- A 4-year postdoc position with an attractive salary.
- An exciting work environment in a top research institute.
- The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international team.
- A challenging fundamental research project.
- Ample opportunity to learn new skills.
How to apply
Please apply via the VIB online career portal (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/133506) and include a detailed CV, a letter of motivation and the contact details of two referees.
Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
For more information, contact Steven Maere (steven.maere@psb.vib-ugent.be).
About us
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world‑leading research center of more than 280 researchers dedicated to cutting‑edge science with a clear mission: combating climate change, fostering sustainable agriculture, and preserving global biodiversity (https://www.psb.ugent.be/). In this respect, an important research topic of the center is the interaction between plants and soil microorganisms. The research line of Hans Motte within the Beeckman lab aims to understand how plants influence nutrient‑competing soil microorganisms.
About the role
We are looking for a motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to discover and characterize new plant‑based strategies to control nitrogen‑cycle microorganisms, and as such improve plant nitrogen use while reducing nitrogen pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The successful candidate will contribute to an ongoing project assessing the biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) potential of metabolites across the plant kingdom. This includes the characterization and validation of novel BNI mechanisms through molecular and microbial ecology approaches targeting nitrifier communities, including metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metabolomics.
Your profile
We are looking for a candidate with:
- A PhD in microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, plant–microbe interactions, biogeochemistry, or related fields.
- Demonstrated expertise in molecular work on nitrifying microorganisms.
- Strong experience with metagenomics and microbial community profiling.
- Experience - or strong interest - in working with biological nitrification inhibitors (BNIs) and plant–soil interaction experiments.
- Experience with LC–MS–based metabolomics is a plus.
Our offer
- A full‑time 3-year postdoctoral position with competitive salary
- A stimulating research environment with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, personal career assistance, and high-level training courses.
The position is immediately available and will remain open until filled.
How to apply?
Apply online via the VIB career portal (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/133812). Please make sure your application includes your CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and your qualifications, and contact information of two references.
About us
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB, www.psb.vib-ugent.be) is a world-leading plant science institute with the mission to unravel the biology of plants and use the insights gained to improve the sustainability of agriculture and the climate change resilience of crops. We are currently looking for an expert in Machine Learning and AI to join our team. In collaboration with the plant scientists and computational biologists at PSB, you will develop AI methodology to streamline data acquisition and analysis workflows in the Center, and the integration of agentic AI therein.
Your profile
You have:
- a Master degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics or a related field
- a strong background in machine learning and AI (deep learning, LLMs, computer vision)
- strong proficiency in Python and Git, with high standards for software quality, verification, documentation and user-friendliness
- strong problem-solving skills, you can take ownership of complex technical topics and figure out adequate solutions in a timely manner
- experience in data management
- technical expertise in the integration of hardware, software and algorithms is a plus
- you have an interest in plant science and molecular biology
- you are fluent in English (spoken and written)
- you are meticulous, well-organized, responsible and self-critical
- you’re able to work autonomously while collaborating effectively
- you can support non-AI experts through knowledge sharing and technical guidance
- you can communicate effectively with people that have another expertise than your own
Our offer
- An exciting work environment in a top research institute with access to state-of-the-art imaging and high-performance computing facilities
- Challenging work in a rapidly evolving field
- The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international team
- Ample opportunity to learn new skills
- A competitive salary package with benefits
How to apply
Please apply via the VIB online career portal (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135248) and include a detailed CV, a letter of motivation and the contact details of two referees. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
For more information, contact Steven Maere (steven.maere@psb.vib-ugent.be).
About us
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB, www.psb.vib-ugent.be) is a world-leading plant science institute with the mission to unravel the biology of plants and use the insights gained to improve the sustainability of agriculture and the climate change resilience of crops. We are currently looking for an expert in Computer Vision, Image Analysis and AI to join our team. In collaboration with the plant scientists and computational biologists at PSB, you will develop solutions to extract information from a wide variety of biological imaging data using state-of-the-art computer vision and deep learning techniques.
