Fully funded PhD position in ecology, evolution, and molecular mechanisms of plasticity and adaptation in Daphnia
Location: KU Leuven (Belgium) and Research Institute for Limnology, University of Innsbruck (Austria)
Organization: KU Leuven and University of Innsbruck
Contract Type: Full-time PhD position, initially offered for one year with possibility of extension up to four years
Main Description: The project combines fieldwork, genomics, transcriptomics, and functional experiments to answer fundamental questions in evolutionary biology, with particular emphasis on melanistic Daphnia zschokkei from alpine lakes.
Research Questions:
- RQ1: Evolution and taxonomic status of Daphnia zschokkei - determining whether melanization evolved once and spread across the Alps, or arose repeatedly from local D. longispina populations using whole-genome sequencing
- RQ2: Quantifying variation in melanization - collecting clonal lineages from multiple populations, measuring melanization levels, and assessing plastic responses to UV treatments
- RQ3: Genetic basis and regulatory architecture of melanin expression - performing genome-wide association studies, outlier detection, and selection scans, conducting RNA-seq and ATAC-seq analysis
- RQ4: Comparative genomics of melanin regulation in Daphnia - comparing findings across multiple Daphnia species complexes
Requirements:
- Strong academic track record
- Enthusiasm for evolutionary ecology, population genetics and functional genomics
- Bioinformatics skills
- Excellent command of written and spoken English
Benefits/Conditions:
- Fully funded position
- Joint supervision by Prof. Steven Van Belleghem (KU Leuven) and Prof. Markus Moest (University of Innsbruck)
- Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for Daphnia fieldwork, culturing, and experimental biology
- Research conducted in vibrant university cities: Leuven (historic city, 15 minutes from Brussels Airport) and Mondsee (picturesque lakeside town in Austrian Alps)
- Extensive network across the Alps for sampling campaigns
How to Apply: Send application as single PDF file including:
- CV
- 1-page motivation letter (including relevant research experience)
- Transcripts of bachelor's and master's degrees
- Contact details of two academic references
Submit via KU Leuven online platform: https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/60500112
And send by email to both supervisors:
- Steven Van Belleghem: Steven.VanBelleghem@kuleuven.be
- Markus Moest: Markus.Moest@uibk.ac.at
Subject line: PhD_Application_YOURNAME
Deadline: 31 July 2025 Start date: 1 October 2025 (negotiable)
