Devang Mehta

KU Leuven is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity in plant systems biology at the Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, Belgium. The project is hosted by the labs of Prof. Devang Mehta and Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren, who work in experimental plant systems biology and tropical plant biotechnology. The research environment includes access to long-read sequencing, proteomics mass spectrometry, and membership in the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics and the Leuven Plant Institute. The position is part of a multi-partner strategic basic research project that aims to develop gene editing and chemical-based solutions to plant viruses. Two main research themes are described: engineering non-insecticidal solutions for viral diseases using nucleoprotein interaction proteomics in sugar beet and tomato, and understanding the plant circadian clock in latitudinal adaptation to climate change, with work in Arabidopsis thaliana. The project combines genomics, proteomics, interaction proteomics, genome editing, chemical screening, directed evolution, environmental simulation, and multi-omics. The broader goal is to develop climate-resilient crops and innovative plant protection strategies. The successful candidate will join a competitive, international, and diverse research community at KU Leuven. The offer includes a full-time 4-year PhD position, with remuneration according to KU Leuven salary scales and generous benefits. The labs also support conference participation, publication, career guidance, grant writing training, and open science. Start date is flexible, with the earliest start in October 2026. Eligibility highlights include a Master’s degree in Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a related discipline, plus strong English communication skills, laboratory experience, some programming or data-analysis ability, and a collaborative mindset. Prior plant biology experience is not mandatory, but a solid foundation in biochemistry and molecular biology is expected. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is identified.

KU Leuven is offering a full-time postdoctoral position in plant systems biology within the Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems, Belgium. The position is hosted by the labs of Prof. Devang Mehta and Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren, whose groups work in experimental plant systems biology and tropical plant biotechnology. The labs have access to cutting-edge platforms including in-house long-read sequencing and advanced proteomics mass spectrometry infrastructure, and are part of the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics and the Leuven Plant Institute. The postdoc will join grant-funded projects that integrate genomics and proteomics technologies across plant biology. Candidates may choose among projects aligned with their background and interests, and there is also room to develop an independent research direction within the broader themes. One project focuses on engineering non-insecticidal solutions for plant viral diseases using nucleoprotein interaction proteomics. This work aims to uncover protein and RNA interactions involved in viral infection in sugar beet and tomato, and to identify genetic and chemical strategies for plant protection through interaction proteomics, genome editing, and chemical screening. A second project investigates the role of the plant circadian clock in latitudinal adaptation. As climate change shifts agriculture northwards, crops must cope with shorter growing seasons and altered day-length regimes. Using directed evolution, environmental simulation systems, and multi-omics approaches, the project seeks to identify the mechanisms underlying latitudinal adaptation in Arabidopsis thaliana and to contribute to breeding and engineering climate-resilient crops. The successful candidate should hold a PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, or a closely related field. Strong English communication skills, a solid publication record or thesis output, and experience in molecular biology and/or biochemistry are preferred. Programming or data-analysis experience is desirable, as is an interest in applying for an independent postdoctoral fellowship with PI support. KU Leuven offers a competitive and international research environment, close mentorship from the PIs, and access to a vibrant plant science community. The position is offered for 2 years full time, with the possibility of extension after a positive first-year evaluation. The expected start is no later than early 2027, but the start date is negotiable. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged. Applicants are asked not to upload additional documents beyond those requested in the application system.