12-month PostDoc on the Diversity of hydraulic and osmotic responses to water deficit in major crops and trees in controlled conditions and natural habitats Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium

Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), through the Earth and Life Institute and the Plant EcoPhysiology and Agriculture (PEPA) laboratory, is offering a 12-month postdoctoral position within the ERC-funded project The Plant Water Pump. The post focuses on the diversity of hydraulic and osmotic responses to water deficit in major crops and trees in controlled conditions and natural habitats.

The research sits at the interface of plant physiology, eco-physiology, and environmental science. It aims to improve understanding of how plants manage water under drought stress, especially in the context of climate change and increasing drought frequency. The successful candidate will contribute to the first and second goals of the project: characterising water status and osmotic responses to water deficit in diverse crop and tree species, and helping validate a new paradigm of plant water uptake.

The postdoc will work with a motivated team of young researchers monitoring soil and plant water status in greenhouses and forests across Europe, including activities at UCLouvain greenhouses and the ICOS site of Vielsalm (Belgium), in partnership with Prof. Caroline Vincke. Additional field and collaborative work will take place in France with local research teams.

Core tasks include estimating water fluxes and water potential in crops and trees such as tomato, oak, ash, and beech; collecting root samples using a snap-freezing method; creating didactic videos explaining experimental methods; developing simple functions relating plant hydraulics to soil water status; and preparing reports and presentations for an international audience.

Applicants must hold a PhD in bioengineering, biological sciences, or a related/equivalent field. Experience with plant physiological sensors such as a pressure chamber is required, along with excellent written and spoken English. The position also requires willingness to carry out fieldwork in Europe for several weeks per year and to work actively in collaborative international teams. Experience in supervising students, growing plants, experimental design, and programming would be advantageous.

The contract may start between October and December 2026, as early as possible. Interested candidates should email a CV and a motivation letter of maximum 1000 words to Pr. Valentin Couvreur at [email protected] before 31 August 2026.

This is a temporary postdoctoral research position based in Belgium and linked to a Horizon Europe / ERC research project. The work environment explicitly emphasizes respect for minorities, work-life balance, and soft-skills development.