PhD Scholarship in Plant Ecophysiology at the University of Antwerp, Belgium
The University of Antwerp is inviting applications for a full-time Doctoral Scholarship Holder in Plant Ecophysiology within its Department of Biology. The PhD project will investigate how hydrodynamic forces influence root development in submerged aquatic plants, also known as macrophytes. The research will examine these responses at both morphological and physiological levels, combining plant physiology and biochemistry with experimental work in an artificial river system.
The scholarship is initially awarded for two years, with the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation, providing the potential for a four-year doctoral research trajectory. The planned start date is between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible thereafter.
PhD Research Project
The doctoral research will focus on a fundamental question in plant ecophysiology: How does flowing water shape the development and functioning of roots in submerged aquatic plants? Aquatic plants experience physical conditions that differ substantially from terrestrial plants. Water movement creates hydrodynamic forces that can influence plant growth, morphology, resource allocation and physiological responses. The project will investigate these processes using a combination of:
- Plant ecophysiology
- Plant biochemistry
- Morphological analysis
- Physiological measurements
- Experimental aquatic systems
- Hormone analysis
- Transcriptome-related approaches
A distinctive feature of the research is the use of the Mesodrome, an artificial river facility designed for experimental research on aquatic systems. This setup allows researchers to investigate plant responses under controlled hydrodynamic conditions while maintaining a strong connection to environmentally relevant processes.
What Will the PhD Researcher Do?
The successful candidate will work actively toward the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in plant ecophysiology. The main responsibilities will include:
Conducting PhD Research
The researcher will investigate the effects of hydrodynamic forcing on the development of roots in submerged macrophytes. The work will examine responses at both morphological and physiological levels, using experimental and analytical approaches from plant biology and biochemistry.
Publishing Scientific Research
The PhD researcher will be expected to publish scientific articles arising from the project in relevant academic journals. Developing a strong publication record will form an important part of the doctoral training.
Teaching and Research Support
The position includes a limited number of teaching and research support activities within the Department of Biology. This provides an opportunity to develop academic teaching experience alongside doctoral research.
Developing Additional Funding Opportunities
The successful candidate will also be encouraged to pursue additional external funding opportunities, including potential applications to the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).
Who Can Apply?
The University of Antwerp is looking for candidates with a strong academic background in plant sciences and an interest in plant ecophysiology and biochemistry.
Academic Requirements
Applicants should hold a:
- Master’s degree in Biology, or
- Master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering
Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in plant ecophysiology and plant biochemistry. Excellent academic performance and relevant laboratory skills are expected.
Preferred Skills and Experience
The following qualities will strengthen an application:
- Strong laboratory experience
- Knowledge of plant physiology
- Interest in plant biochemistry
- Experience with aquatic plants or plant-environment interactions
- Experience with transcriptome analysis
- Experience with plant hormone analysis
- Ability to work independently
- Strong scientific writing and communication skills
- Interest in interdisciplinary research
Experience with transcriptomics and hormone analysis is specifically identified as an advantage.
Language Requirements
Applicants must be fluent in English, both written and spoken. Strong communication skills are important because the PhD involves research publication, collaboration and teaching-related activities.
PhD Scholarship Duration and Funding
The doctoral scholarship is initially offered for two years. Following a positive evaluation, it can be renewed once for another two-year period. This means the position can provide a potential four-year doctoral research pathway. The monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the applicable scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders at the University of Antwerp. Additional benefits include:
- Ecocheques
- Internet-connectivity allowance
- Bicycle allowance, or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting
- Access to doctoral training and professional development
- Educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School
University of Antwerp PhD Research Environment
The successful candidate will be based primarily at the Groenenborger Campus, within the Department of Biology. The University of Antwerp is a major European research university with more than 20,000 students and over 6,000 employees representing approximately 100 nationalities. The university combines research, education and societal engagement across a broad range of disciplines. For doctoral researchers, this provides an international environment with opportunities to develop both scientific and transferable skills.
Antwerp Doctoral School
As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a broad range of courses and professional development opportunities through the Antwerp Doctoral School. This can support development in areas such as:
- Research methodology
- Academic communication
- Teaching
- Scientific publishing
- Career development
- Research management
Such training can be particularly valuable for researchers planning careers in academia, research institutes or science-related industries.
Inclusive Research Environment
The University of Antwerp emphasizes diversity, equal opportunities and an inclusive working environment. The university has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award in recognition of its approach to supporting researchers and research careers. The institution also describes itself as a sustainable and family-friendly employer committed to employee development. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following documents through the University of Antwerp’s online application platform:
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- Summary of your MSc thesis
- Two reference letters
- Applicants should use APPLY NOW and upload all required documents before the deadline.
The application should clearly demonstrate your academic background, research experience and motivation for pursuing doctoral research in plant ecophysiology. A strong motivation letter should explain why the research topic interests you and how your previous education or laboratory experience prepares you for the project.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is: 31 August 2026, by midnight Brussels time The selection committee will begin reviewing applications after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to participate in subsequent stages of the selection process.
Expected Start Date
The planned starting period is: 1 October 2026 to 1 January 2027
An alternative start date may be possible as soon as possible after this period, subject to agreement.
Contacts:
For questions about the online application process, contact: jobs@uantwerpen.be
For questions about the PhD research project, contact: Jonas Schoelynck jonas.schoelynck@uantwerpen.be
or Prof. Kris Vissenberg
kris.vissenberg@uantwerpen.be
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a fully funded PhD in Belgium?
The position is offered as a doctoral scholarship with an initial two-year period and the possibility of renewal for another two years following a positive evaluation.
The announcement states that the monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the applicable scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
What is the research topic?
The PhD investigates how hydrodynamic forcing affects root development in submerged aquatic plants at morphological and physiological levels.
What are macrophytes?
Macrophytes are aquatic plants that are large enough to be visible without a microscope. In this project, the research focuses on submerged aquatic plants and how they respond to water movement.
What is the Mesodrome?
The Mesodrome is an artificial river research system used to study aquatic organisms and environmental processes under controlled flowing-water conditions.
It will be an important experimental component of this PhD project.
What degree do I need?
Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Biology or Bioscience Engineering, with an interest in plant ecophysiology and biochemistry.
Is laboratory experience required?
Relevant laboratory skills and excellent academic performance are expected. Previous experience in plant physiology, biochemistry or related laboratory research can strengthen an application.
Is transcriptome analysis experience required?
No. The announcement identifies experience with transcriptome and hormone analysis as an asset, rather than an essential requirement.
Do I need experience with plant hormone analysis?
Previous experience is advantageous but is not listed as a mandatory qualification.
How long is the doctoral scholarship?
The initial scholarship period is two years. Subject to a positive evaluation, it can be renewed for another two years.
When does the PhD start?
The planned starting period is between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible afterwards.
What documents are required?
Applicants should provide:
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV
- Summary of their MSc thesis
- Two reference letters
What is the application deadline?
Applications are accepted until 31 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time.
Where will I work?
Most of the research will take place at the Groenenborger Campus of the University of Antwerp.
Is English required?
Yes. Applicants are expected to be fluent in English, both orally and in writing.
Can international students apply?
The announcement does not restrict the position to Belgian applicants. The University of Antwerp is an international institution and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.
Are there additional benefits?
Yes. The university lists ecocheques, an internet-connectivity allowance, bicycle allowance or reimbursement of public transportation costs, as well as doctoral training opportunities through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
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