Postdoc in Evolutionary Systems Biology VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology in Belgium

The VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology (PSB) is a world-leading institute dedicated to unraveling plant biology and leveraging these insights to enhance agricultural sustainability and climate change resilience. The Maere lab at PSB specializes in computational biology, evolutionary genomics, and plant systems biology, with current research focusing on single-plant omics strategies, dosage balance-sensitive genes, and modeling the evolution of transcriptional systems in silico.

This postdoctoral position, funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), centers on modeling the effects of whole-genome duplication (WGD) on the evolution of transcriptional systems. WGDs are widespread across the plant kingdom and other lineages, and are linked to speciation, adaptation, domestication, and evolutionary innovation. In the context of climate change, WGDs may be crucial for organismal adaptation, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes remain largely unexplored. The project aims to use a mechanistic, sequence-based genotype-phenotype mapping model combined with population-based evolutionary simulations to investigate the evolution of transcriptional systems post-WGD. Key questions include whether polyploids have short-term adaptive advantages over diploids and how WGD affects long-term evolvability. The research will dissect molecular and evolutionary mechanisms influencing adaptability and evolvability in diploids and polyploids.

Applicants should have a PhD in Computational Biology, Evolutionary Biology, (Bio)Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics. Required skills include expertise in dynamical systems modeling (ODEs), machine learning, and strong programming abilities in Java and Python. A background in evolutionary genomics and genome duplication research is highly desirable. Candidates must demonstrate an outstanding publication record in international peer-reviewed journals and fluency in English. The ideal candidate is meticulous, well-organized, responsible, self-critical, passionate about science, and able to think creatively.

The position offers a 4-year contract with an attractive salary, a stimulating research environment in a top institute, and opportunities for skill development within a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international team. Applications are accepted via the VIB online career portal. Please submit a detailed CV, a motivation letter, and contact details for two referees. For further information, contact Dr Steven Maere at [email protected].

Deadline for applications is July 1, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.