About the lab

The group of Specialized Metabolism (https://www.psb.ugent.be/groups/specialized-metabolism), led by Prof. Alain Goossens at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, is looking to recruit 1 Ph D student. The Goossens lab focuses on characterizing plant signaling networks that steer plant-specialized metabolism within tightly regulated fitness programs, particularly those modulated by stress hormones such as jasmonate.
The Department of Plant Systems Biology (PSB) belongs to the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB) and the Ghent University (UGent), both equal-opportunity employers. PSB is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned Plant Biotech campus in the lovely and lively city of Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to integrate genetics, genomics and bio-computing to unravel plant biological processes and further translate this knowledge into societal value. Please visit www.psb.ugent.be for more information.

Job description

Chemical communication via specialized metabolites determines interactions between fungi and plants. Fungi possess a metabolite treasure trove, with potent applications for agriculture and human health, yet the vast majority await discovery, typically because their biosynthesis is silent in lab conditions. Within this Ph D project, you will exploit an innovative plant-based platform to discover, study and produce yet unknown fungal metabolites. The plant-based platform is designed based on novel, paradigm-shifting insights acquired during our past research on plant stress hormones. As such, we expect it will offer unprecedented possibilities to activate and study fungal metabolism.

As the Ph D student recruited for this project, you will execute cutting-edge research in plant and fungal molecular biology and immunity. Your main aim will be to discover and characterize fungal biosynthetic gene clusters involved in the production of novel bioactive metabolites. This will involve technologies such as transcriptomics, metabolomics, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing, and synthetic biology, both in plants and fungi.
The research to be performed within this Ph D project is framed within a large-scale collaborative venture with the research groups of Prof. Kris Audenaert (https://www.ugent.be/bw/plants-and-crops/en/research/appliedmycologyandphenomics/overview.htm) and Prof. Marjan De Mey (www.csb.ugent.be), both located at the UGent Faculty of Bioscience Engineering.

Profile

• You have a master's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bio-engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Microbiology or equivalent
• You’re fascinated by plant-fungi interactions, plant immunity, gene discovery, regulation of metabolism, and bioactive metabolites
• You can take initiative, function well in a team, breathe enthusiasm and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and critical mindset
• You have excellent interpersonal skills, to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and in different research areas
• Proficient use of the English language for both oral and written communication is a must
• Bioinformatics skills are not mandatory but nicely appreciated
• A master thesis or past research experience with plant or fungal metabolism, transcriptomics, and/or metabolomics is an asset

We offer

• A full-time competitive stipend for 4 years, according to the Belgian law
• An exciting and innovative project embedded in a multidisciplinary consortium
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure within an excellence-based academic research institute
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment
• Various training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills, including training and mentoring in scientific writing and presenting
• Opportunities to attend scientific conferences and workshops.

How to apply?

If you are interested in studying chemical warfare during tomato-fungi interactions, please apply online via the Jobsoid portal (applications by email will not be considered).
Please include a single PDF in your application that combines the following elements:

• a detailed CV (including publication list if applicable)
• a one-page summary of past research activities (for instance in your master project)
• a letter describing your fascination for the topic and the Goossens lab
• the contact information of two referees

The first review of applications will start immediately. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.
The position is available from January 2025 onwards. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.