PhD student : Sustainable management of aphids in sweet pepper

The requirements for the PhD position are the following :

• You hold a master’s degree in engineering technology, bioengineering, biology or equivalent (cum laude)
• You have a strong interest and knowledge in the field of plant protection, microbiology, biological control, entomology and chemical ecology
• You are a team player, a problem solver, and possess a critical mind
• You are eager to learn new techniques or methods
• You work independently and accurately
• You have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in English
• You are communicative and willing to present research results at (inter)national conferences, via social media and through teaching activities
• You are willing to support the research team with teaching activities / supervise student / thesis projects.

Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests worldwide and are responsible for major yield losses in a wide range of agricultural and horticultural crops. The ban on various chemical plant protection products, combined with the decreasing effectiveness of those still available, due to the rapid development of resistance in aphids, poses a major challenge in aphid management. Moreover, alternative strategies, such as the use of arthropod biocontrol agents, are often insufficient. As a result, growers are urgently seeking effective and sustainable aphid control methods that can be implemented into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs.

In this project, you will develop a novel biocontrol strategy based on the use of plant elicitors to enhance plant resistance, combined with bacteria that either kill aphids directly or enhance the efficacy of aphid parasitoids. Previous research in our group has identified several promising aphid-killing bacterial strains, as well as bacteria that emit volatiles capable of attracting aphid parasitoids. Based on these developments, in this project, you will develop an effective management strategy for the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae) in sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum), a key crop in Belgium that is severely impacted by aphid infestations. The research will involve both laboratory and greenhouse experiments, including a study of the modes of action. Developed strategies will be evaluated under semi-field conditions in close collaboration with Research Center Hoogstraten and the Research Station for Vegetable Production. The project outcomes are expected to result in multiple scientific publications and will have clear applied relevance for sustainable crop protection.

The PhD research will be supervised by Prof. Bart Lievens and Prof. Hans Jacquemyn, both of whom have extensive experience in guiding high-quality doctoral research. The successful candidate will become part of an international research team and have opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in biocontrol, phytopathology, and biotechnology, both within our institution and at partner universities, research institutes, and companies.

The project is part of the recently funded VLAIO-LA trajectory “ContraMyz” (HBC.2024.1157), which aims to develop a comprehensive management strategy for aphids in sweet pepper, for which we will collaborate with Research Center Hoogstraten (Meerle, Belgium) and the Research Station for Vegetable Production (Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium).

The research groups of Prof. Bart Lievens (Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management (PME&BIM, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems) and Prof. Hans Jacquemyn (Laboratory of Plant Conservation and Population Biology, Department of Biology) are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated PhD student to conduct innovative scientific research in the field of biological control to manage aphids. Both teams have a strong expertise in plant-microbe-insect interactions, aiming to enhance biological pest control and plant pollination.

We offer you a full-time PhD position for 4 years, starting on November 1st, 2025, and pending a positive evaluation by your PhD committee after 1 year. Remuneration will be according to the KU Leuven salary scales (https : / / www.kuleuven.be / personeel / jobsite / en / phd / phd-information#working-conditions). You will benefit from the strong Belgian social security system as well.

You will be part of a highly collaborative and innovative research team, where members actively support each other’s growth and development. You can expect a stimulating and encouraging environment in which your contributions are valued and your development as an independent researcher is a priority. You will receive advanced training in a wide range of techniques in the domain of plant-microbe-insect interactions. You will also have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network.