Doctoral fellow in Biology at Ghent University

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Scholarship Description

Department of Biology, Ghent University in Belgium is offering an exciting opportunity. A fully funded scholarship for a highly motivated PhD student to optimize genome editing techniques and study carbon capture mechanisms in the green seaweed Ulva. International students must avail this opportunity to study in Belgium.

This project is part of an FWO ERC Runner-up project (Starting Grant) that has emerged from existing research lines in Phycology Research Group and Plant Genome Editing Group at Ghent University on Ulva functional biology.

More specifically, we want to understand the cellular processes that allow Ulva compressa to control carbon fixation. To achieve this, we first need to expand our toolset: We are able to activate the expression of genes (gain-of-function), but are limited by the efficiency of technology enabling inhibition of gene function (loss-of-function). Ulva is currently the only macroalgae where gain- and loss-of-function mutants can be generated and an emerging model in molecular biology.

A PhD researcher will optimize genome editing efficiency in Ulva and design the first CRISPR screen in an alga. The goal is to increase vector-based CRISPR mutagenesis efficiency and evaluate the effects of different vector architectures, CRISPR applications, and culture conditions. The FWO ERC Runner-up project aims to link Ulva’s fast growth capacity with efficient carbon fixation using gain- and loss-of-function mutants.

The following topics will be available to the applicants at the Department of Biology, Ghent University

Algae cultivation and genotyping
Molecular cloning
Stable transformation using vector plasmids
Microscopy Functional characterization of candidate genes using
Transcriptome analysis
Protein-protein interaction analysis

Job Requirements

Master’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, or Bio-engineering Sciences
Experience in seaweed biology and functional biology will be preferred.
Knowledge of wet lab skills to generate and analyze vector and transgenic algae collections.
willing to participate in (inter)national conferences.
Ability to teach practical courses at Master and bachelor during thesis projects.
The applicant must be fluent in English.

Project Offer

doctoral fellow, for period of 12 months – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total three years.
Your job will start on September 1, 2024.
For the information about Stipend/salary click on LINK