Jobs

About the lab

The group of Specialized Metabolism (https://www.psb.ugent.be/groups/specialized-metabolism), led by Prof. Alain Goossens at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, is looking to recruit 1 PhD student. The Goossens lab focuses on characterizing plant signaling networks that steer plant-specialized metabolism within tightly regulated fitness programs, particularly those modulated by stress hormones such as jasmonate.

The Department of Plant Systems Biology (PSB) belongs to the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and the Ghent University (UGent), both equal-opportunity employers. PSB is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned Plant Biotech campus in the lovely and lively city of Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to integrate genetics, genomics and bio-computing to unravel plant biological processes and further translate this knowledge into societal value. Please visit www.psb.ugent.be for more information.

Job description 

Chemical communication via specialized metabolites determines interactions between fungi and plants. Fungi possess a metabolite treasure trove, with potent applications for agriculture and human health, yet the vast majority await discovery, typically because their biosynthesis is silent in lab conditions. Within this PhD project, you will exploit an innovative plant-based platform to discover, study and produce yet unknown fungal metabolites. The plant-based platform is designed based on novel, paradigm-shifting insights acquired during our past research on plant stress hormones. As such, we expect it will offer unprecedented possibilities to activate and study fungal metabolism.

As the PhD student recruited for this project, you will execute cutting-edge research in plant and fungal molecular biology and immunity. Your main aim will be to discover and characterize fungal biosynthetic gene clusters involved in the production of novel bioactive metabolites. This will involve technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, and synthetic biology, both in plants and fungi.

The research to be performed within this PhD project is framed within a large-scale collaborative venture with the research groups of Prof. Kris Audenaert (https://www.ugent.be/bw/plants-and-crops/en/research/appliedmycologyandphenomics/overview.htm) and Prof. Marjan De Mey (www.csb.ugent.be), both located at the UGent Faculty of Bioscience Engineering.

Profile

• You have a master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bio-engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Microbiology or equivalent
• You’re fascinated by plant-fungi interactions, plant immunity, gene discovery, regulation of metabolism, and bioactive metabolites
• You can take initiative, function well in a team, breathe enthusiasm and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and critical mindset
• You have excellent interpersonal skills, to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and in different research areas
• Proficient use of the English language for both oral and written communication is a must
• Bioinformatics skills are not mandatory but nicely appreciated
• A master thesis or past research experience with plant or fungal metabolism, transcriptomics, and/or metabolomics is an asset

We offer

• A full-time competitive stipend for 4 years, according to the Belgian law
• An exciting and innovative project embedded in a multidisciplinary consortium
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure within an excellence-based academic research institute
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment
• Various training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills, including training and mentoring in scientific writing and presenting
• Opportunities to attend scientific conferences and workshops.

How to apply? 

If you are interested in studying chemical warfare during tomato-fungi interactions, please apply online via the Jobsoid portal (applications by email will not be considered).

Please include a single PDF in your application that combines the following elements:

• a detailed CV (including publication list if applicable)
• a one-page summary of past research activities (for instance in your master project)
• a letter describing your fascination for the topic and the Goossens lab
• the contact information of two referees

The first review of applications will start immediately. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.

The position is available from January 2025 onwards. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.

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 integrate genetics, genomics and computational biology to unravel the biology of plants and to improve the sustainability and climate resilience of crops. The Maere lab at PSB (http://www.maerelab.be) is active in the fields of computational biology, systems biology and evolutionary genomics. Current research topics include testing a novel experimental setup to unravel the molecular wiring of plant phenotypes under field conditions, studying dosage balance-sensitive genes in plants, and modeling the evolution of transcriptional systems in silico. We are currently looking for a talented PhD student to work on experimental evolution of diatoms in the context of a UGent GOA project (4-year position).

Project description

Diatoms are the most productive and species-rich group of microalgae. They have extensively colonized marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems, contributing 20% of all carbon fixation on Earth. Despite the global significance of diatoms, the genetic basis and regulatory mechanisms underlying their evolutionary and ecological success remain largely uncharted territory. Unraveling these mechanisms is crucial to assess how diatoms respond to climate change. In this project, we will experimentally evolve diatoms under selection for resilience against warmer temperatures, and chart the molecular mechanisms underlying diatom adaptation. For the experimental evolution part, we will collaborate closely with the lab of Wim Vyverman at UGent (https://www.ugent.be/we/biology/en/research/protistology).

