At the Department of Biosystems of the University of Leuven (Belgium), the lab of Prof. Bram Van de Poel conducts research on molecular plant hormone physiology. We have an open full-time PhD position in molecular plant biology to unravel the mechanism of long-distance ethylene transport in plants.
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Project
Plants use hormones to steer development and react to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Many hormones (or their precursors) are transported over long distances, mediated by the vascular tissue, to enable remote responses. A special group of phytohormones comprises gasses such as ethylene, which only diffuse in plant tissue. In this proposal, we want to investigate if a novel mechanism of long-distance ethylene gas transport mediated by the phloem occurs in plants and unravel its biological role in systemic stress resilience. We will deploy the latest genetic and molecular tools (e.g. reporter lines, mutants, RNA-seq) in Arabidopsis to study this ethylene transport phenomena. We will also make use of advanced MALDI-imaging and isotope-tracer experiments (GC-MS) to spatially quantify ethylene transport. We will also investigate how specific stress treatments (e.g., heat, light, wounding, and pathogens) can evoke a systemic ethylene responses and protect the entire plant.
This PhD project will train you to become a scientist who is ready for future challenges. This means that you will be conducting cutting-edge research under the close supervision of Prof Van de Poel, collaborate with your colleagues (within and outside the lab) and participate in the daily activities of the lab. You are encouraged to guide master thesis students, participate at national and international conferences and disseminate your research results in scientific publications.
Profile
Our team is looking for a PhD candidate with a strong interest in plant molecular biology and stress. You are a team-player with a critical mind, work accurately and are willing to learn new techniques. Relevant training or expertise in phytohormones or plant transport is a plus but is not necessary. You are required to have a European master’s degree (or equivalent) in (Plant) Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or similar. You are eligible to apply for a personal PhD grant (e.g. FWO fellowship: http://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/phd-fellowship-strategic-basic-research/ or http://www.fwo.be/en/fellowships-funding/phd-fellowships/phd-fellowship-fundamental-research/).
Offer
We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after year 1. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions) and includes generous benefits in addition to Belgium’s strong social supports.
Our young and dynamic team will support you to successfully obtain a PhD degree via an in-depth scientific training at a top-ranked university. You will be closely mentored by Prof. Van de Poel and be part of a close-knit, international, and diverse community of plant scientists within the Division of Crop Biotechnics. You will have an advanced training in molecular biology and plant stress. You have access to state-of-the-art molecular and analytical (e.g., GC-MS and MALDI-imaging) techniques, and excellent growth facility such as brand-new growth chambers. You will have opportunities to participate at national and international meetings and establish your own network, as well as to publish your results in respected academic journals. In addition, you will be provided with career guidance and encouraged to develop skills for science-adjacent careers in policy or communication, including through courses via the Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd)
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Bram Van de Poel (mail: bram.vandepoel@kuleuven.be). You can apply for this job no later than July 15th, 2024 via the online application tool (Bij publicatie komt hier automatisch de link naar de online sollicitatiepagina.)
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bram Van de Poel, tel.: +32 16 32 55 27, mail: bram.vandepoel@kuleuven.be.
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