The candidate will join a highly collaborative and international research environment with strong connections to major polyploidy initiatives including the Polydiv2 and PI3 networks.
About the role
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the impact of genome duplication on volvocine algae with a particular focus on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
The project will investigate how genome dynamics and environmental conditions interact to shape the evolutionary success of polyploids using:
Experimental evolution approaches including long-term laboratory experiments strain maintenance culturing and phenotyping. These are labor-intensive and require strong commitment and planning.
Molecular and genomic analyses including sequencing data generation and interpretation
Bioinformatics and statistical analysis to characterize genome evolution mutation processes and adaptation patterns
The PhD candidate will progressively transition from intensive wet-lab experimentation in the early phase of the project towards increased involvement in data analysis integration and scientific writing in later stages.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of evolutionary biology genomics and algal model systems while contributing to a broader understanding of biodiversity adaptation and genome evolution.
Your profile
Essential:
You have a Masters degree in Biology Biotechnology Bioengineering Microbiology Bioinformatics or a related field.
Strong background in evolution genomics and/or algal biology
Willingness to combine wet-lab experimental work and computational analysis
Basic knowledge of statistics and/or programming (R Python or similar)
Strong motivation to learn new techniques across disciplines
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
You are fluent in English (spoken and written)
Desirable but not required:
Experience with microbial or algal culturing or experimental evolution
Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis
Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines
Background in evolutionary theory and/or ecology
Experience with data handling and statistical modeling
Prior lab experience demonstrating ability to perform long-term experiments
Key personal characteristics:
Highly motivated and curious with a passion for fundamental research
Perseverant and organized able to handle long-term and labor-intensive experiments
Analytical and critical-thinking with attention to detail
Flexible and eager to learn especially in interdisciplinary contexts
Collaborative open to working closely with supervisors technicians postdocs and students
Resilient able to deal with challenges inherent to experimental research
Our offer
A fully funded 4-year PhD position at Ghent University (UGent) with an attractive salary.
A challenging fundamental research project.
Enrollment in the UGent Doctoral Schools providing structured training and transferable skills development.
Financial support for attending international conferences and specialized courses
Access to extensive training programs seminars and career development activities through VIB and UGent
A dynamic international and interdisciplinary research environment in a top research institute. Close supervision by experienced researchers and opportunities to collaborate broadly
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.
For more information please contact Quinten Bafort (). Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered; only applications submitted through the online portal will be reviewed.
About usThe VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a leading research institute dedicated to understanding how plants grow adapt and respond to environmental change. PSB aims to translate fundamental discoveries into sustainable agricultural applications and to enhance the climate resil...
The candidate will join a highly collaborative and international research environment with strong connections to major polyploidy initiatives including the Polydiv2 and PI3 networks.
About the role
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the impact of genome duplication on volvocine algae with a particular focus on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
The project will investigate how genome dynamics and environmental conditions interact to shape the evolutionary success of polyploids using:
Experimental evolution approaches including long-term laboratory experiments strain maintenance culturing and phenotyping. These are labor-intensive and require strong commitment and planning.
Molecular and genomic analyses including sequencing data generation and interpretation
Bioinformatics and statistical analysis to characterize genome evolution mutation processes and adaptation patterns
The PhD candidate will progressively transition from intensive wet-lab experimentation in the early phase of the project towards increased involvement in data analysis integration and scientific writing in later stages.
The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of evolutionary biology genomics and algal model systems while contributing to a broader understanding of biodiversity adaptation and genome evolution.
Your profile
Essential:
You have a Masters degree in Biology Biotechnology Bioengineering Microbiology Bioinformatics or a related field.
Strong background in evolution genomics and/or algal biology
Willingness to combine wet-lab experimental work and computational analysis
Basic knowledge of statistics and/or programming (R Python or similar)
Strong motivation to learn new techniques across disciplines
Ability to work independently as well as in a team
You are fluent in English (spoken and written)
Desirable but not required:
Experience with microbial or algal culturing or experimental evolution
Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis
Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines
Background in evolutionary theory and/or ecology
Experience with data handling and statistical modeling
Prior lab experience demonstrating ability to perform long-term experiments
Key personal characteristics:
Highly motivated and curious with a passion for fundamental research
Perseverant and organized able to handle long-term and labor-intensive experiments
Analytical and critical-thinking with attention to detail
Flexible and eager to learn especially in interdisciplinary contexts
Collaborative open to working closely with supervisors technicians postdocs and students
Resilient able to deal with challenges inherent to experimental research
Our offer
A fully funded 4-year PhD position at Ghent University (UGent) with an attractive salary.
A challenging fundamental research project.
Enrollment in the UGent Doctoral Schools providing structured training and transferable skills development.
Financial support for attending international conferences and specialized courses
Access to extensive training programs seminars and career development activities through VIB and UGent
A dynamic international and interdisciplinary research environment in a top research institute. Close supervision by experienced researchers and opportunities to collaborate broadly
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.
For more information please contact Quinten Bafort (). Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered; only applications submitted through the online portal will be reviewed.
Job Location:
Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
Vacancies:
