PhD student Discovery of novel bioactive metabolites driving tomato-fungi chemical warfare
PhD student Discovery of novel bioactive metabolites driving tomato-fungi chemical warfare
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Job Description
About the lab
The group of Specialized Metabolism () led by Prof. Alain Goossens at the VIBUGent Center for Plant Systems Biology is looking to recruit 1 PhD student. The Goossens lab focuses on characterizing plant signaling networks that steer plantspecialized 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 equalopportunity employers. PSB is a worldleading 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 biocomputing to unravel plant biological processes and further translate this knowledge into societal value. Please visit 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 PhD project you will exploit an innovative plantbased platform to discover study and produce yet unknown fungal metabolites. The plantbased platform is designed based on novel paradigmshifting 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 PhD student recruited for this project you will execute cuttingedge 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/Casbased gene editing and synthetic biology both in plants and fungi.
The research to be performed within this PhD project is framed within a largescale collaborative venture with the research groups of Prof. Kris Audenaert () and Prof. Marjan De Mey () both located at the UGent Faculty of Bioscience Engineering.
Profile
- You have a masters degree in Biochemistry Molecular Biology Bioengineering Plant Biotechnology Microbiology or equivalent
- Youre fascinated by plantfungi 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 handson 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 fulltime competitive stipend for 4 years according to the Belgian law
- An exciting and innovative project embedded in a multidisciplinary consortium
- Access to stateoftheart tools and infrastructure within an excellencebased 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 tomatofungi 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 onepage 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.
Employment Type
Full Time
