PhD-researcher to study cell wall integrity signaling in plants, using tip-growing root hair cells as a model

Antwerp, Belgium

2025-09-30 (Europe/Brussels)

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The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Antwerp is looking for a full-time PhD-researcher to study cell wall integrity signaling in plants, using tip-growing root hair cells as a model. This exceptionally dynamic and elegant pathway is still poorly understood, yet it is crucial for plant development and its interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment.

The selected candidate is expected to have excellent study results, a critical, curious and open mindset, an interest in deciphering the molecular workings of plant growth regulation and the willingness to write a research proposal for additional and competitive funding on this topic. The research will be executed at the Integrated Molecular Plant Physiology (IMPRES) research group of the University of Antwerp, under the supervision of Prof Kris Vissenberg. The IMPRES group is a highly dynamic research group with a strong thematic focus on understanding the regulation of plant growth and the plant’s response to changes in the environment. Our research combines cell biology, molecular biology, biotechnology and state-of-the-art live cell microscopy. The PhD candidate will be part of our research line which focusses on how plant cells dynamically regulate the composition and strength of their cell walls during growth. The cell wall needs to be flexible to allow for growth, but sufficiently strong to prevent cell rupture. Plants have evolved a mechanism to rapidly sense and fine-tune cell wall biomechanics to facilitate robust growth. Being a prime candidate for targeted breeding efforts, there is an urgent need to examine how the key receptor-like kinases (CrRLK1Ls), rapid alkalinization factors (RALFs) and leucine-rich repeat extensin (LRX) proteins of this pathway coordinate to fine-tune cell wall biomechanics at the cell’s growth zone. The PhD candidate will be tasked with characterizing the dynamic interplay between these components at the growing tip of Arabidopsis thaliana root hairs. This model cell type displays exceptionally rapid and oscillatory growth, which is accompanied by dynamic changes in the sensing and fine-tuning of the cell wall.

Recent publications of the group on the regulatory mechanisms can be found here:

• Nature plants
• Science
• New Phytologist
• Current Biology

Position

Amongst other approaches, the PhD candidate will be required:

• to design and perform phenotyping experiments to quantify different aspects of root hair growth, in a variety of transgenic and mutant Arabidopsis lines.
• to use advanced fluorescence confocal microscopy coupled to microfluidics to image and quantify the relative whereabouts and dynamics of key components of the cell wall integrity pathway, in different genetic background and different experimental conditions.
• to identify novel suppressor mutations from an EMS mutagenesized seed population.
• to perform downstream characterization of novel members of the cell wall integrity pathway by cloning and imaging transcriptional and translational reporter lines.
• to carry out a variety of wet-lab experiments using molecular (cell) biology and biotechnology approaches.
• to conceptualize novel experiments that could contribute to our understanding of the plant cell wall integrity pathway.
• to write scientific papers for publication in high-impact journals.
• to assist in practical courses, guiding internship/Erasmus students
• to apply for a PhD fellowship at the FWO call of December 2025.

Profile

• You hold an MSc degree with excellent study results in biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, environmental sciences, or a related area, and you should be eligible to apply for a FWO PhD fellowship.
• You preferably have experience with molecular biology and/or biotechnology, and experience or interest in using different kinds of microscopes (bright-field, fluorescence, confocal, spinning disc, live cell imaging).
• You preferably have experience with in vivo and in vitro growth of plants
• You have experience with statistical analyses.
• You possess excellent English communication skills, both written and oral.
• You are available to work full time, with high motivation, and you have good planning, communication, and organizational skills.
• You are able to work effectively both independently and in team, as part of a multidisciplinary, international, and multicultural group; you can manage conflicting demands and meet deadlines.
• You commit, upon acceptance of the position, to apply for a PhD fellowship at a subsequent FWO PhD call (December 2025-March 2026), with the University of Antwerp as host institution. Applicants who are not eligible to submit a FWO application will not be taken into consideration.

What we offer

• Scientific development opportunities in an international cooperative, interdisciplinary research environment and an excellent working atmosphere in a dynamic, international and professional team.
• Extensive state-of-the-art microscopy equipment, plant growth and molecular biology infrastructure, experience with microfluidics coupled to (live cell) imaging of growing plant cells, availability of many transgenic lines and mutants.
• An open-door policy in which communication, collaboration and idea-sharing are key to our working ethos and the advancement of science.
• The opportunity to present your data on international conferences and to participate in workshops.
• A competitive salary for a period of initially 24 months.
• The planned start date is 1 November 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.

Want to apply

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 30 September 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a 1-page motivation letter, and your CV.
• We will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview early October.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions, please contact: Prof. Kris Vissenberg (kris.vissenberg@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organization which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.