Doctoral fellow

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated PhD student to optimize genome editing techniques and study carbon capture mechanisms in the green seaweed Ulva. The PhD project is part of an FWO ERC Runner-up project (Starting Grant) that has emerged from existing research lines in Phycology Research Group and Plant Genome Editing Group at Ghent University on Ulva functional biology. More specifically, we want to understand the cellular processes that allow Ulva compressa to control carbon fixation. To achieve this, we first need to expand our toolset: we are able to activate the expression of genes (gain-of-function), but are limited by the efficiency of technology enabling inhibition of gene function (loss-of-function). Ulva is currently the only macroalgae where gain- and loss-of-function mutants can be generated and an emerging model in molecular biology.

The PhD researcher will be responsible for optimizing targeted genome editing efficiency in Ulva and designing the first CRISPR screen in an alga. CRISPR mutagenesis is possible in Ulva, but currently not efficient to execute large-scale screens. The PhD researcher will increase vector-based CRISPR mutagenesis efficiency in Ulva using an established selection system and a large collection of vector building blocks. The effect of different vector architectures, CRISPR applications and culture conditions on genome editing efficiency will be evaluated.

Ulva species have the world’s highest photosynthetic rates per area and possess a combination of unique Carbon Concentrating Mechanisms (CCMs) that allow flexible uptake of inorganic carbon from the surrounding seawater. The FWO ERC Runner-up project aims to link the capacity of Ulva to grow fast and form nuisance blooms with their efficient carbon fixation. To achieve this goal, the PhD candidate will study putative CCM regulators using gain- and loss-of-function mutants. Gain-of-function mutants (gene tagging) will allow to study protein localization and protein-protein interactions, phenotyping loss-of-function mutants will reveal how defects in carbon acquisition affect algae growth.

The student will work on the following topics, with the goal of obtaining a PhD in Sciences: Biology from Ghent University (UGent):

• Algae cultivation and genotyping
• Molecular cloning
• Stable transformation using vector plasmids
• (Confocal) microscopy
• Functional characterization of candidate genes using mutant studies
• Transcriptome analysis
• Protein-protein interaction analysis

Job profile

• You hold a Master in Sciences within the field of Biology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, or Bio-engineering Sciences, acquired before July 15th 2024.
• You will perform fundamental research within the domains of seaweed biology and functional biology.
• You have the necessary wet lab skills to generate, organize and analyse vector and transgenic algae collections.
• You have a problem-solving, analytical mind, dedicated to overcoming practical and technical challenges.
• You have an open and collaborative attitude toward team members.
• You are willing to participate in (inter)national conferences and maintain experiments in the lab.
• You are a motivated, hard-working person, committed to obtaining a PhD.
• You are willing to assist in teaching of practical courses at master level, and support bachelor and master students during their thesis projects.
• You have good oral and written communication skills, and are fluent in English.

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 September 1, 2024  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 the Department of Personnel and Organization 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 (in Dutch).

How to apply

Send your application to Jonas Blomme (jonas.blomme@ugent.be) with as subject ‘ULVA PhD'. Your application must include the following documents:

• your CV
• your motivation letter for this PhD scholarship. Please specify why you apply specifically for this topic.
• a transcript of the required degree with all diploma supplements (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
  • contact details of two references