Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
Last date to apply: 15.01.2026
Number of Positions: 01
Project
Current breeding programs for banana (Musa spp.) rely on repeated cycles of cross-hybridization between triploid cultivars and wild diploid lines with the aim to generate improved triploid varieties. This traditional breeding strategy, however, is highly inefficient as it suffers from strong hybridization barriers and does not fully exploit available genetic variation. To address this, an international consortium consisting of local breeding institutes in Asia and Africa are currently implementing a novel ‘evolutionary inspired’ breeding approach that involves first genetic improvement at the diploid level using heterotic pools, followed by a final polyploidization event to generate triploid varieties. In this project, which is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we will focus on the last step of this program by developing practical methods to induce diploid (2n) pollen grains in local Musa breeding materials as a route for triploid induction. This involves extensive screening of chemicals and other external factors for their capacity to induce 2n pollen together with an in depth characterization of the underlying mechanism(s) and genetic consequences. In parallel, we also aim to identify key genetic regulators of the meiotic reductional division in banana as a basis to develop new genetic approaches to induce 2n pollen and achieve sexual polyploidization in hybrid breeding programs. New methods and genetic appraoches for triploid banana induction will be practically implemented and further upscaled at local breeding programs in Tanzania (IITA) and Indonesia (BRIN) in close collaboration with respective Musa breeding institutes.
Key tasks involve:
- Targeted screening of chemical compounds and other external factors for their capacity to induce diploid pollen formation in banana
- Elucidation of the underlying cellular mechanisms and cytological defects together with an in depth characterization of the genotypic configuration of resulting 2n pollen
- Technical design and optimization of practical methods for inducing 2n pollen grains and obtaining triploid progeny induction in local Musa breeding programs
- Identification and characterization of genetic factors controlling reductional meiotic division in Musa as a basis for developing innovative strategies to transiently induce 2n pollen grains
Profile
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and independent person with a curious, yet critical, scientific mindset, and a strong interest in plant genetics, molecular biology, and crop breeding. You are creative, self-disciplinary and have a problem-solving attitude, and have the capacity to work at the crossroads of fundamental and applied research in a highly international collaborative research environment.
The ideal candidate complies with the following requirements:
- Master’s degree in life sciences (bioengineering, plant biology, biomedical sciences, genetics, genomics or equivalent). A publication record is a plus.
- In-depth knowledge of plant reproductive development and a strong background in plant genetics, biology, and/or crop breeding.
- Hands-on experience with or a strong interest in cytology, microscopy, and molecular biology.
- Genuine interest in and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.
- Willing to travel to collaborating partners in Tanzania (IITA) and Indonesia (BRIN), and take part in international scientific research visits.
- Good communication skills, particularly with regard to reporting and presentation.
- Excellent English communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
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 embedded in an experienced, dynamic and multi-disciplinary team, and will have the opportunity to work on innovative approaches with access to state-of-the-art facilities. As part of your doctoral program at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering (FBIW), you will have the possibility to engage in diverse training, educational 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 and with direct connectivity to international collaborators.
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, a certificate of English language test (IELTS or TOEFL) and letter(s) of recommendation from previous employers.
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Online applications will be screened continuously until an ideal candidate is found, in which case the position will be filled before the deadline.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Nico De Storme, e-mail: nico.destorme@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than January 15, 2026 via the online application tool.
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 socio-economic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
https://www.pgcilab.com/
You can apply for this job no later than January 15, 2026 via the online application tool