Are you a motivated young bioengineer or plant biotechnologist with a passion for PLANT SCIENCE and do you want to contribute to research on in vitro regeneration of plants from callus?

Job description

Plant tissue culture and regeneration is used to propagate selected plant material, to create transgenic crops, to preserve species and varieties, and to rescue or select unique genotypes for breeding. While this method works well from some crops, many plant species and varieties are rather difficult to regenerate. Researchers vary the media composition and hormones to obtain a successful protocol. However, environmental factors such as temperature are also important. In recent years it has been shown that high temperature conditions can improve the efficiency of plant regeneration. We want to know how heat stress regimes increase the competence of callus to regenerate. In this project, we investigate HEAT SHOCK FACTORS (HSF) transcription factors and how they are involved in shoot regeneration from callus. The HSF, co-regulator, and the regulatory network responsible for improved regeneration under high temperature will be studied. The results of this project will provide a better insight in how temperature can be implemented to optimize regeneration.

As a PhD researcher your tasks are:

• design and set-up experiments in the lab. These experiments involve the culturing of plants in vitro, performing molecular and genetic analyses, and microscopy
• share results with colleagues and discuss interpretations at labmeetings
• follow the recent literature on heat stress and regeneration
• writing of reports, scientific publications, and attend international congresses
• secure intellectual property
• guide undergraduate and internship students

YOUR PROFILE

• You recently obtained a Master degree in bioscience engineering, biology, biochemistry or similar level
• When having a Non-EU diploma, you must have an equivalence recognition.
• You meet the generic conditions to carry out a PhD
• You have knowledge of plant genetics, molecular biology and statistics
• You have a strong interest in plant sexual reproduction and crop production
• a master thesis in plant molecular biotechnology is a plus

Other skills

• you can work accurately and are well organized
• socially adapted to work in an international team
• excellent English reading, talking, and writing
• you have an eye for detail and enjoy discussing and presenting your work

OUR OFFER

• We offer you a PhD position starting in 2023.
• The doctoral scholarship is initially granted for 1 year and can be extended to 4 years after a favorable evaluation.

INTERESTED?

Send your application (see below) to horticell@ugent.be with the heading ‘Application REGENERATION_Last name_First name before August 1st, 2023.

Position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is identified.

Provide the following documents:

• your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• your application letter
• a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession).
• If you have a foreign diploma provide evidence of English language proficienc

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. Candidates found fit based on CV screening will be invited for an interview upon invitation. Include your email address and telephone number to allow us to get in contact.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Danny Geelen (danny.geelen@UGent.be, +32(0)9/264 60 76).