About the role
Your role will include:
- analyzing image-based plant phenotyping datasets (RGB, hyperspectral)
- designing and optimizing data analysis workflows for automated imaging platforms in the Center
- mapping data from multiple (imaging) sensors into a shared domain (i.e. sensor fusion)
- developing quantitative methods for analyzing microscopy data
- deploying automated image analysis pipelines and making them accessible for non-expert users in the Center
- integrating agentic AI where useful in data analysis workflows
- contributing to scientific publications on computer vision innovations and the biological discoveries they enable
Your profile
You have:
- a PhD in engineering, computer science, mathematics or a related field
- a strong background and proven experience in machine learning and AI
- minimum 4 years of relevant experience in computer vision
- strong proficiency in Python and Git, with high standards for software quality, verification, documentation and user-friendliness
- strong problem-solving skills, you can take ownership of complex technical topics and figure out adequate solutions in a timely manner
- experience in data management
- technical expertise in the integration of hardware, software and algorithms is a plus
- experience with agentic AI, robotics and sensor fusion is a plus
- you have an interest in plant science and molecular biology
- you are fluent in English (spoken and written)
- you are meticulous, well-organized, responsible and self-critical
- you’re able to work autonomously while collaborating effectively
- you can support non-AI experts through knowledge sharing and technical guidance
- you can communicate effectively with people that have another expertise than your own
Our offer
- An exciting work environment in a top research institute with access to state-of-the-art imaging and high-performance computing facilities
- Challenging work in a rapidly evolving field
- The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international team
- Ample opportunity to learn new skills
- A competitive salary package with benefits
How to apply
Please apply via the VIB online career portal (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135249) and include a detailed CV, a letter of motivation and the contact details of two referees. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
For more information, contact Steven Maere (steven.maere@psb.vib-ugent.be).
About us
The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a leading research institute dedicated to understanding how plants grow, adapt, and respond to environmental change. PSB aims to translate fundamental discoveries into sustainable agricultural applications and to enhance the climate resilience of crops.
This PhD position will be embedded in the Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics group led by Prof. Yves Van de Peer, in close collaboration with the UGent Phycology Research Group led by Prof. Olivier De Clerck. Together, these groups combine world-leading expertise in genome evolution, polyploidy, and algal biology and evolution.
The candidate will join a highly collaborative and international research environment, with strong connections to major polyploidy initiatives, including the Polydiv2 and PI3 networks.
About the role
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the impact of genome duplication on volvocine algae, with a particular focus on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
The project will investigate how genome dynamics and environmental conditions interact to shape the evolutionary success of polyploids using:
- Experimental evolution approaches, including long-term laboratory experiments, strain maintenance, culturing, and phenotyping. These are labor-intensive and require strong commitment and planning.
- Molecular and genomic analyses, including sequencing data generation and interpretation
- Bioinformatics and statistical analysis, to characterize genome evolution, mutation processes, and adaptation patterns
The PhD candidate will progressively transition from intensive wet-lab experimentation in the early phase of the project towards increased involvement in data analysis, integration, and scientific writing in later stages.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of evolutionary biology, genomics, and algal model systems, while contributing to a broader understanding of biodiversity, adaptation, and genome evolution.
Your profile
Essential:
- You have a Master's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or a related field.
- Strong background in evolution, genomics, and/or algal biology
- Willingness to combine wet-lab experimental work and computational analysis
- Basic knowledge of statistics and/or programming (R, Python, or similar)
- Strong motivation to learn new techniques across disciplines
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team
- You are fluent in English (spoken and written)
Desirable, but not required:
- Experience with microbial or algal culturing or experimental evolution
- Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis
- Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines
- Background in evolutionary theory and/or ecology
- Experience with data handling and statistical modeling
- Prior lab experience demonstrating ability to perform long-term experiments
Key personal characteristics:
- Highly motivated and curious, with a passion for fundamental research
- Perseverant and organized, able to handle long-term and labor-intensive experiments
- Analytical and critical-thinking, with attention to detail
- Flexible and eager to learn, especially in interdisciplinary contexts
- Collaborative, open to working closely with supervisors, technicians, postdocs, and students
- Resilient, able to deal with challenges inherent to experimental research
Our offer
- A fully funded 4-year PhD position at Ghent University (UGent) with an attractive salary.
