Summary
KU Leuven is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Engineering to join the Pinheiro group. This 24-month project focuses on improving an engineered hyperthermophilic polymerase for enzymatic DNA synthesis, aiming to develop longer, purer, and greener oligonucleotides. The successful candidate will contribute to directed evolution, structure-guided design, and biochemical characterization of enzyme variants, with an emphasis on industrial collaboration.
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
Protein Engineering, Enzymatic DNA Synthesis, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Directed Evolution, Enzyme Kinetics.
Location
KU Leuven, Belgium
Eligibility/Qualification
- PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry (or expected shortly before start date).
- Demonstrated, published hands-on experience in nucleic acid enzymology beyond PCR.
- Proficiency in at least one of the following: directed evolution and selection platforms, library construction and NGS analysis, or enzyme kinetics.
- Excellent analytical skills and research integrity.
- Fluent in English, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international team.
- A proactive approach to career development.
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be responsible for independent, high-level research focused on controlled in vitro DNA synthesis. Key tasks include:
- Improving an engineered hyperthermophilic polymerase through directed evolution and structure-guided design.
- Targeting enhanced terminator acceptance, coupling efficiency, and control over stepwise addition.
- Benchmarking enzyme variants in complete synthesis cycles.
- Designing selection conditions and quantitatively interpreting sequencing data.
- Characterizing hits biochemically, including kinetic analysis of nucleotide incorporation.
- Publishing and presenting research findings.
- Contributing to grant proposals.
- Helping build an industrial network for licensing or co-developing the enzyme and ancillary technologies.
The Pinheiro group offers a well-established pipeline for engineering DNA polymerases, including automated multi-site library construction, selection platforms (e.g., bacterial cell display), NGS-based analysis, and structural/computational analysis of evolved variants.
How to Apply
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. Vitor Bernardes Pinheiro at vitor.pinheiro@kuleuven.be. The application process details can be found on the KU Leuven job site. KU Leuven is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment, embracing diversity and equal opportunity.
Last Date for Apply
October 26, 2026 (as per last update date on source)
Apply Link
Apply for Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Engineering at KU Leuven
