The groups of Prof. Joëlle Mühlemann and Prof. Bart Lievens are seeking two PhD students to join the project: "Pollinators under pressure: how climate stressors shape flowers and their interactions with nectar-dwelling microbes and pollinators". You will collaborate with the other PhD student and a postdoctoral researcher. Your specific focus will be on 1) examining the effects of climate stressors (heat and drought) on flower traits and flower-pollinator interactions in oilseed rape and 2) uncovering molecular mechanisms by which changing climate conditions modulate floral traits and pollinator attraction.
You will be co-supervised by Prof. Joëlle Mühlemann and Prof. Bart Lievens, but your daily work will take place in the Climate-Resilient Crop Production Lab (Prof. Mühlemann) of the Division of Crop Biotechnics, Department of Biosystems. The research group investigates the impact of abiotic stresses linked to climate change (e.g. heat and drought stress) on molecular and cellular processes occurring during plant sexual reproduction. It combines cell and molecular biology, genetic, and ‘omics approaches to uncover plant responses to abiotic stress.
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Project
Around 35% of all crops rely on insect pollinators for seed or fruit set and yield. These pollinators are attracted to flowers by cues like the flowers’ morphology, colour, and volatiles. They receive pollen and nectar as a reward. Interestingly, floral nectar also hosts a microbiome that emits volatiles and influences pollinator attraction. This suggests that crop yields depend on tripartite interactions between flowers, nectar microbes, and pollinators. Climate change, particularly drought and heatwaves, may threaten these interactions, potentially lowering crop yields. Indeed, heat and drought stress can alter floral traits, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear, as do their impacts on interactions with pollinators. Using oilseed rape and bumble bees as a model, this PhD project aims to address these knowledge gaps by 1) studying drought and heat stress effects on floral traits and pollinator attraction and 2) unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in floral traits and pollinator attraction upon stress. Insights from your project could guide breeders in developing resilient crops to sustain pollinator interactions and yields in a changing climate.
Profile
The requirements for the PhD position are the following:
- You hold a European master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering (or a similar field such as biology or biochemistry) and obtained this degree with distinction (cum laude)
- You have knowledge of plant analytical biochemistry, bioinformatics/genomics, and molecular biology
- You are eager to learn new techniques or methods
- You are a team player, a problem solver, and possess a critical mind
- You work independently and accurately
- You have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in English
- You are willing to support the research team with teaching and outreach activities and the supervision of BSc/MSc thesis projects
- You are eligible to apply for a personal PhD fellowship (e.g. an FWO PhD fellowship https://www.fwo.be/en/support-programmes/phd-fellowships/)
Offer
We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, starting on October 1st, 2025, and pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after 1 year. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions). You will benefit from the strong Belgian social security system as well.
You will be part of a highly collaborative and innovative research team, where members actively support each other’s growth and development. You can expect a stimulating and encouraging environment in which your contributions are valued and your development as an independent researcher is a priority. You will receive advanced training in a wide range of techniques, including plant analytical biochemistry, RNA-Seq analysis, plant genetic transformation via CRISPR/Cas9, and pollinator assays. You will also have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Joëlle Mühlemann, tel.: +32 16 32 43 54, mail: [email protected].
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