PhD / Postdoc Position at the Bio-energy and Bio-aromatics group of Prof. Wout Boerjan

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology is a world-leading plant science institute situated in the Tech Lane Campus in Ghent, Belgium, with access to the newest technology and equipment through VIB core facilities. The Bio-energy and Bio-aromatics group of Prof. Wout Boerjan is looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. student or postdoc to join our international team composed of 24 people.

The group has a major activity in the discovery and characterization of metabolites and their genetic control in Arabidopsis, maize, and poplar species. More specifically, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for metabolomic analysis in the project ‘POPMET’, funded by the European Research Council. The project aims at the large-scale identification of metabolites, metabolic pathways, and their genes in the model tree poplar.

The successful candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Master degree in molecular plant biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, bioengineering, or related field with an excellent understanding of chemistry
• A strong interest in plant biochemistry
• Strong work ethics
• Good communication skills in English
• Hands-on experience in chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS or LC-MS)
• An interest in programming and statistics (preferentially via R or Python)
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team 

The successful candidate should meet the following requirements:

• Ph.D. in molecular plant biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacy, bioengineering, or related field with an excellent understanding of chemistry
• Strong work ethics
• Good communication skills in English
• Hands-on experience in chromatography and mass spectrometry of plant metabolites (GC-MS or LC-MS) and their structural characterization
• Hands-on experience in programming and statistics (preferentially R or Python)
• Experience in handling large data sets is a plus.
• Able to work both independently and as part of a team

The VIB offers great career development opportunities in a collaborative and multidisciplinary working environment. This position represents a unique opportunity for developing new skills in a large array of innovative techniques in the field of plant sciences. We offer a full-time contract of four years (Ph.D. student) or two years (postdoc) with a competitive stipend and extra benefits. The position is available from June 2021 onwards.

If you are interested in this position, you can apply by sending your application to [email protected]. Please make sure your application includes:

• A cover letter describing your motivation and your qualifications, as well as contact information
• of 2 references
• Your CV
• A copy of your diploma, or equivalence certificate of NARIC (if you obtained your degree outside the European Union)

Applications will be accepted until the vacancy has been filled. For more information about this position,
please contact Prof. Wout Boerjan, group leader ([email protected]).