The lab of Prof. Devang Mehta conducts research in experimental plant systems biology in the Division of Crop Biotechnics (Department of Biosystems) at KU Leuven (Belgium). We have an open full-time PhD position in Bioscience Engineering to study the temporal & functional partitioning of Arabidopsis clock protein complexes using interactomics.
About the University and research environment:
KU Leuven offers a competitive and international working environment with access to the latest technologies and expertise. KU Leuven is the highest internationally ranked university in Belgium and ranks amongst the best European universities for research and education. KU Leuven also ranks as the most innovative university in Europe, building on a very strong tech transfer office. Leuven is also one of Europe’s best university towns located only 30 minutes from Brussels with an international and diverse student community.
The Division of Crop Biotechnics performs cutting-edge research on crop and model plant species, integrating knowledge at the cellular, tissue, plant, environment, and agro-systems level. The Division consists of several research groups developing various molecular tools and having a strong expertise in molecular biology, plant pathology, tropical crops, genomics, plant hormones, plant nutrition and soil. The Laboratory for Experimental Plant Systems Biology is the newest lab in the Division and specializes in developing and applying genomics and proteomics technologies in plant systems for a variety of different problems.
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Project
All multicellular organisms possess internal circadian clocks that allow their physiology to adapt to and anticipate cyclic environmental changes. The plant circadian clock is a complex genetic network consisting of several proteins that bind to the promoter regions of other clock genes and thus regulate each other. Past genetic studies have uncovered many such regulatory links, however we still lack an understanding of how exactly these clock transcription factors (TFs) act to impact the expression of their target genes. In this project, the candidate will use plant synthetic biology tools to develop new methods that allow us to precisely identify the protein-protein interactions that direct the functioning of clock TFs. You will then employ these methods to study how these interactions change depending on the location and genomic context of the clock TFs. This will deepen our understanding of the plant clock and potentially lead to the discovery of new roles for many clock TFs under different environmental conditions such as future climates. Ultimately, discovering how clock TFs act under different environments will lead to new targets for crop improvement.
The project will involve experiments using standardized DNA assembly methods, protein biochemistry, high-throughput proteomics, and bioinformatics. As a result, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to acquire a range of skills suitable for both academic and industrial careers, including beyond the plant domain. Further, you will be given the freedom to shape the project as you develop scientifically and use the excellent research environment at KU Leuven to realise your own ideas within the project’s context.
Profile
We seek a candidate with a Master’s degree (European or equivalent) in Biology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics or other relevant degree for the project described above.
A successful candidate will ideally:
•Have some experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry labs (any model system)
•Intermediate programming or data-analysis skills or an interest in developing such skills
•Be creative with a strong interest in fundamental and applied scientific research
•Be able to work well in a multi-disciplinary team
•Have good academic performance at the MSc and BSc levels
•Demonstrate an ability to write and communicate in English
•Be eager to learn new techniques
•Be able to integrate in an international and diverse working environment
The anticipated start date is highly flexible from November 2023 to spring 2024.
Offer
We offer you a full-time 4-year PhD position, pending a positive evaluation by the doctoral committee at the end of the first year. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions) and includes generous benefits in addition to Belgium’s strong social supports.
You will obtain advanced training in plant biology, genetic engineering, and experimental systems biology that will prepare you for a career in industrial or academic research. You will be closely mentored by Prof. Mehta as well as a close-knit, international, and diverse community of plant scientists within the Division of Crop Biotechnics. You will be given support to participate in European and international conferences and publish your science in respected scientific journals. In addition, you will be provided with career guidance and encouraged to develop skills for science-adjacent careers in policy or communication including through courses via the Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd). The lab also supports the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and embraces Open Science (https://mehta-lab.com/policies).
Interested?
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Devang Mehta (mail: devang.mehta@kuleuven.be). Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply at the earliest. You can apply for this job no later than 15th January 2024 via the online application tool. Please do not upload additional documents other than those requested.
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.