The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) in Ghent, Belgium, is recruiting an outstanding Postdoctoral Fellow for a three-year research position focused on Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI). The position is hosted in the Tom Beeckman Lab, within the research line led by Hans Motte.
Research Focus and Scientific Objectives
Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plant growth, yet its inefficient use in global agriculture leads to severe environmental problems, including nitrate runoff in waterways and greenhouse gas emissions (nitrous oxide). Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) represents a natural mechanism where certain plants release specialized root exudates that suppress nitrifying microorganisms in the soil. This project aims to characterize BNI compounds and evaluate their ecological impacts. Key research objectives include:
- Discovering novel biological nitrification inhibitors across diverse plant species.
- Characterizing the molecular mechanisms of action of BNI compounds on soil microbial communities.
- Utilizing metagenomics and metatranscriptomics to profile the diversity and activity of nitrifying microbial populations.
- Evaluating the ecological impacts of plant-microbe interactions in soil systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and perform laboratory and greenhouse experiments assessing plant-microbe-soil interactions.
- Perform metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing and analyze complex community profiling datasets.
- Collaborate with metabolomics experts on identifying plant exudates using LC-MS platforms.
- Write peer-reviewed publications and present findings at international microbiology and systems biology conferences.
What VIB-UGent Offers
- A fully funded postdoc contract for 3 years at a leading European plant science institute.
- Access to state-of-the-art sequencing, metabolomics, and high-performance computing platforms.
- Comprehensive career mentoring, technical training courses, and leadership development programs.
- An international, collaborative, and inclusive scientific environment.
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Microbial Ecology, Environmental Microbiology, Plant-Microbe Interactions, Biogeochemistry, Soil Microbiology, or related life science fields.
- Proven hands-on experience in molecular studies on nitrifying microbial populations.
- Strong experience with metagenomic data analysis and microbial community profiling datasets.
- Independent research capacity, initiative, and excellent communication skills in English.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online via the official VIB online recruitment portal (Position Reference: 133812). Please upload a single PDF containing your CV, cover letter, and contact info for two professional referees. Applications will be reviewed continuously until the position is filled.