Apply for a fully funded 4-year PhD in Biology at Ghent University, Belgium, focusing on climate adaptation in diatoms through the ERC-funded DIADAPT project. Start date: September 1, 2025. Application deadline: May 26, 2025.
🌿 Fully Funded 4-Year PhD in Biology at Ghent University: Climate Adaptation in Diatoms (DIADAPT Project)
Introduction
Are you passionate about understanding how microscopic organisms adapt to climate change? Do you aspire to contribute to cutting-edge research in evolutionary biology and genomics? Ghent University invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Biology, embedded within the European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant project, DIADAPT. This project aims to unravel the genomic basis of climate adaptation in diatoms, a group of microalgae pivotal to global carbon cycling.
About the DIADAPT Project
Project Title: Climate Impacts on Diatom Genomes Over Micro- and Macroevolutionary Timescales
Principal Investigator: Prof. Eveline Pinseel
Funding: European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant
Host Institution: Ghent University, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Biology
Diatoms are highly diverse and ecologically significant microalgae that contribute substantially to global carbon fixation and biogeochemical cycling. Understanding their adaptive responses to environmental changes is crucial for predicting ecosystem dynamics under climate change scenarios. While phenotypic adaptations in diatoms have been studied, the genomic mechanisms underlying these adaptations remain largely unexplored.
The DIADAPT project seeks to fill this knowledge gap by integrating laboratory experiments with comparative genomics and transcriptomics. The research will focus on diatom species inhabiting diverse environments and climate zones, aiming to identify genomic signatures of climate adaptation.
PhD Position Overview
Start Date: September 1, 2025 (earliest)
Duration: 4 years (initial 12-month contract, extendable upon positive evaluation)
Application Deadline: May 26, 2025
Occupancy Rate: 100%
Contract Type: Limited duration, research staff
Degree Requirements:
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MSc in Biology
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MSc in Bioscience Engineering
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MSc in Biochemistry & Biotechnology
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MSc in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management
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Or equivalent
Note: Candidates obtaining their degree in the current academic year are eligible to apply.
Research Objectives
As a PhD candidate, you will:
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Conduct laboratory experiments to determine the thermal niches of various diatom species.
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Obtain and analyze genomes and transcriptomes from diverse diatom species.
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Perform comparative genomics and transcriptomics, including differential expression analysis.
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Integrate experimental and genomic data to identify evolutionary genetic backgrounds of climate adaptation in diatoms.
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Manage and curate research data effectively.
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Engage in science communication activities.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with:
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A strong interest in microbiology, adaptation, and genomics.
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Critical and analytical thinking skills, with attention to detail.
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Commitment to obtaining a PhD degree.
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Proficiency in English (oral and written).
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Willingness to combine laboratory experiments with bioinformatic analyses.
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Preferably, experience with R and/or Python, and/or programming skills in bash or another scripting language.
What Ghent University Offers
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A full-time doctoral fellowship with a competitive salary.
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A stimulating research environment within the Laboratory of Protistology & Aquatic Ecology (PAE).
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Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources.
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Opportunities for professional development and training.
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A supportive and collaborative academic community.
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Benefits including 36 days of holiday leave annually, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and more.
Application Procedure
To apply, submit the following documents as a single PDF file via email to Prof. Eveline Pinseel (eveline.pinseel@ugent.be) by May 26, 2025:
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Motivation letter
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Curriculum Vitae (CV)
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Copies of diplomas, including study results
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Contact information for two potential referees
If necessary, diplomas can be sent in a separate PDF document.
For inquiries or more information, contact Prof. Eveline Pinseel or visit the research website: https://evelinepinseel.weebly.com/
Apply: https://www.ugent.be/en/work/scientific/phd-student-21
Note: Late applications will not be accepted.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Ghent University is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, age, disability, or cultural background.
