Postdoc position in evolution of ACC and plant-microbe interaction

21 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

KU Leuven

Research Field

Biological sciences

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Belgium

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2024 - 00:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38 hours/week

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / ERC

Reference Number

BAP-2024-108

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101087134

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

In the framework of our ERC Consolidator grant, we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled postdoc to conduct cutting-edge science on plant-microbe interaction and elucidating the role of ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) herein. ACC is the known precursor of the phytohormone ethylene in seed plants, but serves other roles independent of ethylene. Non-seed plants also produce ACC, and we wonder what role ACC plays in controlling plant-microbe interactions. You will study the link between ACC and the recruitment of either beneficial and/or pathogenic microorganisms using the evolutionary model plant Marchantia polymorpha, a representative species of early plant life on earth. You will deploy microbiome assembly studies (metagenomics) on Marchantia using a variety of in-house mutants related to the ACC metabolism. Next, you will zoom in and unravel the actual mode of action of the role of ACC in this plant-microbe interaction, using a variety of molecular techniques.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer you a full-time postdoctoral position for 2 years (1 year extendable with 1 year after a positive evaluation) at a top-ranked multidisciplinary university. You will be embedded in the group of Prof. Van de Poel, where you will be part of a larger ERC-team, and have 2 additional supervisors (Prof. De Coninck and Dr. Nascimento) with different expertise. Our young and dynamic team will support you to successfully obtain excellent results and publish your findings in high-impact journals. You get ample opportunities to acquire new skills and learn new techniques to further develop your scientific career. You will have opportunities to participate at national and international scientific conferences, and establish your own network, to strengthen your own profile and our team. You will also have possibilities to gain experience in transferrable skills. The city of Leuven has a dynamic and international vibe and is a safe environment in the heart of Europe.

Eligibility criteria

You are a motivated scientist who holds a PhD in plant-microbe interaction or plant molecular biology. You have experience working with microorganisms and their interaction with plants. You are interested in evolutionary biology and molecular plant biology, and want to take up a new challenging project, which requires you to be dedicated and highly ambitious. You have a track record to proof your scientific excellence. You are motivated to conduct a cutting-edge postdoc in a dynamic ERC-funded lab, in collaboration with Prof. Barbara De Coninck (plant-microbe interactions) and Dr. Francisco Nascimento (plant-microbe phytohormone evolution). Additional expertise in phytohormones or Marchantia biology is a plus, but not a must.  Furthermore, your profile can match the following elements: - Master the English (academic) language fluently.- Acquired a diverse set of skills and expertise at the bench.- Uphold the highest standards in scientific integrity.- Be ambitious and aspire high-impact scientific output.- Be a team-player and yet work also independent.- Have a personality that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Selection process

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bram Van de Poel, tel.: +32 16 32 55 27, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Barbara De Coninck, tel.: +32 16 37 66 26, mail: [email protected] .
You can apply for this job no later than 15/04/2024 via the online application tool

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

KU Leuven

Country

Belgium

State/Province

Vlaams Brabant

City

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

Street

Leuven

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://easyapply.jobs/r/IjFDHEI21nOVaIObWRC

Contact

State/Province

Leuven

City

Vlaams Brabant

Street

Leuven

Postal Code

3000

STATUS: EXPIRED