Job Description
You will be part of a groundbreaking, inter-universitary FWO-SBO research project (MeioCOntrol) focusing on meiotic recombination and genetic diversity in crops. The main goal of this project is to unravel the major determinants of meiotic cross-over (CO) formation in several crop types, including maize, soybean, and tomato, and exploit this to develop novel strategies to alter the available genetic variability for breeding purposes. More recombination means more genetic variation and therefore faster progress in breeding programmes. This accelerates the development of improved varieties adapted to current challenges such as climate change and ecological sustainability. For breeding companies, this means a clear win, for you a PhD with social and economic impact.
Within this project you will explore and investigate various strategies to increase recombination in tomato; one of the world’s most cultivated and economically relevant crops, as well as an important genetic model system. To this end you will apply advanced techniques such as in vitro and molecular technologies (CRISPR gene editing), meiotic cytology, advanced microscopy, bioinformatics, genome sequencing, and various other -omics tools. You will optimise methods, as well as develop innovative approaches and apply them in tomato.
As part of an interuniversity network with Ugent and ILVO, you will work intensively with two other PhD students conducting similar research in maize and soybean. This will take place in different labs located in Ghent (UGent), Nevele (VIB Agro-incubator) and Melle (ILVO). You are also embedded in a broader team of research experts with specialists in plant genetics, meiosis research, and genome editing, with knowledge exchange between academic partners involved, international collaborators, and industrial stakeholders, mainly international breeding companies.
Profile
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic person with a curious, yet critical mindset, and a strong interest in plant molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. You are creative, self-disciplinary and have a problem-solving attitude, and are able to work in an international research context.
The ideal candidate complies with the following requirements:
- you have a Master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering or Sciences (Biomedical sciences, Genetics, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, etc.), or equivalent through relevant experience
- you are passionate about science and have a strong interest in plant biotechnology
- you are committed to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation
- you have knowledge of molecular lab techniques and microscopy applications
- you have affinity with bioinformatics and sequencing approaches
- you have good English proficiency, both verbal and written
- a driving license B is a plus
Personal competences;
- Organized and methodical: You excel at planning and prioritizing your work. You keep clear and detailed records of data and results, allowing for reproducibility and smooth collaboration.
- Team player with a sense of initiative: You collaborate and function effectively within a multi-disciplinary research team, while also being able to work independently. You proactively take the lead in designing and setting up experiments.
- Strong communication skills: You enjoy sharing your work with others, during meetings, but also in the form of presentations or consultations. You communicate clearly, constructively and diplomatically, both within the MeioCOntrol consortium and with the stakeholder group.
- Critical and precise: You work in a structured way, with an eye for detail. You ask critical questions and strive for quality in every step of your work.
- Flexible: You are open to occasionally visit the other research labs within the consortium at ILVO and Ugent, depending on the experimental work.
Offer
We offer a 4-year PhD research position in a stimulating international work environment at one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally-oriented university that conducts both fundamental and applied scientific research with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and international excellence. You will be guided by a young, dynamic and multidisciplinary team, and will have the opportunity to work on innovative technologies with access to state-of-the-art facilities. As part of your doctoral program (Arenberg Doctoral School), you will have the possibility to engage in diverse training, education, and career development activities. You will be based in Leuven; a historic, dynamic, and vibrant city in the heart of Belgium, in close proximity to major European capitals.
Interested?
Applicants should provide the following documents together with their application: CV, motivation letter, certificates for both BSc and MSc degree (as well as transcripts of the grades) and, if available, letter(s) of recommendation from previous employers/supervisors.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nico De Storme, e-mail: nico.destorme@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than the 3rd of August, 2025 via the online application tool.
Within the MeioCOntrol project there are currently also open vacancies for PhD students at ILVO and UGent (see websites). Are you doubting between different positions, or are you appealed by more than one vacancy? Then do not hesitate to apply for several vacancies. We look at each application carefully and take your profile and interests into account.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be
