The Laboratory for Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement (PGCI) at the Department of Biosystems at KU Leuven studies the genetic and molecular regulation of key reproductive processes in plants (flowering, meiosis, fertilization, etc.) with a particular focus on genomic stability and karyotype change. These insights are at the one side integrated in an evolutionary context to unravel natural mechanisms for genomic change, adaptation and plant speciation, and alternatively are used as a fundamental basis for developing novel strategies for advanced crop breeding. This includes technologies to accelerate the overall build-up of genetic gain in conventional selection-based breeding programs, as well as new biotech strategies, including CRISPR/Cas, to directly improve or adjust specific crop attributes.
Website unit
Project
CRISPR/Cas provides an easy and straightforward technology for the targeted editing of DNA sequences in plants with broad opportunities for genetics research and crop improvement. However, the practical applicability of this method is limited since the delivery of the key components, i.e., the Cas9 endonuclease together with one or more single guide RNAs (sgRNAs), is generally achieved via classical transformation, which is often inefficient and laborious and additionally results in transgenic inserts that need be segregated out. In this project you will address these limitations by testing and exploiting the potential of DNA nanotechnology as an alternative tool to achieve transient delivery of CRISPR-GE components into the plant. By optimizing structural design parameters of DNA nanobodies and testing different application methods, we intend to facilitate the uptake and systematic spreading of CRISPR components in plants, and hence achieve efficient targeted gene editing (GE). Upon proof-of-concept and optimization in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana we will then translate this new technology into key crops and further modulate it to enhance targeted mutagenesis efficiency, enable multiplex gene editing, and obtain heritable mutations.
Key tasks involve;
- Construction of DNA nanostructures and optimization of their design to achieve stable and systemic in planta delivery of CRISPR components in Arabidopsis
- Testing and adapting DNA nanobody application conditions to achieve maximum gene editing (GE) efficiency with integration of environmental effects
- Fine-tuning DNA nanostructure design parameters to enable targeted delivery of CRISPR machinery towards specific plant organs and cell/tissue types
- Application and validation of the newly developed CRISPR-Cas delivery technology for multiplex gene editing in major crop species, with a prime focus on tomato, maize and soybean.
Profile
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic and independent person with a curious, yet critical, scientific mindset, and a strong interest in plant molecular biology, genetics, and biotechnology. You are creative, self-disciplinary and have a problem-solving attitude, and have the capacity to work at the crossroads of several disciplines (from plant biology to nanotechnology).
The ideal candidate will comply with following requirements:
- Master’s degree in life sciences (bioengineering, biomedical sciences, nanotechnology, genetics, genomics or equivalent). A publication record is a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of classical molecular biology techniques and a strong background in plant genetics, biology, and/or nanotechnology.
- Genuine interest and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
- Good communication skills, particularly with regard to reporting and presentation
- Able to work independently as well as in teams in an interdisciplinary context.
- Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
- Experience in designing and troubleshooting experiments is a plus.
Candidates have to be committed, hard-working, and enthusiastic, with a keen interest in plant molecular biology, biotechnology, and synthetic biology, and eager to perform pioneering top scientific research in a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
Important: Postdoc candidates with a strong fit towards the position who have not been engaged in any principal activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 24 months in the last three years are also eligible and are encouraged to apply.
Offer
We offer a 4-year PhD research position in a stimulating international work environment at one of the top-ranked universities in Europe. KU Leuven is a research-intensive, internationally-oriented university that conducts both fundamental and applied scientific research with a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and international excellence. You will be guided by a young, dynamic and multidisciplinary team, and will have the opportunity to work on innovative technologies with access to state-of-the-art facilities. As part of your doctoral program (Bioscience Engineering), you will have the possibility to engage in diverse training, education, and career development activities. You will be based in Leuven, a historic, dynamic, and vibrant city in the heart of Belgium, in close proximity to major European capitals.
Interested?
Applicants should provide the following documents together with their application: CV, motivation letter, certificates for both BSc and MSc degree (as well as transcripts of the grades) and, if available, letter(s) of recommendation from previous employers/supervisors.
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible: applications will be screened continuously until an ideal candidate is identified, in which case the position will be filled before the deadline.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nico De Storme, tel.: +32 16 19 33 52, mail: nico.destorme@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
