Publisher
source

Devang Mehta

Top university

2 weeks ago

PhD in plant systems biology for climate change resilience and disease resistance KU Leuven in United Kingdom

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Full funding available

Deadline

Sep 15, 2026

Country flag

Country

United Kingdom

University

KU Leuven

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

More information can be found here

Official Email

contact@example.com

Keywords

Computer Science
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biotechnology
Biology
Genome Editing
Plant Systematics
Omics
Genome Engineering
Plant Virology
Bioinformatic

Suggested positions

About this position

KU Leuven is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in plant systems biology at the Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, Belgium. The project is hosted by the labs of Prof. Devang Mehta and Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren, who work in experimental plant systems biology and tropical plant biotechnology. The research environment includes access to long-read sequencing, proteomics mass spectrometry, and membership in the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics and the Leuven Plant Institute.

The position is part of a multi-partner strategic basic research project that aims to develop gene editing and chemical-based solutions to plant viruses. Two main research themes are described: engineering non-insecticidal solutions for viral diseases using nucleoprotein interaction proteomics in sugar beet and tomato, and understanding the plant circadian clock in latitudinal adaptation to climate change, with work in Arabidopsis thaliana. The project combines genomics, proteomics, interaction proteomics, genome editing, chemical screening, directed evolution, environmental simulation, and multi-omics. The broader goal is to develop climate-resilient crops and innovative plant protection strategies.

The successful candidate will join a competitive, international, and diverse research community at KU Leuven. The offer includes a full-time 4-year PhD position, with remuneration according to KU Leuven salary scales and generous benefits. The labs also support conference participation, publication, career guidance, grant writing training, and open science. Start date is flexible, with the earliest start in October 2026.

Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline, plus strong English communication skills, laboratory experience, some programming or data-analysis ability, and a collaborative mindset. Prior plant biology experience is not mandatory, but a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology is expected. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?

Professors