🔗 Project Summary

Phytohormones play a central role in regulating cell division and differentiation, shaping the overall course of plant development. The synergy and interdependence of hormone signalling pathways are critical for driving cell cycle progression. These coordinated hormonal activities influence not only the rate of cell division but also the duration and dynamics of each phase of the cell cycle.

With the advent of advanced technologies, such as single-cell genomics and live-cell imaging, we can now explore hormone regulation at unprecedented single-cell resolution. Using these tools, the lab has observed dynamic fluctuations in brassinosteroid signalling throughout different stages of the cell cycle (Vukašinović and Hsu et al., 2025, Cell).

🌟 Why This Scholarship Stands Out

This Fully Funded PhD: Brassinosteroid Hormone Signaling is unique because it combines cutting-edge single-cell technologies (live-cell imaging, single-cell genomics) with classical plant hormone biology. The Jenny Russinova lab recently published in Cell (2025) – one of the most prestigious journals in science – demonstrating they are at the forefront of the field. You will have access to state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure within VIB, an excellence-based research institute. Ghent is a world-renowned plant biotech hub, home to numerous plant science companies and research institutes. The project integrates multiple advanced techniques: live-cell imaging (watching hormone signaling in real time), phosphoproteomics (mapping protein phosphorylation changes), and metabolite profiling. For someone passionate about plant development and hormone signaling, this is an opportunity to do high-impact science in a supportive, international environment.

✅ Candidate Profile and Eligibility

Desirable (but not required):

• Experience with Arabidopsis
• Plant development experience
• Plant hormone biology experience

Key Personal Characteristics:

• Highly motivated, hardworking and passionate about research
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Strong time-management skills
• Meticulous, proactive, independent, and self-motivated
• Team player who can take responsibility
• Enthusiastic to be part of a dynamic research lab

📝 My Application Strategy

1. Read the Russinova lab’s Cell paper – Vukašinović and Hsu et al., 2025. Cite it in your motivation letter to show genuine interest
2. Highlight any Arabidopsis experience – The lab uses Arabidopsis as a model system. Mention any experience with plant transformation, phenotyping, or genetics
3. Emphasize microscopy or imaging skills – Live-cell imaging is a core technique. Even experience with basic light microscopy is worth mentioning
4. Show interest in cell cycle biology – Read about cyclins, CDKs, and how hormones regulate cell division. Show you understand the biological context
5. Prepare a one-page summary of past research – This is required. Be concise but specific about techniques and findings

💼 What They Offer

🎓 Who Should Apply

This Fully Funded PhD: Brassinosteroid Hormone Signaling is perfect for a Master’s graduate in plant biology or molecular biology who is fascinated by how hormones control plant development at the cellular level. If you enjoy working at the bench (molecular biology, microscopy) and are excited by the prospect of using single-cell technologies to answer fundamental questions, this lab offers world-class training. Candidates with experience in Arabidopsis or plant hormone biology are especially encouraged, but motivated students from related disciplines are also welcome. The ideal candidate is someone who wants to combine classical plant physiology with cutting-edge genomics and imaging.

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