Summary
The lab of Prof. Joleen Masschelein at KU Leuven and the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology is recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher for an interdisciplinary project. The research focuses on unraveling how multicellular cable bacteria assemble conductive protein fibers containing a novel nickel-based metal-organic framework capable of long-range electron transport over centimeter distances.
Postdoc Microbial Biochemistry: Biosynthetic Enzyme Discovery in Cable Bacteria, KU Leuven, Belgium
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Key Details
| Category | Details |
| Job Reference Code | BAP-2026-475 |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Employment Type | Full-time (Voltijds) |
| Duration | 2 to 3 years (Fully funded) |
| Host Institution | KU Leuven / VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology |
| Principal Investigator | Prof. Joleen Masschelein |
| Main Partner | Prof. Filip Meysman (University of Antwerp) |
| Work Location | Leuven, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 at 23:59 CET |
Research Area
- Microbial Biochemistry & Enzymology
- Biosynthetic Pathway Discovery
- Chemical Biology & Molecular Genetics
- Mass Spectrometry & Analytical Biochemistry
Location
Leuven, Belgium
(Located in the Leuven Bioscience Center, Arenberg Castle Park, Heverlee)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field.
- Track Record: Strong scientific publication record, including first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Technical Qualifications:
- Hands-on experience with recombinant protein production in E. coli and protein purification.
- Experience designing, performing, and interpreting in vitro enzyme assays.
- Expertise in mass spectrometry-based protein or metabolite analysis (LC-MS, intact protein mass spectrometry, proteomics, metabolite profiling).
- Practical background in molecular cloning and site-directed mutagenesis.
- Skills: Excellent written and oral English communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a collaborative mindset.
- Desirable Asset: Experience with multidisciplinary collaborations involving microbiology, analytical chemistry, and computational biology.
Job Description
- Biosynthetic Enzyme Discovery: Identify and characterize candidate enzymes responsible for creating conductive cell envelope structures in cable bacteria.
- Experimental Characterization: Use molecular biology, recombinant protein purification, in vitro enzyme assays, and mass spectrometry to map out the biochemical pathway.
- Pathway Reconstruction: Uncover the molecular mechanisms behind the assembly of nickel-containing metal-organic frameworks that enable biological electron transport.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with the lab of Prof. Filip Meysman at the University of Antwerp to integrate microbiology and analytical findings.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the KU Leuven Job Portal.
Required Documents:
- Motivation letter
- Detailed CV with a complete list of publications
- Contact details for 2–3 academic references
Contact for Inquiries: For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Joleen Masschelein (
joleen.masschelein@kuleuven.be).
Last Date to Apply
September 30, 2026 by 23:59 CET (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early application is encouraged).
