Postdoc in microbial metabolomics and microbiology

We are seeking a postdoc for an interdisciplinary project that integrates high-throughput metabolomics, enzyme assays, and microbiology. Our lab focuses on how microbial interactions drive carbon dioxide capture and sequestration in the ocean, and our primary tool is high-throughput metabolomics. We need a postdoc to develop methods that combine enzymes and metabolomics and apply them to probe how microbes interact with each other and their environment. The candidate must have hands-on experience in high-resolution mass spectrometry and ideally wet lab experience working with microbes and/or enzymes. The project’s scope can be flexibly tailored to suit the postdoc’s interests and future goals.

This is a starting lab, meaning the postdoc will get significant hands-on time with brand-new mass spectrometers and other cutting-edge equipment, and will play a prominent leadership role in shaping the lab environment. The postdoc should be open to working in interdisciplinary collaborations to broaden their scientific network and research repertoire.

The lab of Sammy Pontrelli will start 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 heavy 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.

Essential

• Mandatory: hands-on experience with high-resolution mass spectrometers (for untargeted or targeted approaches)
• PhD in a biologically related field (Microbiology, biotechnology, etc)
• Basic laboratory experience with molecular biology, microbiology or enzyme assays
• Experience leading a molecular-level, biologically oriented project
• Excellent communication skills in English 

Desirable but not required 

• Detailed understanding of central carbon metabolism and/or environmental microbiology
• Experience with in vitro enzyme assays
• Knowledge of open-source metabolomics data analysis software, such as MZmine
• Programming skills in R

Key personal characteristics

• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations
• Ability to take on leadership and mentoring roles in a starting lab, including equipment responsibilities
• Commitment to an inclusive and diverse lab, promoting a positive environment

• 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

The starting date is February or March 2025, with a starting contract of 1 year, with the possibility of a long-term prolongment.

If you are interested, please apply online and include the following documents: 

• 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

For questions or inquiries; please contact Sammy Pontrelli, [email protected].