Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

We are offering a PhD scholarship to unravel the ecology and evolution of reproduction of phytophagous arthropods. One major research question focuses on how biotic interactions such as parasitism/symbiosis shape the evolution of eggs and oviposition. We will dissect how key functional egg traits allow arthropods to survive antagonistic interactions, such as those with parasitoids and bacteria. A second research question focuses on the drivers and consequences of reproductive isolation in herbivores. We will advance our understanding of speciation and unravel the roles of selfish genetic elements, local biotic parameters, and oviposition behaviour. Using several arthropod taxa, this project leverages periods of intense (tropical) fieldwork with molecular laboratory work and arthropod husbandry.
The successful applicant will be hosted at the Wybouw research group, Department of Biology, Ghent University, Belgium. Guided by two supervisors, he/she/they will work within a dynamic and complementary research team that focuses on understanding the evolution and mechanistic basis of key phenotypes in the broad fields of speciation, herbivory, and endosymbiosis. The position aligns with an ERC Starting Grant (HYBRIPEST).

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Candidates should have a strong background in evolutionary biology and field entomology. Previous training in molecular biology techniques (such as amplicon sequencing) and arthropod husbandry will be seen as an advantage. Previous international research experience will be seen as a strength. Applicants must be highly motivated, driven to perform state-of-the-art research, and exhibit excellent written and spoken English skills. Applicants must work independently but effectively within a team. The position is available for a four-year period, pending a positive intermediate evaluation. To assess student qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and relevant research experience. We aim to hire students that reflect the diversity of society and thus welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months. 
• Your contract will start on 10/01/2026 at the earliest. 
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales 
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits. 

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to nicky.wybouw@ugent.be. We do not accept late applications. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Nicky WYBOUW (nicky.wybouw@ugent.be).