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. 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).
Contract: 1 year, with possibility of extension l Start date: from August 1, 2026
About us
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.
For over a decade, the VIB Crop Genome Engineering Facility (CGEF) has supported academics, start‑ups, and multinationals in generating genetically engineered maize lines and more recently also soybean was added to the portfolio. Over the years, the CGEF has refined its workflows by optimizing tissue culture, explant quality, quality control, and event characterization.
The lab is located in Zwijnaarde where there are also greenhouses and growth facilities. In addition, greenhouse space will be used in the new Agro-biotech incubator in Nevele.
To support our soybean transformation pipeline, we are looking for a Research Technician.
About the role
As a Research Technician in the Crop Genome Engineering Facility (CGEF), you will play a vital role in supporting plant transformation across multiple crop species. Your main focus will be on maintaining and executing the soybean transformation workflow, which includes molecular cloning of genetic constructs, plant tissue culture, selection of transgenic lines, genotyping, and phenotyping. Alongside this, you will take an active role in establishing a tomato transformation platform and help to set up reliable and robust protocols for this crop. You will also assist the maize transformation team when needed, ensuring smooth collaborations across the facility’s transformation pipelines. Across all projects you will be involved from initiation to completion, ensuring the successful delivery of genetically transformed plants for internal research and external stakeholders. In addition to transformation tasks, you will contribute to research and development aimed at improving transformation efficiency and optimizing CRISPR/Cas9 delivery methods. You will also assist the maize transformation team when needed and work closely with colleagues in the lab and in our greenhouses facilities located in Zwijnaarde and Nevele. This position offers a hands-on opportunity to be part of a cutting-edge plant biotechnology environment that accelerates research and innovation towards more sustainable agriculture.
Your profile
- Professional Bachelor degree (laboratory technology)
- Experience with in vitro plant tissue culture work
- Experience with handling and growing plants in growth rooms or greenhouse
- Good command of English, both spoken and written.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
- Driving license B for occasional visit to the Nevele site
Responsibilities
- Support the plant transformation team
- Plant tissue culture (media preparation, in vitro techniques)
- Molecular cloning, Agrobacterium transformation
- Handling of plants in the greenhouse
- Genotyping (DNA extraction, PCR)
- Plan, perform and document experiments in an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Optional knowledge
- Golden Gate vector cloning
- Analysis of CRISPR/Cas9 edited plants
- Experience working with cereals (maize, wheat)
- Working with an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN)
Key personal characteristics
- Passionate about science and genetic engineering
- Patient and persistent to handle plant tissue culture
- Strong sense of responsibility, maintain a clean working environment
- Eager to learn new concepts and techniques, flexible in working hours.
- Team player with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to accurately compile and document experiments
Our offer
- A 1-year laboratory technician position, with possibility of extension
- Start date: available from August 1st 2026
- An internationally competitive salary and benefits
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and services as well as various training and leadership opportunities to broaden expertise and skills
How to apply
Please submit your application through the online VIB application tool (https://jobs.vib.be/apply/135912). Be sure it includes:
- A detailed CV
- A 1-page letter of intent describing your motivation for this position, your research experiences and future goals.
- The names and contact details of two references
Emailed applications will not be considered
In case of questions, please can contact recruiting@vib.be