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Postdoc/Researcher Fellowship in plant-insect-microbe interactions: Belgium

The “Laboratory Plant-Fungi Interactions (PFI)” and “Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM)” at KU Leuven (Heverlee, Belgium), both belonging to the KU Leuven Plant Institute, are willing to support one application for the EU Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship. The research topic of the application should deal with induced resistance in plants (e.g. ISR) and its effect on plant-insect interactions, specifically tackled at PFI and PME&BIM, respectively. PFI has a strong expertise in studying plant resistance mechanisms at the molecular level, induced by both biotic and abiotic agents to tackle plant pathogens. Research at PME&BIM focuses on plant-microbe-insect interactions, aiming to improve biological control of important pest insects, like aphids, caterpillars and stinkbugs. Both labs provide a range of services for boosting the professional career of international fellows, and will also support them in administrative issues, finding accommodation, healthcare, etc. Furthermore, KU Leuven endorses the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, and provides a stimulating and favorable working environment for researchers.

If you have a strong profile and interest in induced resistance against insect herbivores to improve biological pest control, do not hesitate to contact us and apply. The host groups seek to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments.

The next call for this year’s MSCA-IF call is foreseen in Spring 2022 and will most probably close in September/October 2022. For more information regarding the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions at KU Leuven, see here.

About the application:

Please submit your application by email to both Prof. Bruno Cammue (bruno.cammue@kuleuven.be) and Prof. Bart Lievens (bart.lievens@kuleuven.be). The application should contain a brief motivation letter (no more than 1 page), full CV with a list of publications and a short literature review on induced resistance in plants (e.g. ISR) and its effect on plant-insect interactions (no more than 2 pages).

For clarifications or further information, contact Prof. Bruno Cammue and/or Prof. Bart Lievens. You can also have a look to the PFI’s and PME&BIM’s websites.

Deadline for this pre-selection: 15.03.2022 or until suitable candidates are selected.

Alternative funding possibilities in case of non-successful MSCA application will be discussed with the selected candidate.

Requirements

  • The candidate must, at the date of the MSCA-IF call deadline, possess a PhD degree.
  • The candidate must fulfill any other eligibility and mobility requirements of the MSCA-IF call.
  • Fluent spoken and written English.
  • Strong background and CV in plant sciences, preferentially with focus on plant-pathogen and/or plant-insect interactions, but candidates with relevant experience in other related fields are also encouraged to apply as long as the their expertise fits within the proposed research topic.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
  • European and non-European candidates of diverse cultural backgrounds are welcomed. The candidate may be of any nationality and no age restrictions apply (but see main rules and requirements for MSCA-IF fellowships).
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