Full-time academic position - Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech - Field: plant genetics

Location: Gembloux, Belgium

Start date: 01/10/2026

JOB REFERENCE: PA261002

The Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (GxABT) Faculty of the University of Liège is pleased to recruit a member of the academic staff in plant genetics who will bring an inspiring vision to the future of research and teaching in the field of the use of omics technologies to study plant genetic resources for supporting the agroecological transition and the sustainability of our agricultural and food systems (agroecofoodsystems).

Job description

A full-time, indivisible academic position in the field of Plant Genetics (application of omics technologies on plant genetic resources to support the agroecological transition), within the unique Department at the Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech Faculty. This post includes teaching and research activities as well as services to the Community.

Teaching activities

The teaching activities will include courses such as:

• Physiology, plant breeding and multiplication of cultivated plants;
• Application of molecular biology and genetics;
• Plant defence systems;
• Integrated and agroecological protection of crops;
• Chemical, biological and environmental risks related to plant production.

For some of these courses, the candidate will be in charge of the part dedicated to plant genetics. Ultimately, the teaching duty would reach approx. 15 teaching credits.

The teaching duty also includes supervising internships (Bachelor's and Master's students), projects and Master's final projects, and may eventually include involvement in the cross-disciplinary organisation of the Master's programme (e.g. chairing the jury for dissertations, academic coordination of internships, etc.)

Research activities

Applicants are expected to propose a detailed research project for 4 years related to the application of omics technologies to:

• mobilise and characterise the use of plant genetic resources and their interactions (also with other trophic levels) in the frame of agroecological transition;
• characterise, improve and develop the plant phenotypes involved in these interactions;
• promote robust and sustainable production of cultivated plants through the creation and exploitation of diversity and taking account of the ecosystem services of agroecosystems.

In addition, applicants will provide a concrete long-term research vision, including integration in GxABT, and collaboration with other stakeholders both at the national and EU level, including private companies.

Services to the community

The community service activities will be identified progressively, considering the needs of the university and the skills of the individual, in consultation with the Deanery and departmental authorities.

Qualifications required / profile

• A research doctorate and significant and recognised post-doctoral experience with high-level international publications in the field of plant genetics, systems biology, bioinformatics, genomics or transcriptomics;
• Demonstrate international collaborations that are relevant to the themes of the post and a willingness to develop these collaborations;
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct an independent, yet collaborative, scientific research, successful funding records and manage a team of researchers;
• Demonstrate the ability to teach in both English and French, or commit to do so within four years of appointment. If relevant, previous teaching activities should be mentioned;
• Show willingness to work in a team of teachers and researchers from different disciplines and using shared human and material resources within GxABT and ULiège as well as to develop research and development activities in contact with other stakeholders;
• Progressively participate community service for the institution and the stakeholders;
• Have good communication skills;
• Adhere to the quality management and continuous improvement system set up by the University;
• Have post-doctoral experience demonstrated by an extended study period abroad or significant experience acquired outside their home institution.

Selection procedure

Each candidate’s application will be examined by a faculty committee... The interview will be held between late August and early September 2026.

Applications

Applications should be made using the online form available on the following website: https://my.uliege.be/Sondages/rep_xt/u5xF9L4j-qXMOAWh7o0qrCvP57mE37npIDGS45ymi4Q.
To be eligible, applications must be submitted no later than 15/06/2026 (before midnight Belgian time).

Documents required:

• Cover letter (1 page...)
• Curriculum vitae...
• Copies of diplomas and certificates.
• Teaching plan (max. 1 page...).
• Research plan (max. 3 pages...).
• Plan for community services and integration within ULiège (max. 1 page).

Conditions of employment

The position is awarded either for a fixed term of four years, or... immediately on a permanent basis.

Remuneration

Basic appointments are made at the grade of lecturer.
The gross monthly salary at the start of the scale (on a full-time basis) is currently €5,992.58...

Benefits

• “Statutory” position which can lead to a public sector pension if the appointment is permanent.
• Financial contribution to private relocation expenses.
• Possibility of assistance with access to the labour market for partners.
• University of Liège professional relocation allowance of €2,500 for a full-time position.
• ...