The work will take place in the division of Soil and Water Management, which is part of the faculty of Bioscience Engineering of KU Leuven. The research group has long standing experience in the bioavailability and mobility of nutrients and contaminants in the environment and their effect on plant growth. The lab is well-equipped with a range of advanced analytical instruments and plant growth facilities required for these research topics. At the same time, you will become part of a large, interdisciplinary team of motivated students/researchers that jointly strives to unravel applied and fundamental questions related to soil science.
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Project
This PhD project is part of the European project (ERC) EXPOSOIL, which aims to quantify the effects of soil structure and mobile colloids on bioavailability of nutrients and contaminants and to develop methods to understand and diagnose these effects.
A novel detection technique for mobile colloids in undisturbed soil is being developed in the framework of the EXPOSOIL project. The technique is based on reactive membranes acting as zero sinks for solutes and colloids that mimic plant roots, and subsequent elemental mapping of these membranes generates 2D images of the locally available elements. In this new PhD project, that novel technique will be used to tackle the lingering issue in soil science on the role of mobile colloids on bioavailability to plants, in particular focussing on the availability of the nutrient phosphate. Phosphate fluxes from native soil colloids and designed phosphorus nano-fertilisers will be studied in situ with high-resolution imaging of rhizosphere processes using laser-ablation ICP-MS. Improved understanding of colloidal phosphorus (P) bioavailability may eventually lead to new P fertilizer strategies with higher efficiency compared to traditional soluble P fertilizers in P-fixing soils.
Profile
- You obtained a Master degree in soil science, agronomy, environmental chemistry, plant science, bio-engineering or equivalent
- You are eager to learn several advanced analytical instruments including laser-ablation ICP-MS
- You are highly motivated, critical and can work independently.
- You have good communication skills and a collaborative attitude
- Excellent knowledge of English is required, both written and spoken (knowledge of Dutch is not required)
- Any prior experience with experimental soil science or pot trials is a plus
Offer
- A high-profile 4-years PhD position with great scientific potential
- You will get excellent guidance and supervision at a top-ranked university with excellent education and learning opportunities.
- You will be stimulated and supported to integrate your own research ideas and goals within the project.
- Funding is warranted (4 years), but the successful candidate will be encouraged to apply for fellowships, such as those by the Flemish funding agency (FWO)
- We offer a competetive salary, scale barema 43.
- Living in the beautiful medieval university town Leuven, a lively city situated in the heart of Europe, 20 km from Brussels.
Interested?
For further information or to apply you can contact Erik Smolders: erik.smolders@kuleuven.be or Claudia Moens: claudia.moens@kuleuven.be. You can apply for this job no later than July 31,2023 via the online application tool. Applicants should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter expressing their motivation and interest in the position. KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
You can apply for this job no later than July 31, 2023 via the online application tool
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.
