- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology
- Leuven, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Postdoc Position in Phytoplankton Metabolism & Marine Carbon Storage
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology
Leuven, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
- VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology
Leuven, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
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.
WHO WE ARE:
The lab of Sammy Pontrelli started at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology in January 2025. Our interdisciplinary research involves developing metabolomics methodology to study enzymes, microbial physiology, and microbial communities in new ways. The overarching goal is to identify the key factors controlling microbe-mediated carbon storage in the ocean, with a focus on using model microbial systems in the lab.
VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute across 5 universities with a strong track record of translating scientific breakthroughs into societal innovations and biotech companies. The Center for Microbiology in Leuven is embedded within KU Leuven, one of Europe's oldest and most prominent universities, consistently ranked in the top 50 worldwide. Leuven is located 10 miles from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections to Brussels airport.
PROFILE:
Essential
Desirable
Key personal characteristics
WHAT WE OFFER:
HOW TO APPLY:
The starting date is May-Sept 2025, with a starting contract of 2 years, and a possible extension to 3-5 years.
If you are interested, please include the following in your application:
Interviews will begin as early as April 1 2025 for submitted applications.
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.
WHO WE ARE:
The lab of Sammy Pontrelli started at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology in January 2025. Our interdisciplinary research involves developing metabolomics methodology to study enzymes, microbial physiology, and microbial communities in new ways. The overarching goal is to identify the key factors controlling microbe-mediated carbon storage in the ocean, with a focus on using model microbial systems in the lab.
VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute across 5 universities with a strong track record of translating scientific breakthroughs into societal innovations and biotech companies. The Center for Microbiology in Leuven is embedded within KU Leuven, one of Europe's oldest and most prominent universities, consistently ranked in the top 50 worldwide. Leuven is located 10 miles from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections to Brussels airport.
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
- 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.
WHAT WE OFFER:
- State-of-the-art QTOF mass spectrometers and other equipment;
- Ability to work on high-impact research topics;
- Possibility to participate in interdisciplinary conferences;
- Training in high throughput metabolomics, enzymology, and microbial physiology.
HOW TO APPLY:
The starting date is May-Sept 2025, with a starting contract of 2 years, and a possible extension to 3-5 years.
If you are interested, please include the following in your application:
- A description of why you are interested in this postdoc position and your career aspirations;
- A description of your previous metabolomics and wet lab experience, and the biological questions you addressed in your PhD;
- Your CV;
- Contact information of at least 2 references.
Interviews will begin as early as April 1 2025 for submitted applications.
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