PhD position: Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics 1535 views

The Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (WE09) at Ghent University is inviting applications for a PhD student. The position is being offered 4 years, ERC funded, studentship in the Van de Peer Lab in Bioinformatics and evolutionary genomic at the VIB-UGent center for plant systems biology. The PhD student will conduct academic research (full-time) in the field of evolution and evolutionary genomics.

About the project:

The project has three components:

1. Creating neoautopolyploid duckweed lineages with different genetic backgrounds
2. Testing the immediate effects of WGD on the survival, fitness and the phenotype (and its plasticity) of duckweed in different environments, and testing whether different environments favour different ploidy levels
3. Evolutionary genomics of polyploid Spirodela polyrhiza, we will follow genomic stabilisation, transcriptional dynamics and proteomic changes after WGD.

Requirements:

• Applicant must hold a master’s degree in Biology, Bio-Technology, Bio-Engeneering (or equivalent) or will have obtained this degree by the start of appointment in January 2020.
• A strong interest in evolutionary biology is required and experience in both empirical research and bioinformatics are preferred.
• Candidate should be dedicated to carrying out long-term multidisciplinary research which involves regular maintenance of duckweed cultures, some molecular work, as well as evolutionary genomic analyses.
• Basic knowledge of programming/scripting and statistics is required.
• Fluent English and good communication skills, oral and in writing, are essential.

How to apply

Application to be sent to yves.vandepeer@psb.vib-ugent.be and application should include:

• Detailed CV
• A cover letter (max. 1 page, including an overview of study results and motivation to apply)
• Contact information of two referees.
• All documents should be merged into a single PDF.