Postdoctoral researcher (26885)

   →  Apply before 29/03/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
   →  Faculty of Bioscience Engineering  
   →  Department: BW21 - Plant en Gewas
   →  Occupancy rate: 100%
   →  Number of positions: 1    
   →  Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause 
   →  Term of assignment: 12M - 36M 
   →  Wage scale:  PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree) 
   →  Required diploma: PhD 

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

Unravelling how light inhibits adventitious rooting

Are you a motivated researcher with a passion for PLANT SCIENCE and want to contribute to research on adventitious root formation?

Adventitious rooting is highly important for vegetative propagation of crops. To stimulate rooting it is common to keep cuttings for several days in the dark. While this trick is well known to the plant propagation specialists, very little is known how this is regulated at the molecular level. We aim to identify candidate downstream components of the light-regulated suppression of adventitious rooting. Using state of the art CRISPR/Cas9 technology, a mutant screen has been developed to pin down the genes that activate darkness induced root formation. With these genes, we will unravel the genetic interaction with the core photomorphogenesis genes and develop a case study that demonstrates how adventitious root formation can be enhanced. This study is built upon research data that provides a solid basis for publication in top ranked science journals.

As a postdoc researcher your tasks are:

• At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.
• Design and set-up experiments in the lab. This includes culturing of plants in vitro, Crisp/Cas mutagenesis, molecular and genetic analyses, microscopy.
• Follow the recent literature on root development, light and hormone signaling.
• Writing of reports, scientific publications, and attend international congresses.
• Share results with colleagues and discuss at lab meetings.
• Guide undergraduate, internship, and PhD students.
• Secure intellectual property.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in Plant Molecular Biology (obtained max. 6 years ago. This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma)
• When having a non-EU diploma, it is eligible upon equivalence recognition.
• You meet the generic competence to carry out postdoctoral research
• You have profound knowledge of plant genetics, molecular biology and statistics
• You have a strong interest in plant science and in molecular biology and signaling

Other skills

• you are well organized, record and store data in a structured manner.
• you work accurately and are efficient
• socially adapted to work in an international team
• excellent English reading, talking, and writing skills
• you have an eye for detail and enjoy discussing and presenting your work

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 1 year and upon positive evaluation extended to 3 years.
• Your contract will start on 15/04/2024 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment systembefore the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results,  …

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates found fit based on CV screening will be interviewed upon invitation. Include your email address and telephone number to contact you.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Danny Geelen (danny.geelen@UGent.be, +32(0)9/264 60 76).

Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read our FAQ or contact helpdesk (dpo@ugent.be - tel. 09/264 98 98).