Profile

• You have an MSc degree in Bioengineering, Biology, Biotechnology, Computational Biology or Bioinformatics.
• You are fascinated by biological evolution.
• Experience with diatom cultivation, experimental evolution and/or evolutionary genomics data analysis is a plus.
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written) and master several programming languages.
• You can work in a team as well as independently.
• You are meticulous, well-organized, responsible and self-critical.
• You take pride in delivering high-quality work.
• You have a passion for science and you can think outside the box.

We offer

• An exciting work environment in a top research institute.
• The opportunity to be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary and international team.
• A challenging project in a competitive field of science.
• Ample opportunity to learn new skills.
• An attractive salary.

Please complete the online application procedure 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).

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 testing a novel experimental setup to unravel the molecular wiring of plant phenotypes under field conditions, 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 the VIB Grand Challenge project ‘Validating the use of endemic rhizobia for sustainable soybean cultivation in Northwestern Europe’.

Project description

Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important protein sources in human food and animal feed. Europe is highly dependent on the import of soybean, often from (sub)tropical areas where soybean cultivation is one of the main drivers of deforestation. Establishing European soybean production at scale may not only help curtail deforestation in crucial ecosystems such as the Amazon, Cerrado and Gran Chaco, but would also reduce Europe’s dependence on soybean imports, reduce the associated carbon footprint and facilitate the ongoing transition to more plant protein and less animal protein in the European diets. Moreover, in symbiosis with nitrogen (N)-fixing bacteria (rhizobia) inside root nodules, soybean can manage its own N nutrition, reducing the need for N fertilization. In combination with a reduced import of soybean products (and the associated N) from overseas, local and circular soybean cultivation may help mitigating some of the N pollution issues in Europe. Although soybean is predominantly a (sub)tropical crop, soybean varieties that are better adapted to more temperate climates with cold springs, such as those found in Northwestern (NW) Europe, have already been bred. However, the current commercially available rhizobial inoculants needed to establish N-fixing nodules on soybean roots are based on non-endemic rhizobial strains that are poorly adapted to local environmental conditions, causing soybeans cultivated in NW Europe to have suboptimal and variable yield and protein content. The aim of this project is to assess whether using endemic rhizobia as soybean inoculants instead of exotic strains improves soybean yield, protein content and yield stability.

In the previous VIB Grand Challenge (GC) project ‘Soy in Flanders’ (https://sojain1000tuinen.sites.vib.be/en), we engaged 1000 citizens to grow soybean plants in their garden and trapped several endemic rhizobia that are able to nodulate soybean. In the present GC project, we will test the performance of the most promising of these endemic strains versus commercial strains in field trials and on farmers’ fields across Belgium. In each field, we will profile soil type, nutrient composition, soil and nodule microbiomes, nodule phenotypes, seed yield, seed protein content and biological nitrogen fixation for several combinations of soybean variety and rhizobial strain. Together with Steven Maere, you will be coordinating efforts across 8 participating labs from research institutes across Flanders. Additionally, you will be in charge of data integration and the construction of machine learning models to unravel which environmental factors influence rhizobial strain performance in the field.

Profile

• You have a PhD in Computational Biology, Biotechnology or Bioengineering.
• You have excellent project management and communication skills and you like to take initiative.
• You have solid expertise in machine learning, analysis of genomics data and data integration. Hands-on experience with microbiome data analysis is a plus.
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written) and master several programming languages.
• You found a good balance between working in a team and working independently.
• You are meticulous, well-organized, responsible and self-critical.
• You have a passion for science and you can think outside the box.

We offer

• A 3-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 project with high societal value.
• Ample opportunity to learn new skills.

How to apply?

Please complete the online application procedure 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).

Postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student to investigate the interplay between the Secretory Carrier Membrane Proteins and the plasma membrane aquaporins in Arabidopsis.

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.

UCLouvain is the largest university in the French-speaking part of Belgium. It is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, 30 km south of Brussels. The Chaumont laboratory (https://uclouvain.be/en/research-institutes/libst/francois-chaumont.html) belongs to the Institute of Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), which brings together more than 180 research staffs working in the field of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology. Chaumont’s team is fascinated by the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating physiological processes and, especially, by the regulation and function of aquaporins, which are involved in numerous developmental and physiological processes related to water relations but also to the movement of other physiological and signalling molecules.

