Cross-talk Postdoc position (Ghent, 9000) chez Universiteit Gent

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

PROJECT

Cross-talk: Modelling the crop-climate dialogue to optimize resources, production and quality in plant factories and greenhouses

The aim of this short-term assignment is to publish existing datasets collected during the 4-year Cross-talk project on multi-layer farming, conducted within the Agrotopia infrastructure. Multi-layer farming not only enhances crop yield per unit area but also enables farmers to more precisely control the growth process by adjusting key climate parameters. To investigate these dynamics, a 3D model will be applied to simulate plant-climate interactions in a multi-layer environment, evaluating how resources such as light (solar and/or LED), temperature, relative humidity, CO2, and water affect the production of lettuce.

YOUR TASKS

•    Analyse existing datasets on multi-layer farming (Agrotopia infrastructure) and prepare a manuscript for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
•    Finalize the manuscript on the 3D plant model (FSPM) for lettuce and prepare it for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
•    Collaborate on the preparation of a manuscript on the economic analysis of multi-layer farming for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

•    Diploma: Doctoral degree in Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Physics, Biology, or an equivalent relevant degree.
•    High motivation to carry out the assigned tasks.
•    Strong interest in plant functioning, plant–climate interactions, and/or vertical multi-layer farming.
•    Demonstrated affinity with plants.
•    Knowledge of 3D modelling.
•    Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
•    Excellent organizational and project management abilities to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
•    Excellent command of English, both written and oral.
•    Team-oriented, yet able to work independently, with strong interpersonal and communication skills.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

•    We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 15 October 2025 till 31 December 2025
•    Your contract will start on 15/10/2025 at the earliest.
•    Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
•    All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits. 

WHERE

The candidate will work at the Laboratory of Plant Ecology (Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University) under the supervision of Prof. Kathy Steppe and Prof. Jan Pieters. 

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

•    In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
•    In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
•    In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Kathy Steppe ([email protected])

Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36