Fully Funded PhD Position in phytohormone physiology and biochemistry, Belgium

Explore fully funded PhD positions in phytohormone physiology and biochemistry in Belgium. Join us in advancing research and innovation in plant science. Plants are exposed to multiple abiotic stresses like drought, submergence, radiation, and soil toxicity, resulting in growth adaptations.

Several plant hormones are known as crucial players in controlling stress responses. Among these ethylene, ABA, and jasmonic acid are well-known. Hormone metabolism determines their steady state, and some metabolites serve particular additional roles. This project aims to unravel how and under which form ACC and jasmonic acid control responses to stress e.g. flooding and drought.

The University of Antwerp operates as a European high-learning institution with more than 20,000 students and is a leader in pioneering scientific research while providing extensive services. It has 6000 workers from 100 different nationalities thus boosting tomorrow’s world by conducting the best research

What you will do in the PhD Position in phytohormone physiology and biochemistry

The growth of plants is affected by abiotic stresses such as drought, radiation, or soil toxicity. Growth response to abiotic stress in plants is regulated by hormones like ethylene, ABA or jasmonic acid. Our project involves a comprehensive study to unravel the mechanism by which ACC and jasmonic acid regulate responses to stress using transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques, as well as live cell microscopy strategies.

• You will work actively on the preparation and defense of a PhD thesis on the above subject.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Biology.

Requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in Biology, Bioengineering, or a related field or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• Experience in phytohormone research is an asset.
• Experience in mass Spectrometry is an asset.
• Molecular biology expertise is an asset.
• Experience with microscopy is an asset.
• You need to have relevant experience with data analysis and statistics using R or similar programming languages (e.g. SAS, Matlab).
• You need to be fluent in English (written and oral).

How to Apply

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 29 August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Els Prinsen (els.prinsen@uantwerpen.be) or Kris Vissenberg (kris.vissenberg@uantwerpen.be).