Postdoctoral Researcher - Discovery and Production of Bioactive Metabolites

Postdoctoral Researcher - Discovery and Production of Bioactive Metabolites

VIB

Ghent, Belgium

Job description

The research is a collaborative effort between both labs to explore plant-fungi interactions mediated by specialized metabolites. Beyond their role in chemical communication, these metabolites hold significant potential for applications in agriculture and human health. However, many remain undiscovered, as their biosynthesis is often inactive under laboratory conditions. Our goal is to uncover these novel metabolites using metabolomics and synthetic biology. This will involve advanced technologies such as (un)targeted metabolite profiling, bioactivity assays, and CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing in fungi to identify and characterize these compounds. Additionally, microbial cell factories will be engineered for metabolite production through pathway engineering and dynamic pathway control. The postdoctoral scientist will occupy a key position in the collaborative project, being (1) responsible to launch and conduct groundbreaking science within the project, (2) active at both the partners labs and (3) involved in the mentoring of PhD students co-hired on the project.

For this exciting project, we seek talented and motivated candidates with experience in fungal biochemistry, molecular biology, and/or biotechnology. A strong interest and hands-on experience in microbial metabolism, metabolomics, and/or synthetic biology are highly desirable. We offer a competitive international research environment with access to cutting-edge infrastructure and services.

Profile

Essential

• You have a Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bio-engineering, Plant Biotechnology, Microbiology or equivalent
• You have maximum 3 years of postdoctoral research experience
• You’re fascinated by the organization of metabolism in plants and/ or microbes, metabolites and/or synthetic biology
• You can plan and conduct research independently and accurately
• You can take initiative, function well in a team, breath enthusiasm and have a hands-on mentality, perseverance and critical mind-set
• You have excellent interpersonal skills, to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and in different research areas
• Proficient use of the English language for both oral and written communication is a must

Desirable

• International experience from PhD and/or postdoc research in plant or microbial metabolism, metabolomics, and/or synthetic biology is an asset, as well as a publication record in peer-reviewed journals showing expertise in these areas.
• Experience in guidance of master and/or PhD students is an asset.

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