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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).

                                     

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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

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