The Van Damme lab and the Chaumont lab have joined forces via an FWO-weave project. Within this project, there are two 4-year positions available. A postdoctoral researcher position in the Van Damme lab and a PhD position in the Chaumont lab. The PhD student and the postdoc will work in close collaboration on the interplay between the secretory carrier membrane proteins (SCAMPs), which are cargo of the endocytic TPLATE complex (Arora et al., Plant Cell 2020 and Yperman et al. Science Advances 2021), and the plasma membrane aquaporins (PIPs). We aim to identify how the SCAMP proteins are involved in the trafficking and/or activity of the PIPs. The research will involve interactomics, live cell imaging, mutant analysis, structural modelling (e.g. AF2) as well as physiological assays on water permeability in Arabidopsis protoplasts as well as in Xenopus oocytes. The PhD student will be based in UCLouvain and the postdoc will be based in Ghent. As this is a truly joint project, both the student and the postdoc will be able to benefit from the available expertise in both labs.

Profile

Profile 1. PhD student

• Master's degree in biology/bio-engineering, or equivalent, with a strong interest in plant biology and some experience in plant molecular and cellular biology or physiology.

Profile 2. Postdoctoral researcher

• Ph.D. degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, Bio-engineering, or equivalent.
• Required proven expertise in: live cell imaging, cloning (e.g. Golden Gate, Gibson), protein biochemistry, guidance of master and/or PhD students.
• Desired expertise in: interactomics, stomatal dynamics, Alphafold modelling. Experience in supervising Ph.D. students is also considered a plus.

We welcome applications from dynamic individuals with a strong drive for science and motivation. Ideal candidates take initiative, possess a strong sense of responsibility, have critical thinking abilities, have excellent oral and written English communication skills, and have a collaborative mindset. 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. For the PhD student, this will imply applying for a FNRS and/or FRIA fellowship. Eligibility for 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 plant physiology and that has the potential to discover novel ways how drought tolerance of plants can be increased.

We 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 in many cutting-edge technologies.
• Training courses in academic, technical, and career skills.
• An initial 1-year contract, which can be extended up to 4 years.

Starting Date: as soon as possible.

How to apply?  

Interested candidates can only apply through the VIB online application tool. Candidates should clearly specify whether they apply for the PhD or the postdoc position.

• A complete application file (English, single pdf) should 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 for the position should be focused on the project (what would you like to do when you get it) and 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 both Daniel Van Damme and to Francois Chaumont (dadam@psb.vib-ugent.be and francois.chaumont@uclouvain.be).

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (www.psb.ugent.be) is looking for a Group Leader to join its faculty (Group Leader at VIB). We are particularly interested in recruiting a new PI who uses and develops artificial intelligence methods to address fundamental questions in plant biology.

We welcome applications across all domains of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and associated fields embedded within PSB research themes. Examples of research topics include but are not limited to:

• development of new AI architectures for cell biology, developmental biology, (a)biotic stress response, systems biology, quantitative genetics, evolutionary genomics, …
• development of foundation models of cell and genome function using single-cell and spatial multi-omics data.
• AI-based modeling of cell morphology and tissue function using imaging and computer vision.

With regards to biological questions, we are seeking candidates to cover research on Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity, and Adaptation to Climate Change. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

This position comes with full salary and core funding (internationally competitive package) that is renewable for multiple additional 5-year periods, and access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch support core facilities, as well as support to attract talented PhD students and postdocs from across the world.

The position entails a co-affiliation with the VIB Center for AI & Computational Biology. VIB.AI is also seeking Group Leaders in other AI domains. You can find the link to the vacancies here (Ghent) and here (Leuven).

As a VIB Group Leader and (part-time, 10%) Ghent University (UGent) Professor, you will be expected to (continue to) build your research program with your own independent research group, and to set up or consolidate a strong network with other researchers within VIB, UGent and beyond. You strive for excellence in your research and thereby contribute to the scientific development of the Center for Plant Systems Biology.

