Jobs

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The selected candidate will join the Nelissen lab to develop multiplex genome editing systems in sorghum, tropical maize and rice, leading to the identification of gene combinations strengthening seedling vigor.

We are seeking a highly motivated, critical and creative individual with a strong interest in molecular biology, plant physiology, phenotyping, abiotic stress tolerance and genome editing. This role involves working closely with the other members of the team on projects related to plant phenotyping as well as with industrial partners.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design and lead your research project, with sufficient guidance and mentoring
  • Contribute to mentoring junior lab members and participate in grant writing and dissemination activities
  • Develop and execute strategies for cloning, genotyping, RNA sequencing, stress assays
  • Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions
  • Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving


Profile

Essential

  • PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Plant Biology
  • Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
  • Enthusiastic team player
  • Openness to collaborate with industry
  • Passion to apply plant biotechnology for applications in the Global South

Welcome but not required

  • Experience in bio-informatics
  • Interest in automated phenotyping

Key personal characteristics

  • You are enthusiastic about scientific research and eager to know and understand
  • You appreciate multi-disciplinarity for problem-solving
  • You can work well in a team and independently
  • You bring precision and critical reflection to your work
  • You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions


 We offer

  • A 2-year position at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
  • A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as working language)
  • A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
  • Starting date is negotiable, as soon as possible
  • Various training opportunities to broaden your skills


How to apply? 

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:

  • Please upload your full CV
  • Please upload a motivation letter
  • Please add the contact details of at least two references


More information

[email protected]

We are looking for a highly motivated and talented machine vision / mechanical engineer to join our team at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology. The selected candidate will join the Nelissen lab, and will work alongside scientists to develop and implement a mobile 3D machine vision system for small plants.

The ideal candidate will have a background in mechanical, electrical or robotics engineering, and have expertise in building camera systems and computer vision. This role also involves working closely with the other members of the team on projects related to plant phenotyping (assessing e.g. plant body form, color, and landmarks). Therefore, we require a team player who also possesses the ability to work independently.


Key Responsibilities

  • Design, plan and implement a 3D camera system for acquiring plant seedlings in the visible spectrum, and which is mobile or semi-mobile
  • Design and programming of computer vision software to extract plant phenotypic data
  • Catalyze the development of the system from prototype to user-friendly instrument
  • Communicate with scientists to facilitate the experimental setup and the possible traits
  • Contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment, participating in regular team meetings and discussions
  • Adapt to the dynamic needs of the project, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to problem-solving


Profile

Essential

  • Degree in Engineering or proven practical experience in the implementation of machine vision systems
  • Fluent in English, for both written and oral communication
  • Enthusiastic team player
  • Openness to learn the basics of plant growth

Welcome but not required

  • Experience in plant biology
  • Interest or experience in image-based plant phenotyping

Key personal characteristics

  • You are enthusiastic about scientific research and eager to know and understand
  • You appreciate multi-disciplinarity for problem-solving
  • You can work well in a team and independently
  • You bring precision and critical reflection to your work
  • You have a strong ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
  • You enjoy other cultures and are respectful of others and their different ideas/opinions

 

We offer

  • 2 years staff position at VIB/UGent, a highly ranked research institute with a competitive pay scale and benefits (health insurance, sports facilities)
  • A stimulating and supportive international research environment (with English as working language)
  • A varied work schedule, with significant autonomy over how you plan your day
  • Starting date is negotiable, but preferentially as soon as possible
  • Various training opportunities to broaden your skills


How to apply? 

Motivated candidates are asked to apply online. Additional requirements:

  • Please upload your full CV
  • Please upload a motivation letter
  • Please add the contact details of at least two references


More information

[email protected]