International MSc in Agro- and Environmental Nematology

job position: ANSES is looking for a bioinformatics project manager in nematology/plant pathology https://www.anses.fr/fr/content/charge-de-projet-bio-informatique-en-nematologie-sante-des-vegetaux-hf-bioinformatics

UGent nematology team at the Ekiden relay marathon. Yes, we did it again: the first nematology team 😁

Congratulations to our alumnus Yen! (Thi Mỹ Yên Nguyễn) who successfully defended her PhD "Microplastic pollution in Vietnamese beaches: the role of environmental and biological processes with a focus on the benthos"

The final deadline of 18 January 2026 is fast approaching. Apply now for admission to the Master of Science in Agro-and Environmental Nematology programme and you may be eligible for one the very last VLIRUOS scholarships of the current call! See our website www.imanema.ugent.be for more information.

Ice skating in the city centre

Join our programme in 2026! The call for admission for ImaNema cohort 2026-2027 is now open! For more information, see our website www.imanema.ugent.be

1 × PhD and 2 × MSc Scholarship Opportunities
Project Description

A fully funded PhD and two masters positions are available at the University of Mpumalanga through the VLIR-UOS TEAM project titled: "Enhancing African leafy vegetables nematode management and capacity building in research-based education to improve the livelihood of smallholder farming communities in South Africa." This collaborative, multi-institutional initiative aims to strengthen research, education, and extension capacity in plant nematology. The research focuses on minimizing yield losses caused by nematodes in indigenous leafy vegetables with a significant potential of improving food security and nutrition in rural South African communities.
The project seeks to develop efficient, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable nematode management strategies.

Bursary Details
PhD position MSc position
- Tax-free bursary of R160,000 per annum
- Duration: 3 years
- Project running costs are covered.
- Start Date: January 2026
- Tax-free bursary of R135,000 per annum
- Duration: 2 years
- Project running costs are covered.
- Start Date: January 2026

Candidate Profile & Requirements
- Master's degree in Nematology or equivalent in Agriculture or Life Sciences.
- Enthusiastic and motivated individuals capable of handling fieldwork, lab work, and microscopy.
- Excellent organizational, writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Prior experience in nematology is highly recommended.
- Experience in the design, implementation, and/or management of greenhouse and/or field trials.
- Evidence of research outputs (e.g., publications, conference presentations, or equivalent contributions) will be considered an advantage.
- Four-year BSc or BSc Honours degree in Nematology or Agriculture equivalent.
- Enthusiastic and motivated individuals capable of handling fieldwork, lab work, and microscopy.
- Excellent organizational, writing, and presentation skills.
- Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
- Prior experience in nematology is a strong advantage.

PhD research topic:
Damage potential of root-knot nematodes on African leafy vegetables. Development of efficient and sustainable practices for the management of root-knot nematodes on African leafy vegetables.

MSc 1 research topic:
Host response of African leafy vegetables to infection by root-knot nematodes.

MSc 2 research topic:
Effect of organic amendments on the reproductive and damage potential of root-knot nematodes on African leafy vegetables.

Application Process

To apply, please submit:
• A cover letter outlining your research interests, relevant experience, and motivation for applying for this specific project.
• A clear and updated CV.
• Full academic transcripts for all undergraduate and/or postgraduate degrees.
• Contact details for at least two academic references.
• Deadline: November 21, 2025

Applications and all inquiries must be sent to: Email submissions to: [email protected]

ImaNema at SON Canada

Summer course travel July 25: Grondig (Destelbergen), e-nema (Kiel) NVWA & WUR (Wageningen), INRES – UBONN, Corteva Agriscience (Eschbach). Many thanks to our exceptionally hospitable hosts.