PhD Position on epigenetic ecotoxicology

The Division of Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation is part of the Biology Department at KU Leuven. We aim to improve our understanding of the eco-evolutionary dynamics of natural populations in relation to their local environment. We combine fieldwork with genetic data analysis and state-of-the-art modelling techniques to answer eco-evolutionary questions such as "how do pollutants impact molecular diversity and evolutionary potential?"
More information ? See https://bio.kuleuven.be/research
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Project

Pollutants such as bisphenol, PFAS and pesticides are posing an increasing threat to environmental health, and likely contribute to ongoing biodiversity loss due to their massive and widespread presence even in remote areas.  Understanding and forecasting the effects of chemical pollution on biodiversity are among the major challenges of our time.  A particularly underexplored effects of pollutants on biodiversity is how they may impact mutation and evolution.   The BISGO project aims to study how bisphenol A  (BPA), a widely used plastic additive , and a potential safe and sustainable BPA alternative (Bisguiacol, BG), drive epigenetic variation across the Daphnia genome, and how this epigenetic variation in turn affects mutation rates.  This study will be among the first to reveal the effects of pollutants on mutation rates in ecological systems.  Importantly, the development of BG is testimony to Belgium's commitment towards a more circular economy.

Profile

• You hold a MSc degree in a relevant field (Biology, Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Sciences or related fields) or you will have obtained it by the time you start working
• You can demonstrate excellent study results, with at least a distinction degree
• You have passion for nature and biodiversity
• You have a background in evolutionary biology and/or genetics
• You have a background in programming languages such as R or python
• You are fluent in English, both written and oral
• You are willing to collaborate and be a team player with good communications skills

Offer

• A full-time doctoral fellowship (4 years)
• Tentative starting date : November 2024
• The successful candidate will be based at the division Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Conservation in Leuven (Belgium)
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for assistants
• You will receive ecocheques, a bicycle and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.  See : https://admin.kuleuven.be/mykuleuven/en/theme/hr-wellbeing/salary-benefits-insurances for full benefits including holidays and bonuses.  
• Collaboration in a young and dynamic international scientific team.  Life-work balance is important for us

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Hanne De Kort, tel.: +32 16 37 38 25, mail: hanne.dekort@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Conny Coeckelberghs, tel.: +32 16 32 37 17, mail: conny.coeckelberghs@kuleuven.be.

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