PhD student: How egg-associated microbes help plants to attract parasitic wasps
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 04/02/26
The research groups of Prof. Bart Lievens (Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems), Prof. Barbara De Coninck (Plant Health and Protection Laboratory, Biosystems Department), and Prof. Hans Jacquemyn (Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Department of Biology) have joined forces and are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated PhD student to conduct innovative scientific research in the field of biological control to manage pest insects. These groups have strong expertise in plant-microbe-insect interactions, plant resilience and underlying molecular mechanisms, combining microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, plant physiology, entomology, chemical ecology and 'omics' approaches.
Project
Plants constantly face threats from insects that feed on them. To defend themselves early on, they emit blends of volatile compounds that attract egg-killing wasps (egg parasitoids) upon egg deposition by the pests. While egg parasitoids use these volatiles, along with others emitted by the adult host, as long-range signals to locate host eggs, compounds from the extrachorion matrix serve as contact cues for short-range searching during egg recognition and acceptance. In recent years, a growing body of research has suggested a potential role for egg-surface microorganisms in the host location behavior of egg parasitoids, but compelling evidence is still lacking. This project aims to investigate how egg-associated microbes influence the host location behavior of egg parasitoids, including the underlying molecular mechanisms. Specifically, you will isolate and identify key bacteria consistently found on eggshells and examine their role in (1) egg-mediated plant defense and long-range parasitoid foraging, (2) egg-mediated priming and enhanced parasitoid attraction, and (3) short-range host location behavior. As a model system, you will use tomato, the Southern green stinkbug (Nezara viridula) and its primary egg parasitoid, Trissolcus basalis. A better understanding of the role of microbes in egg-mediated plant resistance and the underlying mechanisms will offer new insights into natural plant defenses and support the development of sustainable pest management strategies.
Profile
The requirements for the PhD position are the following:
* You hold a master's degree in engineering technology, bioengineering, biology or equivalent (cum laude)
* You have good knowledge of plant physiology (plant defenses), microbiology, microbial ecology, molecular biology, bioinformatics/genomics and chemical ecology
* You are a team player, a problem solver, and possess a critical mind
* You are eager to learn new techniques or methods
* You work independently and accurately
* You have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in English
* You are communicative and willing to present research results at (inter)national conferences, via social media and through teaching activities
* You are willing to support the research team with teaching activities/ supervise student/ thesis projects.
* Students graduating later this academic year can also apply.
Offer
We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, starting the latest on September 1st, 2026, and pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after 1 year. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales ). You will benefit from the strong Belgian social security system as well.
You will be part of a highly collaborative and innovative research team, where members actively support each other's growth and development. You can expect a stimulating and encouraging environment in which your contributions are valued and your development as an independent researcher is a priority. You will receive advanced training in a wide range of techniques in the domain of plant-microbe-insect interactions. You will also have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network. Further, you will also collaborate with other experts in the field, including Antonino Cusumano (University of Palermo, Italy) and Nina Fatouros (Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands), having ample expertise with parasitoids and egg-mediated plant defenses.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. Bart Lievens, tel.:, e-mail:, Prof. Barbara De Coninck, e-mail:, or Prof. Hans Jacquemyn, e-mail:
You can apply for this job no later than March 15, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Leuven
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Solliciteren tot en met:
15/03/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen, Biologie, Industriële Ingenieurswetenschappen