PhD student at the VIB-PSB Root Development group – Microbiology/nitrification

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute, harboring more than 280 people that focus their activities on cutting-edge research. The cornerstone of PSB is curiosity-driven research on basic cellular mechanisms.

An ongoing research topic in the Root Development group (Tom Beeckman’s lab) focuses on nitrogen, a major nutrient for plant growth, whose presence is however heavily affected by the microbial nitrogen cycle in soil, including undesired nitrification. This process is not only negative for plant growth but also results in huge environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. We are investigating original approaches to (biologically) inhibit nitrification and are looking for a Ph.D. student with a strong background in microbiology to join our team. Applied techniques may include bacterial isolation, nitrification, and biochemical assays, nitrite and ammonium measurements, greenhouse gas measurements, microbiome assessments (PacBio and Metagenomics), (RT)-qPCR, ribotyping, root exudate metabolomic fingerprinting, plant growth experiments, etc. This project aims in the long term to result in new methods to inhibit nitrification and as such contribute to the combat against climate change.

• You hold a relevant Master's degree in the field of microbiology or life sciences (e.g. biotechnology, biochemistry, bioengineering, molecular or functional biology, …).
• You have a sound background in molecular biology.
• You have hands-on experience with basic microbiological techniques.
• You have experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA-extraction, PCR, qPCR,…).
• You have basic knowledge of R/Rstudio.
• Having experience in microbiome analyses is an asset.
• You are interested to work with plants.
• You are eager and motivated to acquire a Ph.D.
• You have good communication and writing skills (English)
• You are able to work independently, as well as function as part of a team.

• A first contract for 2 years, extendable with 2 extra years.
• A competitive salary with various additional benefits (eco vouchers, hospitalization insurance,…).
• Access to cutting-edge technologies (within the department and via the VIB core facilities), personal career assistance, and high-level training courses.

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Please make sure your application includes your CV, a cover letter describing your motivation and your qualifications, as well as the contact information of 2 references.

Additional information can be given per e-mail request to Hans Motte ([email protected] ).

For some scientific context, we refer to our recent review paper: Beeckman, F., Motte, H., Beeckman, T., 2018. Nitrification in agricultural soils: impact, actors and mitigation. Curr. Opin. Biotech. 50, 166–173.

The position is immediately available. Applications will be accepted until the vacancy has been filled.