PhD Researcher in Crop Root Research

Job title:

PhD Researcher in Crop Root Research

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Job description

Offer DescriptionYou 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 partYour goal will be to work on the mapping of root trait variations European scale. You will characterize root traits across diverse European pedoclimatic conditions relevant to wheat production by conducting root sampling in field trials managed by project partners in Belgium, France, Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany. You will measure root traits, compare them with developmental, yield, and environmental variables, and create a map of wheat root traits across these conditions. Additionally, you will identify root traits most correlated with yield and reanalyze publicly available root data to expand the project database, complementing experimental sampling to achieve the project’s objectives.What you will do:

• Conduct root sampling across diverse European pedoclimatic conditions relevant to wheat production in field trials managed by project partners in Belgium, France, Portugal, Switzerland, and Germany.
• Create a map of wheat root traits across European pedoclimatic conditions.
• Use publicly available root data, such as FRED and GROOT, to complement experimental sampling.
• 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.
• Experience in conducting laboratory and field experiments in plant science.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical software packages.
• EU car driving license (B)
• 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 labThe 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, BelgiumLouvain-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-mailguillaume.lobet@uclouvain.beRequirementsResearch Field Agricultural sciences » Temperate agriculture Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/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.
• 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.

Specific RequirementsEU car driving license (B)Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentInternal Application form(s) neededdrooght005_phd_offer.pdfEnglish(348.62 KB – PDF)Additional InformationSelection processBefore applying for the position, we strongly suggest having a look at our values hereTo 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 by May 15th 2025. The title of the email should be “DROOGHT005 – [YOUR LAST NAME]”. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.For further inquiries, please contact me at . More information about my research can be found at .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 GeofieldContact State/Province— None — CityLouvain-la-Neuve WebsiteStreetCroix du Sud, 2 L7.05.11 Postal Code1348STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Louvain-la-Neuve, Brabant Wallon

Job date

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:33:26 GMT

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