Postdoc in plant systems biology for climate change resilience and disease resis

About this position

We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for grant-funded projects that integrate different genomics and proteomics technologies across a range of applications in plant biology. Selected candidates will have their choice of projects depending on their background and interests. You will also be given the freedom to develop their own research projects within the themes below:

• Engineering non-insecticidal solutions for plant viral diseases using nucleoprotein interaction proteomics:

Plant viruses cause major crop losses worldwide and remain difficult to control without extensive use of insecticides targeting their vectors. In this 4-year PhD project, funded by the Research Foundation–Flanders (FWO), you will use advanced mass spectrometry-based proteomics to uncover the protein

and

RNA interactions that underpin viral infection in sugar beet and tomato. By combining interaction proteomics, genome editing, and chemical screening approaches, you will identify new genetic and chemical strategies for controlling viral diseases and contribute to the development of innovative, non-insecticidal plant protection solutions.

The project is conducted within a multidisciplinary consortium bringing together KU Leuven, the VIB Screening Core, and ILVO (Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food),

with guidance from an advisory board that includes industry representatives.

• Understanding the role of the plant circadian clock in latitudinal adaptation:

As climate change shifts agriculture northwards, crops must adapt to shorter growing seasons and dramatic seasonal changes in day length. In this PhD project, you will explore how the plant circadian clock helps plants sense and respond to latitude based on our recent discoveries (Mehta et al., 2024,

Science Advances

). Combining directed evolution, cutting-edge environmental simulation systems, and advanced multi-omics approaches, you will discover the genetic mechanisms underlying latitudinal adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Your findings will help lay the foundation for breeding and engineering the next generation of climate-resilient crops.

All the thematic areas above will equip you with a diverse skillset well suited to build your own research line as an independent researcher. You will also be provided with mentorship from a team of senior and junior PIs with experience in both European and North American academia and close collaborator networks in Europe, North America, Asia and Africa to help you achieve your professional goals and secure an independent faculty/researcher position

We seek a candidate with a PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology or other relevant topic for the projects described above.

A successful candidate will ideally:

Demonstrate a strong ability to write and communicate in English in the form of a well-written PhD thesis and/or at least one published, accepted, or pre-printed publication as lead author.

Be eager to apply for an independent postdoc fellowship with the support of the PIs.

Have experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry labs (any model system) (project-dependant)

Intermediate programming or data-analysis skills or an interest in developing such skills (project-dependant)

Be able to work well in a multi-disciplinary team

Be eager to learn new techniques

Be able to integrate in an international and diverse working environment

We offer you a full-time postdoctoral position for 2 years, with a possibility for extension pending a positive evaluation at the end of the first year.

Although the successful candidate is expected no later than early 2027, the starting date for the position remains negotiable.

You will obtain advanced training in plant biology, genetic engineering, systems biology, and professional development that will prepare you for a career in academic research. You will be closely mentored by Profs. Mehta and Vanderschuren as well as a close-knit, international, and diverse community of plant scientists within the Division of Crop Biotechnics.

You will be given support to participate in European and international conferences and publish your science in respected scientific journals. The host labs also support the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and embrace Open Science (

https://mehta-lab.com/policies

).

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Devang Mehta, mail:

devang.mehta@kuleuven.be

or Prof. dr. Hervé Vanderschuren, mail:

herve.vanderschuren@kuleuven.be

.