MSCA DN PhD Opportunity in Biopesticides and Biomaterials for Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Investigate plant immunity mechanisms and develop sustainable lignocellulose-derived biomaterials as biopesticides.
Best for:Best for master's graduates in agricultural or biological sciences with a strong background in plant immunity, molecular biology, or polymer characterization.
Overview
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) invites applications for a fully-funded PhD position (SUSBIOCROP DC3) within the PhotoBiocatalysis group. Building on a recent discovery regarding plant immunity triggered by lignocellulose-derived oligosaccharides, the successful candidate will produce cellulose-based biomaterials and study their role as elicitors. The research involves extensive molecular-level characterization of plant immune signaling events alongside polymer-oriented analysis of biomaterials. The doctoral candidate will be enrolled in a structured international network under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions framework.
What you'll do
- Produce and develop cellulose-based biomaterials to act as plant immune system elicitors
- Investigate plant-pathogen interactions and underlying mechanisms of plant immunity
- Perform extensive molecular-level characterization of plant immune systems and signaling events
- Analyze and characterize synthesized biomaterials using advanced polymer-oriented techniques
- Collaborate with international partners and consortium members within the SUSBIOCROP network
Requirements
Degree required: Master Degree or equivalent
Degree offered: PhD
Language: ENGLISH; Level: Excellent
Instruction: English
- Strong background in biological or agricultural sciences
- Experience with molecular-level characterization of biological systems
- Familiarity with polymer-oriented techniques or biomaterial characterization
- Ability to conduct independent and collaborative scientific research
- First Stage Researcher (R1) profile at the time of recruitment
- Compliance with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions mobility rules
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-02 (Europe/Brussels)
Interested applicants must submit their application through the official SUSBIOCROP project portal. Ensure all required project-specific documentation is uploaded prior to the deadline.
- CV
- Master Degree certificate
- Transcripts
Contact
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