Internship / Stage – Study of the Modes of Action of a Bioherbicide on Plants

Job content

Location: Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège (Belgium)

Duration: 3 – 9 months

Language: English or French

Format:Internship or Master thesis/Final year project

About the Project

This internship is part of the European project CONSERWA (https://conserwa.eu/), which aims to develop sustainable alternatives to chemical herbicides.

The research will be conducted and supervised within the Laboratory of Integrated and Urban Plant Pathology of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech (University of Liège), where you will join a dynamic research team working on various biocontrol-related topics.

In this project you will investigate how a recently developed bioherbicide affects plant physiology and biochemistry, to elucidate its modes of action.

Main Responsibilities

• Conduct literature research on the different mechanisms through which a bioherbicide can affect weeds, and on the experimental methods used to assess these effects.

• Design and execute controlled-environment experiments using phytotron facilities to test bioherbicide efficacy under standardized conditions.

• Conduct physiological and biochemical characterization assays (membrane integrity, chlorophyll fluorescence, pigment analysis, ROS quantification).

• Collect, process, and analyse phytotoxicity-related data.

• Contribute to scientific interpretation of results.

Profile Requirements

• Currently enrolled in agronomy, plant sciences, biotechnology, environmental sciences, or related fields.

• Interest in experimental research and sustainable crop protection.

• Ability to work in French or English.

• Basic laboratory skills are an asset.

What We Offer

• A flexible internship of 3 to 9 months, with close supervision and scientific support that is suited for a research internship or Master thesis.

• Integration into an active, multidisciplinary research team working on biocontrol and innovative plant protection strategies.

• Opportunity to contribute to a European research project on sustainable agriculture.

• Hands-on training in plant physiology, biochemical assays, and controlled-environment experimentation.

Applications and Further Information

Ready to advance sustainable crop protection?

Submit your CV and a cover letter (in French or English) to Nicolas.mathot@uliege.be.

Feel free to reach out with any questions about the project or research group !