A successful candidate has the following profile:• Master in Bioscience Engineering, Biosciences, Biology, or similar with at least distinction• Experience with molecular plant biology is an asset• Strong interest in fundamental plant research• Enthusiastic and motivated person with a collegial attitude and a critical and creative mindset• Good communication and organizational skills• Willing to participate in organizing and teaching practicals as well as supervising bachelor and master theses in the field of plant sciences in the bachelor and master program of Biosciences.• Good English language skills
Crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) plants have a water consumption that is up to 6 times lower compared to C3 or C4 plants and are gaining interest as climate resilient crops. Characteristics are a strong nocturnal acidification and daily deacidification in the leaves, which is related to their specific mode of nocturnal CO2 uptake. How CAM plants maintain proton homeostasis in the leaf cytosol during the day-night cycle is still debated, but recent new insights based on ‘Flux Balance Analysis’ developed by the applicant, predict a crucial role for mitochondria in metabolic proton homeostasis, besides their known function in energy supply. Also in C3 plants, specific observations suggest close links between proton homeostasis and mitochondrial metabolism; increases in cytosolic acidification have been observed under hypoxic conditions or when the mitochondrial electron transport chain is inhibited. To gain further insights into the intriguing potential functions of mitochondria in cellular pH homeostasis, the project will focus on physiological, biochemical and molecular (transcriptome and proteome) analyses in leaves of the model CAM plant Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi under different environmental conditions.
The research will be executed mainly at the KU Leuven campus Geel under the supervision of Prof. Johan Ceusters who leads the Research Group for Sustainable Crop Production and Protection. The research group for (SusCroPP) (Department of Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven Campus Geel) focuses on achieving a more sustainable plant production. An important aspect is plant photosynthesis, with CAM as a very water use efficient mode. Both abiotic and biotic stress factors can influence photosynthesis and cause important yield losses. By in-depth research at different levels ranging from the molecular to the biochemical and the physiological level, the research group aims to contribute to a more sustainable production that benefits both growers and society as a whole. For the proposed project there will also be a collaboration with the research group of Prof. Olivier Van Aken (Lund University, Sweden). Prof. Van Aken is specialized in gene expression and signal transduction pathways in plants (including mitochondrial metabolism) under stress conditions.• We offer a fulltime PhD position for 2+2 years at KU Leuven Campus Geel• Excellent supervision by two dynamic multidisciplinary groups• Opportunity to gain international experience• State of the art research infrastructure• A challenging job in a young, dynamic and international environment• High-level scientific education