Ghent University Global Campus
Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC) is an integrated campus of Ghent University, Belgium, and the first European university to be part of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) in Incheon, South Korea. Ghent University Global Campus currently offers Bachelor of Science programs in Molecular Biotechnology, Environmental Technology, and Food Technology. Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the world (ARWU 2023, 84th), and in the Life Sciences subjects taught at GUGC, Ghent University ranks even higher.
Please visit the Ghent University Global Campus homepages to learn more about our organization: http://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en.
Job Summary
| Full-Time Research & Teaching Assistant, PhD Candidate – Ghent University Global Campus Department: Centre for Plant Biotechnology Research Center Degree: Msc in (or closely related area): Plant Sciences. Contract: 2-year fixed contract term (Max. 2 years X 3 times) Occupancy rate: 100% Vacancy Type: Full-time research assistant Last application date: Jan 28, 2026 Starting date: Mar 3, 2026 (negotiable) Scientific Supervisor : Prof. dr. Hoo Sun Chung (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=-TJob_8AAAAJ&hl=en) |
Job Position
Ghent University Global Campus, South Korea, has a vacancy for a Research & Teaching Assistant, PhD Candidate in the area of plant molecular signaling at Ghent University Global Campus, starting from Mar 3, 2026 (open to negotiation). It concerns a 2-year full time position for a renewalble period of maximum 6 years.
The candidate will work under the supervision of Prof. Hoo Sun Chung at the Plant Biotechnology Center of the Ghent University Global campus in Korea. However, s/he will also be assigned a co-supervisor at the home campus in Ghent, Belgium. In addition, the candidate will be able to spend time at the home campus in Ghent during his/her PhD studies. For non-Korean applicants, free student accomodation and a yearly travel budget are foreseen. Ghent University Global Campus is an equal opportunities employer.
Job Qualification (Profile of the Candidate)
- You hold from February 2023 (or earlier) a Master of Science degree with strong focus on (plant) biology/genetics/molecular biology AND you have (at least) 3 years of related experience after obtaining master's degree.
- If you have Korean nationality or have studied in a Korean Public University for a Master program, 3 years of related experience (mentioned above) is not required.
- You have a good knowledge of biology, molecular biology, and molecular genetics.
- Having practical laboratory experience with performing biological experiments and/or having publications in plant biology is an advantage.
- You have good knowledge and skills regarding biology, and you feel comfortable with wet-lab experiments;
- You have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Job Description
- Design and execute research projects investigating plant gene function in the MAPK pathways in regulation of plant development and stress responses
- Perform molecular cloning, protein expression, microscopy, and biochemical assays
- Conduct growth chamber experiments with model plant species
- Analyze genomic and transcriptomic data using computational tools
- Be flexible in terms of performing experiments in a collaborating laboratory in U-Gent (Belgium)
- Present research findings at conferences
- Mentor undergraduate students and assist with laboratory management
- Collaborate with research teams
- Have the willingness to work flexible hours if needed and occasionally participate in events outside of the regular working hours.
Selection Criteria
- Scientific background and knowledge
- Educational experiences
Application Documents
- Motivation letter
- Full resume (CV), including at least 2 reference contacts
- Copy of the BSc and MSc degrees
- Transcripts (overview of study results)
- A PDF version of the Master’s Thesis
The documents must be merged in to a single PDF file and sent to hoosun.chung@ghent.ac.kr (subject line: Full-time PhD Position in PBRC).
The candidate will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of the application.
Application Process and Interview
- Interviews will take place in stages from the first available time.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate.
We reserve the right to hold applications on file for potential future job openings.
For submission of your file and any inquiries, please contact us via e-mail : gugcacademichr@ugent.be
Selection Process
- CV Screening -> Interview -> Internal committee -> Approval -> Acceptance Notice to the candidate selected.
Compensation & Benefits for the candidate selected
- Basic Term of the Contract
- 2 year-contract term (Max. 2 years X 3 times)
- Salary : starts from Annual Base Salary of 27,375,000 KRW (Monthly Salary of 2,281,250 KRW, Gross)
- Severance : Severance shall be paid when the contract ends and if the candidate works more than one year
- Private Health Insurances : Marsh private health insurance provided, including basic medical reimbursements
- Extensive annual paid leave and holidays
- Additional holiday from Christmas (Dec 25) to New Year (Jan 1).
