Postdoc position in genomics and transcriptomics to investigate biological nitrification inhibition in wild species for agroecology applications

Postdoc in Bioinformatics & Plant Nutrition

The Plant Genetics and Rhizospheric Processes (PGRP) Laboratory at the University of Liège, Gembloux Campus, is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in bioinformatics and plant nutrition. The successful candidate will lead research into the Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) trait in wild plant species that can be used as cover and companion crops to help mitigate nitrogen losses in agroecosystems.

The appointed researcher will leverage advanced bioinformatics and omics approaches, including genome assembly and GWAS, to analyze and sequence a genetic collection and breeding populations of ribwort plantain. The project centers on identifying novel genetic markers and candidate genes associated with BNI activity—the plant’s ability to produce molecules that inhibit microbial nitrifiers and denitrifiers. The work will take advantage of high-throughput platforms available in the laboratory (Jauregui et al., 2023; Vega-Mas et al., 2025) to study BNI trait in plants, providing additional phenotypic data for bioinformatic analysis.

This role is embedded in an international and multidisciplinary team focusing on crop genetics and soil/rhizosphere management. Collaboration will span EU- and FNRS-funded projects with local partners (ULB and KU Leuven) as well as international partners including FiBL (Switzerland), John Innes Centre (UK), IPK Research Institute (Germany), Teagasc (Ireland), and UCD (Ireland).

Candidate Profile

-        Demonstrated expertise in bioinformatics with top-tier publications in this field; experience in plant genetics and/or plant nutrition / soil biology is highly desirable.

-        Familiarity with genomics including genome assembly and GWAS, as well as transcriptomics technologies.

-        Knowledge of plant physiology or microbiology is an asset.

-        Excellent coordination skills and written/spoken English are required.

-        Demonstrated motivation to strengthen the research dimension of the professional trajectory

What we offer

Research will take place at the Gembloux Campus (35 minutes by train from Brussels) in Belgium. We offer you a full-time postdoctoral scholarship position for 2 years with possibility for renewal, pending a positive evaluation. You will obtain advanced training and support in professional development that will prepare you for a career in academic research. You will be closely mentored by Prof. Vanderschuren as well as direct collaborators Prof. Thonar (Agroecology Lab, Université libre de Bruxelles – ULB) and Prof. Hermans (CPBL, Université libre de Bruxelles – ULB). You will also benefit from a close-knit, international, and diverse community of plant scientists within a research team that spans over two institutions (Univerity of Liège and KU Leuven). The lab actively supports early career scientists to develop their own research portfolio to strengthen their CV by applying for independent funding opportunities. You will also be given support to participate in European and international conferences and publish your science in top-tier scientific journals. The host labs also support the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Expected starting date: flexible with a preference for the period January – March 2026.

How to apply

Application (CV and cover letter) with contact details of minimum two referees (professional title, organization, email address) should be sent by Email to Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren (herve.vanderschuren@uliege.be) with “POSTDOC GENOMICS BNI” in the subject. Application will be screened upon reception and contact will be established within 2 weeks for interview if the application is considered suitable for the position.

Relevant references from the laboratory

Vega-Mas, I., Mancia, A., Maggetto, L., Murillo, H., Debaq, A., Heinesch, B., Boland, F., Krause, H-M, Vanderschuren, H. & Thonar, C. (2025) From synthetic to biological nitrification inhibition: Advancing stabilization of organic fertilizers. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 211, 109971.

Cornet, L.,  Zaidi, S.S,, Li, J., Ngapout, Y., Shakir, S., Meunier, L., Callot, C., Marande, W., Hanikenne, M., Rombauts, S., Van de Peer, Y., Vanderschuren, H. (2025). A BAC-guided haplotype assembly pipeline increases the resolution of the virus resistance locus CMD2 in cassava. Genome Biology, 26; 185.

Jauregui, I., Vega-Mas, I., Delaplace, P., Vanderschuren, H. & Thonar, C. (2023). An optimized hydroponic pipeline for large-scale identification of wheat genotypes with resilient biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) activity. New Phytologist, 238 (4), p 1711-1721.