Molecular Plant-Microbe Scientist

at  VIB

ABOUT PSB AND THE GOORMACHTIG/RHIZOSPHERE LAB

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 the wonderful city of Ghent, Belgium. Its mission is to integrate genetics, bio-computing and omics approaches to unravel plant biological processes and to translate this knowledge into societal benefits. Please visit us at www.psb.ugent.be for more information.
The Goormachtig/Rhizosphere lab performs research in the area of beneficial plant-microbe interactions. The lab has a long-lasting experience in the molecular communication between rhizobia bacteria and legume plants, a research topic in which this project is embedded. For more information: https://www.goormachtiglab.be/

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a molecular plant-microbe scientist at post-doc level to join our team from 1.01.2025 onward for a period of maximum 4 years. The position is in the frame of a research grant (fundamental science for application, SBO, FWO, Flanders) entitled: MATCHMAKING: Unveiling Optimal Soybean-Rhizobia Matches in North-western European Environments
The project is situated within the European effort to introduce soybean as a protein crop for sustainable agriculture in Northwestern Europe. In a collaborative effort with Ghent University and ILVO, we will pinpoint optimal soybean-rhizobia combinations for efficient nitrogen fixation when applied at northern latitudes, gain profound insights into the genetic underpinnings of these interactions, and uncover plant growth promoting rhizobacteria that enhance the symbiotic relationship. Our project paves the way for sustainable high-protein soybean production in North-western Europe, with the potential to benefit high-latitude regions worldwide.
To coordinate this project and be the spokes-person for collaboration with the partners and Industry, we are hiring a highly motivated molecular plant-microbe scientist (‘Degree in Biochemistry/Biotechnology, Biology, Bioscience Engineering or similar)’. Together with two PhD students, the scientist will evenly be involved in the fundamental research related to the molecular understanding of the compatibility between soybean genotypes and microbial strains.

Please refer the Job description for details