PhD Position in Experimental Evolution and Bioinformatics

About us

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB ) is a leading research institute dedicated to understanding how plants grow, adapt, and respond to environmental change. PSB aims to translate fundamental discoveries into sustainable agricultural applications and to enhance the climate resilience of crops.

This PhD position will be embedded in the Bioinformatics and Evolutionary Genomics group led by Prof. Yves Van de Peer, in close collaboration with the UGent Phycology Research Group led by Prof. Olivier De Clerck. Together, these groups combine world-leading expertise in genome evolution, polyploidy, and algal biology and evolution.

The candidate will join a highly collaborative and international research environment, with strong connections to major polyploidy initiatives, including the Polydiv2 and PI3 networks.

About the role

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study the impact of genome duplication on  volvocine algae, with a particular focus on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.

The project will investigate how genome dynamics and environmental conditions interact to shape the evolutionary success of polyploids using:

• Experimental evolution approaches, including long-term laboratory experiments, strain maintenance, culturing, and phenotyping. These are labor-intensive and require strong commitment and planning.
• Molecular and genomic analyses, including sequencing data generation and interpretation
• Bioinformatics and statistical analysis, to characterize genome evolution, mutation processes, and adaptation patterns

The PhD candidate will progressively transition from intensive wet-lab experimentation in the early phase of the project towards increased involvement in data analysis, integration, and scientific writing in later stages.

The project offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of evolutionary biology, genomics, and algal model systems, while contributing to a broader understanding of biodiversity, adaptation, and genome evolution.

Your profile

Essential:

• You have a Master's degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Microbiology, Bioinformatics or a related field.
• Strong background in evolution, genomics, and/or algal biology
• Willingness to combine wet-lab experimental work and computational analysis
• Basic knowledge of statistics and/or programming (R, Python, or similar)
• Strong motivation to learn new techniques across disciplines
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• You are fluent in English (spoken and written)

Desirable, but not required:

• Experience with microbial or algal culturing or experimental evolution
• Experience with next-generation sequencing data analysis
• Familiarity with bioinformatics pipelines
• Background in evolutionary theory and/or ecology
• Experience with data handling and statistical modeling
• Prior lab experience demonstrating ability to perform long-term experiments

Key personal characteristics:

• Highly motivated and curious, with a passion for fundamental research
• Perseverant and organized, able to handle long-term and labor-intensive experiments
• Analytical and critical-thinking, with attention to detail
• Flexible and eager to learn, especially in interdisciplinary contexts
• Collaborative, open to working closely with supervisors,  technicians, postdocs, and students
• Resilient, able to deal with challenges inherent to experimental research

Our offer

• A fully funded 4-year PhD position at Ghent University (UGent) with an attractive salary.
• A challenging fundamental research project.
• Enrollment in the UGent Doctoral Schools, providing structured training and transferable skills development.
• Financial support for attending international conferences and specialized courses
• Access to extensive training programs, seminars, and career development activities through VIB and UGent
• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary research environment in a top research institute. Close supervision by experienced researchers and opportunities to collaborate broadly

How to apply

Please apply via the VIB online career portal: 

Your application should include a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and the contact details of two to three referees.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will remain open until the position is filled.

For more information, please contact Quinten Bafort ([email protected]). Please note that applications submitted via email will not be considered; only applications submitted through the online portal will be reviewed.