PhD Student Project in Biochemistry/Biophysics: Molecular Mechanism of Plant Hormone Transporters

Project Overview

A four-year PhD position is available in the lab of Dr. Chloé Martens at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), in the framework of the newly founded Plant-PATH Center of Excellence (Center for Active Transport of Plant Hormones). Plant-PATH brings together leading groups in Aarhus, Munich, and Brussels to unravel the molecular mechanisms of phytohormone transport and their impact on plant growth and environmental adaptation.

This project will focus on the dynamics and regulation of phytohormone transporters—key membrane proteins that control how plants grow and respond to stress. By combining advanced structural mass spectrometry (HDX-MS, native MS) with biophysical and biochemical approaches, you will investigate how lipids, disordered protein regions, and regulatory factors shape transporter function. Your work will contribute to the design of next-generation strategies to rewire hormone transport for sustainable and climate-resilient crops.

For more details please visit chloemartenslab.com and mbg.au.dk/plant-path

About the Lab

You will join the Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology Research Unit at ULB, a dynamic environment of ~20 researchers with expertise in structural biology, biophysics, and membrane protein biology. The Martens group is internationally recognized for mass-spectrometry–based methods to study membrane protein dynamics (e.g., Martens et al., Nat Commun, 2018, 2020; Nat Protoc, 2019). The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology (HDX-MS, native MS, cryo-EM access, smFRET), and as part of Plant-PATH, you will benefit from close collaborations with leading groups in Denmark and Germany, exchange visits, and an international training network.

Candidate Profile

• Master’s degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related field.
• Strong interest in plant biology, membrane proteins, and biophysical methods.
• Hands-on experience in structural biology, protein biochemistry, or biophysics is an advantage.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work in a multidisciplinary and international team.