Postdoctoral Researcher Discovery and production of bioactive metabolites

Job title:

Postdoctoral Researcher Discovery and production of bioactive metabolites

Company:

VIB

Job description

Overview
The group of Specialized Metabolism [https://www.psb.ugent.be/groups/specialized-metabolism] , led by Prof. Alain Goossens at the VIB-UGent Center for Plant Systems Biology, and the metabolic engineering research group, led by Prof. Marjan De Mey at the Centre for Synthetic Biology [http://www.csb.ugent.be] and located at the UGent Faculty of Bioscience engineering, are looking to recruit 1 junior postdoctoral researcher within the frame of a collaborative project.
The Goossens lab focuses on the characterization of plant signaling networks that steer plant specialized metabolism within tightly regulated fitness programs, in particular those modulated by stress hormones. Their findings aim to unlock plant specialized metabolism for numerous human applications given these serve as a novel resource for engineering tools that will facilitate 1) the creation of (plant-based) synthetic biology platforms for the sustainable production of high-value plant metabolites and 2) increased crop productivity by improvement of plant fitness in a changing environment. The research of the De Mey lab is situated at the forefront of industrial biotechnology, metabolic engineering and synthetic biology. They focus on the development of standardized, automatable, and generic tools and technologies and the creation of fundamental knowledge on key metabolic processes, envisioning a considerable reduction in the cost of biotechnological production processes and the acceleration of their development. 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.We offer
A full time competitive salary for a postdoc position for 3 years, according to the Belgian law, with possibilities to extend beyond that term
An exciting and innovative project embedded in a multidisciplinary consortium
Access to state-of-the art tools and infrastructure within an excellence-based academic research institute
A stimulating and supportive international research environment
Various training opportunities to broaden your expertise and skills, including training and mentoring in scientific writing
Opportunities to attend scientific conferences and workshopsHow to apply?
If you are interested in discovering and studying novel bioactive fungal metabolites, please apply online via the VIB application tool (applications by email will not be considered).
Please include a single pdf in your application that combines the following elements:• a detailed CV (including publication list if applicable)• a one-page summary of past research activities (particularly in your PhD project)• a letter describing your fascination for the topic and the Goossens/De Mey labs• the contact information of two referees
The first review of applications will start immediately. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews.
The position is available from June 2025 onwards. Applications are welcome until the position is filled.

Expected salary

Location

Gand, Flandre-Orientale

Job date

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:25:54 GMT

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