- A challenging fundamental research project.
- Enrollment in the UGent Doctoral Schools, providing structured training and transferable skills development.
- Financial support for attending international conferences and specialized courses
- Access to extensive training programs, seminars, and career development activities through VIB and UGent
- A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment in a top research institute. Close supervision by experienced researchers and opportunities to collaborate broadly
How to apply
Please apply via the VIB online career portal: https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135354
Your application should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of two to three referees.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.
For more information, please contact Quinten Bafort (Quinten.Bafort@UGent.be). Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered; only applications submitted through the online portal will be reviewed.
https://vib.be/en/research-and-impact/research-centers/center-plant-systems-biology
https://vandepeerlab.sites.vib.be
About us
VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a focus on groundbreaking basic research in life sciences.
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 unravel plant biological processes and translate this knowledge into value for society. Please visit us at www.psb.ugent.be for more information. Research at the Van Damme lab (https://www.vandammelab.be/) is centered around membrane trafficking in plants and we combine cell biological and biochemical/structural approaches to answer our research questions. We are highly passionate about the endocytic pathway that controls the plasma membrane proteome and we investigate its machinery, as well as its downstream cargo.
About the role
Postdoctoral researcher - Unveiling how the interplay between endocytosis and autophagy contributes to plant survival.
The Van Damme lab and the Dagdas lab have joined forces through a joint FWO-DFG project. Within this project, there is a 3-year postdoctoral researcher position in the Van Damme lab available to work on the interplay between endocytosis and autophagy. The aim is to identify how both pathways are intertwined and affect/rely on each other in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. The project will start from the observation that combining a weak endocytic mutant with an autophagy mutant causes a strong developmental delay under non-stressed conditions. The research will involve interaction proteomics, live cell imaging, biochemistry and mutant analysis. As this is a truly joint project, the postdoctoral fellow will be able to benefit from available expertise in both labs.
Your profile
- Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Bio-engineering, or equivalent.
- Required proven expertise by publications or preprints in: Arabidopsis live cell imaging, cloning (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson), protein biochemistry, interaction proteomics.
- Prior experience in guiding master and/or PhD students is recommended.
- We welcome applications from dynamic individuals with a strong curiosity and drive for breakthrough science.
- Ideal candidates take initiative, possess a strong sense of responsibility, have critical thinking abilities, and have a collaborative mindset.
- Excellent oral and written English communication skills
- Additionally, they should demonstrate the capacity to independently plan and execute research with precision.
We welcome the willingness of candidates to apply for personal fellowships in order to achieve their own individual funding. Eligibility for FWO, Marie Curie and/or EMBO postdoctoral fellowship applications will be to your benefit.
Join us to undertake a highly innovative project that combines cell biology and interaction proteomics and that has the potential to discover novel ways how plant endomembrane trafficking pathways are connected.
Our offer
- State-of-the-art laboratory environment.
- An inclusive group atmosphere and a spot in a dynamic and diverse team of researchers.
- A versatile and challenging academic environment with very diverse contacts.
- Various opportunities to broaden your expertise and to train yourself in many cutting-edge technologies.
- Training courses in academic, technical, and career-oriented skills.
- An initial 1-year contract, which can be extended to up to 3 years.
Starting Date: as soon as possible.
How to apply?
Interested candidates can only apply through the VIB online application tool via this link: https://jobs.vib.be/apply/134365 .
A complete application file (English, single pdf) must contain the following documents:
- A 1-page summary of your research experiences and future goals.
- A one-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position. The motivation letter should be focused on the future (what would you like to do), not on previous achievements.
- A detailed CV including a publication list.
- Contact information of 2-3 references.
The first review of applications will start from the moment applicants apply. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews. The position remains open until a suitable candidate is found.
For further information and questions, please send an email to Daniel Van Damme (dadam@psb.vib-ugent.be).