Postdoctoral Position on Microbial Cell: Join our multidisciplinary and international team at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology as a postdoctoral researcher focused on engineering microbial cell factories for the high-yield production of industrially important natural products. This collaborative project with a leading Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) manufacturing company aims to produce antimicrobial and agrochemical compounds at an industrial scale.
Postdoctoral Position on Engineering Microbial Cell Factories
Designation: Post-Doctoral
Research Area: Engineering Microbial Cell Factories
Location: Leuven, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology, Joleen Masschelein Lab
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Essential:
- A PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, (micro)biology, bio-engineering, biochemistry, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in genetic engineering, molecular biology, and fermentation of actinomycetes
- Hands-on experience with CRISPR/Cas genome editing and bioinformatics is a strong plus
- Excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English
- Key personal characteristics:
- A proactive and collaborative mindset, with a commitment to high-quality research
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- The ability to multi-task effectively and meet deadlines
- A commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected
Job Description: Are you interested in engineering microbial cell factories for the high-yield production of industrially important natural products? Join our multidisciplinary and international team to perform innovative research aimed at harnessing the biosynthetic power of actinomycetes.
We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral scientist to work on a collaborative project with a leading Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) manufacturing company. Our goal is to engineer two actinomycete strains as microbial cell factories to produce an antimicrobial and an agrochemical compound at an industrial scale. You will leverage state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and use advanced, high-throughput metabolic and biosynthetic engineering approaches to efficiently enhance the production levels of these high-value compounds.
You will be based in Leuven but will also collaborate with our industrial partner via regular online meetings. In this way, your work will have a direct industrial impact, contributing to the development of optimized microbial strains for industrial applications and the synthesis of compounds via precision fermentation.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should apply via the online application procedure. Your application should include:
- A cover letter stating your motivation for the position, your research experiences, and your career goals
- A detailed CV including a list of your scientific publications
- Contact details of 2-3 references
Applications will be reviewed immediately. A shortlist of applicants will be selected and invited for interviews. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
For further information and questions, please send an email to Joleen Masschelein (joleen.masschelein@vib.be).
Last Date for Apply: The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
