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Université libre de Bruxelles

PhD Position (4 years) in Plant Biology and Artificial Intelligence: Discovery of Small Molecules Regulating the Plant Circadian Clock Université libre de Bruxelles in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Available

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

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Country

Belgium

University

Université libre de Bruxelles

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Keywords

Computer Science
Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Agriculture
Plant Biology
Biology
Chronobiology
Artificial Intelligence
Plant Physiology
Computational Biology
Chemical Biology
Root Development
Bioinformatic

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About this position

Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), through the Brussels Bioengineering School (EBB), is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position at the interface of plant biology and artificial intelligence. The project focuses on the plant circadian clock, an internal biological timer that coordinates growth, development, nutrient uptake, and stress responses with daily environmental cycles.

The research is part of a new interdisciplinary initiative combining artificial intelligence, computational biology, plant physiology, molecular biology, and chemical biology. The main objective is to develop AI-assisted approaches to identify novel small molecules that can modulate key components of the plant circadian clock and then test how these molecules influence root development and mineral nutrition. This makes the project especially relevant to chronobiology, chemical biology, and sustainable agriculture.

The position is based in Brussels, Belgium, at ULB’s Campus Plaine. The successful candidate will be trained at the interface of experimental plant science and computational approaches, and will benefit from multidisciplinary supervision, advanced training in experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, communication, and research dissemination. Opportunities for international collaborations and conference attendance are also mentioned.

This PhD is intended for candidates with a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Bioengineering, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Agronomics, or a closely related discipline. Applicants should have a strong interest in plant biology and biotechnology, good English communication skills, and familiarity with molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, cloning, transformation, RNA extraction, and transcriptomics. Experience in bioinformatics, programming, AI, or machine learning is welcome but not mandatory.

Funding is provided through a doctoral fellowship for up to four years, with competitive salary and social security coverage according to Belgian and ULB regulations. The initial appointment lasts one year and is renewable annually upon satisfactory progress. Applications are due by 31 October 2026.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in Biology, Bioengineering, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Agronomics, or a closely related discipline. Strong interest in plant biology and biotechnology is required, along with knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, cloning, transformation, RNA extraction, and global transcriptomics. Excellent English communication skills and the ability to work independently within an interdisciplinary team are expected. Previous experience in bioinformatics, programming, artificial intelligence, or machine learning is considered an asset but is not required. Candidates from Chemistry or Computational Biology with a strong interest in plant science are also welcome.

How to apply

Email Christian Hermans at [email protected] with a CV, a motivation letter (maximum 1 page) describing relevant experience, and contact details of two referees. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview with the supervisors.

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