Postdoc Position in Phytoplankton Metabolism & Marine Carbon Storage

Postdoc Position in Phytoplankton Metabolism & Marine Carbon Storage

VIB

Leuven, Belgium

Job description

Marine microbes, starting with phytoplankton, drive Earth's carbon cycle by capturing atmospheric CO₂ and converting it into dissolved molecules that can resist degradation for months, years, or even millennia. Our lab aims to resolve the molecular mechanisms behind this process, focusing on how promiscuous enzymes (un)intentionally transform cellular metabolites into degradation-resistant forms. By identifying the biochemical factors that govern carbon storage in the ocean, we hope to better assess the impact of human activities on this reservoir and provide transferable results to develop new carbon capture technologies.

We are seeking a motivated postdoc to identify biochemical activities in phytoplankton that convert intracellular metabolites into stable, degradation-resistant forms. The ideal candidate must have extensive experience culturing marine phytoplankton, particularly marine diatoms and/or cyanobacteria, and a strong background in molecular-level mechanisms of cellular metabolism or physiology. Experience in genetic engineering of phytoplankton or mass spectrometry-based metabolomics is a plus.

The postdoc will get training in high-throughput metabolomics and combining it with enzyme assays, and will get plenty of hands-on time with new mass spectrometers. This is a starting lab, and we are searching for a postdoc to play a prominent leadership role in shaping the lab environment and mentoring younger students. The postdoc will also gain the advantage of participating interdisciplinary collaborations, and should be eager about this, as it can broaden their scientific network and research repertoire.

Profile

Essential

• PhD in a biologically related field (Microbiology, biotechnology, etc.);
• Wet lab experience working with marine phytoplankton;
• Wet lab experience with molecular biology, genetic tools or enzyme assays;
• Experience leading a molecular level, biologically oriented project;
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Desirable but not required

• Skills in phytoplankton genetic engineering;
• Hands-on experience with high resolution mass spectrometers and/or data analysis;
• Programming skills in R.

Key personal characteristics

• Enthusiasm to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations;
• Ability to take on leadership and mentoring roles in a starting lab;
• Commitment to an inclusive and diverse lab, promoting a positive environment.

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