PhD Student

Job description

We have an open position for a PhD in a multidisciplinary project financed by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) on:
“Understanding and managing nematodes as soil foodweb gatekeepers: from individual trophic groups to complex communities”
Description
Soil biology has received overwhelming and ever increasing attention in recent years at national, European and global level, with numerous international initiatives being taken (Global Soil Biodiversity initiative, Global Soil Partnership, Soil Biodiversity Observation Network, …) because it is increasingly realized that soil organisms are crucial for all soil processes and their associated ecosystem services. Soil biology is thus determining plant health, crop yields, resilience of soils against physical degradation, water storage, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions, …
Not surprisingly therefore, soil biology has emerged as the new frontier in environmental sciences, but despite the rapidly evolving knowledge on soil biodiversity as such, its relation with crucial soil functions remains largely unexplored. Research often highlights the role of soil microfauna in carbon and nitrogen cycling but overlooks interactions with plant roots, bacteria, and fungi due to methodological challenges.. In the past decade, we have achieved significant breakthroughs in this field and we were e.g. the first to quantify the contribution of the entire soil nematode community to N mineralization and N2O emissions in realistic soil conditions.
In this project, we will set up unique multitrophic experiments controlling for the presence of specific trophic groups of nematodes and their combinations, to assess how herbivorous nematodes control rhizodeposition, the cascading of this root derived carbon to the microbial community, bacterivorous and fungivorous nematodes, and the feedback mechanisms on plant (roots). To this end, we will use 13C stable isotope labelling to track the rhizodeposition as a function of time, and its redistribution over the soil decomposer community. We will monitor the evolution of root trait development using both destructive and non-destructive methods, and assess how the activity of microfauna controls this development, both directly and indirectly. We will also investigate for the first time how specifically designed nematode assemblages affect soil N cycling and plant performance in field conditions. Finally, this project will produce unique data that should allow to critically evaluate existing soil food web models, and propose new concepts for such models, and eventually allow to come to more sustainable soil management.
This is a timely research project of great importance for soil health, sustainable agriculture and overall ecosystem functioning. More detailed information on the project proposal will be made available to pre-selected candidates upon request.
This project will be carried out by a unique consortium combining all necessary infrastructure and background knowledge, consisting of following research groups:

• Research Group Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management, Department Environment, FBE-UGent (prof. Stefaan De Neve, prof. Steven Sleutel): soil nutrient and C cycling, greenhouse gas emissions, role of nematodes and protists in soil C and N cycling, non-destructive visualization of soil structure and plant roots using X-ray CT
• Micro2Soil Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, FW-UGent (prof. Caroline De Tender): molecular analysis of microbial community composition
• ILVO Plant (and Laboratory of Agrozoology, FBE-UGent) (prof. Wim Wesemael): biology and management of plant-parasitic nematodes, morphological and molecular analysis of soil nematodes
• Agroecology group and ʹBayreuth Center for Stable Isotope Research in Ecology and Biogeochemistryʹ core facility, University of Bayreuth (prof. Johanna Pausch):tracking of 13C from root exudates to microbial and nematode community

The doctoral student will also be directly supervised by an experienced postdoctoral researcher in this field.

Expected start date
1 September 2025 (negotiable)

Job profile

Requirements

• MSc in Bioscience engineering or related study field (Bioscience Engineering Technology, Biochemistry and biotechnology, Biology)
• Interest in multidisciplinary research in the broad field of soil biology
• Knowledge of nematology and experience with nematode research is an asset
• Good command of spoken and written English
• Willingness to participate in teaching and supervision activities: assistance with practicals (max. 5% of your time), tutoring of students for bachelor project and/or Master thesis
• Willingness to perform short study stays abroad if so required for the research

We offer

• unique and exciting research topic, in a stimulating, highly diverse and highly international research group and department
• 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 of 48 months.
• further personal development through courses offered by the UGent Doctoral schools and other national and international courses
• 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.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits including 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, use of UGent sports facilities, ...

How to apply

Send your application (see below) to stefaan.deneve@ugent.be with the heading ‘Application FWO_Soil Biology_Last name_First name' before June 2, 2025. Provide the following documents as attachments:

• your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• your application letter
• a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession): students that will graduate in June or July '25 are also welcome to apply
• if you have a foreign diploma provide evidence of English language proficiency

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy. Candidates found fit based on CV screening will be invited for an interview upon invitation. Include your email address and telephone number to allow us to get in contact.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Stefaan De Neve (stefaan.deneve@ugent.be, +32(0)9 264 60 61).

Expected start date
1 September 2025 (negotiable)