You want to help develop most robust cropping systems? You want to understand how plant roots impact water flow in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum, at different scales? You are passionate about Open Science and sustainability ?
We are pleased to announce that we are opening a four-year phd researcher position at the UCLouvain (Belgium) for the DROOGHT project. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in plant science and gain valuable experience in the field of root modelling and drought resistance in cereals, with a particular emphasis on wheat.
The DROOGHT project:
The project DROOGHT aims to identify root traits that enhance crop robustness to drought. The project focuses on understanding below-ground processes in cereal crops, particularly the role of root diameter distribution in water uptake. The project will use both computational and experimental approaches to identify dominant structural root traits controlling water uptake under water-limited conditions. The outputs will include a multiscale computational framework, a phenotyping pipeline, and the identification of cereal root properties for robust crop across European conditions and climate change scenarios. Overall, the project aims to advance understanding of root systems' role in water uptake and provide practical insights for breeders and crop modelers. Over the next 5 years, the project will hire 3 postdoctoral and 3 doctoral researchers.
Your part
You will identify the structural root traits that most influence water uptake dynamics using in silico modeling. By conducting local and global sensitivity analyses with the WP1 modeling framework, you will systematically test input variables to confirm hypotheses and discover new trait combinations. You will then reverse engineer the results to understand the underlying mechanisms, providing a comprehensive view of how root traits affect water uptake at the plant level. During your PhD, you will work closely, and be co-supervised by Bertrand Muller, from the INRAE, in Montpellier. The position will include research stays in Montpellier (several months over the 4 years).
What you will do:
- Run multiscale modelling framework (organ-plant).
- Evaluate how model outputs change with small variations in input parameters (local sensitivity analysis).
- Assess the impact of changes in all input parameters on water uptake dynamics (global sensitivity analysis).
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and contribute to project meetings and discussions.
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in plant science research and contribute to scientific literature through publications and presentations.
- Engage in the dissemination of research findings through conferences, seminars, and other scientific events.
What we are looking for:
- A master's degree (or equivalent) in plant science, biology, agricultural science, or a related field.
- Strong background knowledge and interest in plant and root physiology.
- Strong interest in root modelling
- Experience in conducting laboratory and field experiments in plant science.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software packages.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
Please do not let lack of some skills make you feel you are ineligible for any position here. If some skills are missing, they can generally be taught. It is our role to help you develop your research program with mutual interest.
Our lab
The Plant Ecology, Eco-physiology and Sustainable Agriculture (PEPA) Lab is currently composed of 15+ lab members. It is part of the Earth and Life Institute and tightly linked to the Faculty of bioengineering of the UCLouvain. We work closely with the UCLouvain university farms and have strong links with the Forschungszentrum Juelich, in Germany.
In our lab we share values of (eco-)feminism, respect for minorities, work-life balance and curiosity. Researchers are encouraged to follow dedicated “soft skills” trainings on related subjects, also including stress relief, non-violent communication, etc. for free during their worktime.
Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
Louvain-la-Neuve is one of the newest cities in Europe, built around the UCLouvain. It is a unique, fully pedestrian city, vibrant with student energy and initiatives. Located in Wallonia, the French-talking part of Belgium, it is at the heart of Europe. It is well connected to many major cities in both Belgium and Europe by train.
Where to apply
E-mail [email protected]
Requirements
Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics
Education Level Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A master's degree (or equivalent) in plant science, biology, agricultural science, or a related field.
- Strong background knowledge and interest in plant and root physiology.
- Strong interest in root modelling
- Experience in conducting laboratory and field experiments in plant science.
- Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software packages.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a team.
Languages ENGLISH
Level Excellent
Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agronomics
Internal Application form(s) needed
drooght006_phd_offer.pdf
English
(349.59 KB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information
Selection process
Before applying for the position, we strongly suggest having a look at our values here https://www.guillaumelobet.be/values
To apply for this position, please submit the following documents:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting your educational background, research experience, and publications (if any). Narrative CV are encouraged.
- A cover letter outlining your motivation, research interests, and skills. We also ask you to include a short description of your proudest achievement, in science or outside.
- Feel free to add references who can speak to your academic and/or research abilities if you wish.
Please send your application via email to [email protected]by May 15th 2025. The title of the email should be “DROOGHT006 – [YOUR LAST NAME]”. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
For further inquiries, please contact me at [email protected]. More information about my research can be found at www.guillaumelobet.be.
UCLouvain is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ages, genders, and abilities.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available 1
Company/Institute UCLouvain
Country Belgium
Contact
State/Province -- None --
City Louvain-la-Neuve
Website http://www.uclouvain.be
Street Croix du Sud, 2 L7.05.11
Postal Code 1348
