PhD Student Position in Brassinosteroid Hormone Research

About us

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading plant science institute located at the heart of a renowned Plant Biotech campus in Ghent Belgium. Its mission is to integrate genetics cell biology genomics and bio-computing to unravel plant biological processes and to further translate this knowledge into value for society. Please visit us at for more information.

The Jenny Russinova lab at PSB focuses on research on brassinosteroid hormones ().

About the role

Phytohormones play a central role in regulating cell division and differentiation shaping the overall course of plant development. Importantly the synergy and interdependence of hormone signalling pathways are critical for driving cell cycle progression. These coordinated hormonal activities influence not only the rate of cell division but also the duration and dynamics of each phase of the cell cycle. With the advent of advanced technologies such as single-cell genomics and live-cell imaging we can now explore hormone regulation at unprecedented single-cell resolution. Using these tools we have observed dynamic fluctuations in brassinosteroid signalling throughout different stages of the cell cycle (Vukašinović and Hsu et al. 2025 Cell).

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to investigate how hormonal signals are integrated and coordinated to control the plant cell cycle machinery. This project will combine live-cell imaging phosphoproteomics and metabolite profiling to unravel the complexity of phytohormonal regulation at the cellular level.

Your profile

Essential

• Masters degree in Plant Biotechnology Plant Physiology Biology Molecular Biology Physiology or a related discipline.
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written).

Desirable but not required

• Experience in work with Arabidopsis plant development and plant hormone biology

Key personal characteristics

• Highly motivated hardworking and passionate about driving and performing research and associated laboratory tasks
• You have excellent interpersonal communication skills and strong time-management skills.
• You must be very meticulous proactive independent and self-motivated.
• You are a team player and can take responsibility.
• You are enthusiastic to be part of a dynamic research lab.

Our offer

• A 4-year PhD position through Ghent University
• A working climate in which trust international collaboration and commitment are essential
• Access to state-of-the art tools and infrastructure within VIB an excellence-based research institute
• A stimulating and supportive international research environment.
• Various training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills

How to apply

If you are interested in performing high quality science related to plant hormones please use the online VIB application tool ( sure your application includes:

• A detailed CV
• A one-page summary of past research activities
• A one-page motivation letter describing how your expertise and ambitions match the research theme
• The names and contact details of two to three referees.

Applications by email will not be considered.

A first review of applications will start immediately. A short list of applicants will be selected based on the CV and motivation letter. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for interviews.

Applications are welcome until the position is filled.