Your profile

• PhD in machine learning or a related quantitative field (Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, (Bio)Engineering, Computational Biology/Chemistry) and extensive experience with molecular biology data analysis.
• Candidates will be considered at junior or more senior levels assuming relevant experience in foundational machine learning research and/or applied machine learning in an academic and/or industrial setting (post-doctoral).
• Excellent machine learning and programming experience.
• Solid knowledge of molecular biology and genetics.
• Published impactful research, demonstrates creativity, originality and addresses relevant problems in biology & computational research.
  
• Demonstrated ability to acquire competitive funding.
• Interdisciplinary mindset and keen on collaborating broadly in the center, the department, and the university
• Motivated to guide postdoctoral researchers, PhD interns, and full-time scientists.
• International working experience.
• You have a thorough knowledge of spoken and written English.

We offer 

• Substantial core research funding that is renewable every 5 years.
• An attractive employment package including 100% of your salary and excellent health benefits.
• Access to a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration with top experts in biology, computational biology, engineering, and computer science both at VIB and UGent.
• Access to a highly talented pool of students in biology, computational biology, engineering, and computer science from the UGent bachelor and master programs.
• Access to powerful in-house computing infrastructure as well as to computing cluster infrastructure at the VIB Data Core and Flemish Supercomputer Center.
• Access to excellent and staffed core facilities at the Center, at VIB, and UGent (including sequencing, proteomics, single-cell, microscopy, data core,  and many more).
• Possibility to also perform wet lab activities in state-of-the-art infrastructure.
• Broad administrative support, including help recruiting technicians, PhD students and post-doc scientists for your group.
• Access to a dedicated business development team specialized in translational research and technology transfer.
• Professional leadership training.
• An internationally recognized workplace that values diversity, promotes an inclusive environment.
• Help with relocation and establishing a life in Belgium, including visa application (if necessary), and finding housing, (international) schooling, and day-care.

About VIB and the VIB Center for Plant Systems Biology

VIB (Flanders Institute for Biotechnology) is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute, with a clear focus on ground-breaking strategic basic research in life sciences and operates in close partnership with the five universities in Flanders. VIB strives for a respectful and supportive working environment and a culture of belonging for diverse talents in the organization.

At PSB (Center for Plant Systems Biology), our mission focuses on addressing climate change, advancing sustainable agriculture, and conserving biodiversity through innovative plant research. Our goal is to help create a sustainable future where ecological equilibrium is maintained. We study fundamental plant processes through innovative methods and state-of-the-art technologies, using experimental and computational approaches. Our climate change research is developing resilient plant varieties to withstand extreme climates and enhance carbon capture. In agriculture, we aim to reduce resource use by creating crops that require fewer inputs for higher yields and championing environmentally friendly farming practices to ensure long-term food security. We study plant genomes, plant diversity, and plant evolution and adaptation, which is vital for understanding biodiversity and ecological resilience. We also try to engage the public through education, fostering a community dedicated to environmental sustainability. We are committed to science-based solutions for a world where development and conservation go hand-in-hand, ensuring a green and secure future for all.

A Group Leader position at PSB is linked to a part-time (10%) professor position at the Faculty of Sciences at Ghent University.

Ghent and Ghent University

Ghent, the second largest city of Flanders, is a university city and cultural hub. Only half an hour away from Antwerp and Brussels by train, and centrally located in Europe, Ghent has a scenic yet cosy, well-preserved historical center and a lively multi-cultural atmosphere. Ghent and the greater region of Flanders is internationally oriented and tech-minded with a strong biotechnology sector with spin-offs and start-ups, creating a natural home for researchers and their families. English is very widely spoken in the city and surrounding area.

Ghent is home to Ghent University, a top 100 university, founded in 1817 and one of the major universities in Belgium. The university credo is ‘Dare to Think’, challenging everyone to question conventional views and to dare to take a nuanced stand. Ghent University is a pluralistic university, which means it is open to all, regardless of ideological, political, cultural, or social background. Ghent and its surrounding area is a great place for young people and families to live and to raise children. There are many excellent day care centers and schools, including an international school.

How to apply

Please use the VIB HR application tool and upload

• a cover/motivation letter
• your full CV with publication list
• a 1-2 page bio sketch including your top 5 publications or achievements
• contact details of 3 referees
• a 2-4 page statement of your research plan including a brief statement reflecting your vision on the integration with the other PSB PIs.

Start date: 1/01/2025

For more information

Yves Van de Peer (yves.vandepeer@psb.ugent.be) director VIB.PSB