ERC-funded postdoctoral position on engineering gut bacteria for live biotherapeutic applications

Job description

Are you interested in harnessing the biosynthetic potential of beneficial, human-associated bacteria? Join our multidisciplinary and international team to perform innovative research aimed at developing commensal Clostridium bacteria into live biotherapeutic agents.

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral scientist to engineer Clostridium strains for local, in vivo disease detection and drug delivery in the framework of an ERC Starting grant. You will leverage state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and use advanced metabolic and biosynthetic engineering approaches to efficiently equip the Clostridium bacteria with these abilities while enhancing their safety and biocontainment.

Who we are

The lab of Joleen Masschelein at the VIB-KU Leuven Center of Microbiology is home to a multidisciplinary team of approximately 20 researchers, dedicated to studying and engineering micro-organisms and their secondary metabolites for therapeutic applications. Research in the Masschelein lab spans the exciting interface between chemistry & biology and centers around discovering new bioactive natural products from bacteria, elucidating unusual pathways for natural product biosynthesis, unravelling the ecological role and mode of action of natural products, and engineering host-associated bacteria for in vivo therapeutic applications. To accomplish this, we combine microbiology, molecular genetics, genomics, enzymology, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, analytical chemistry and chemical synthesis. For more information on our lab and publications, please visit  https://masscheleinlab.sites.vib.be.

Our lab hosts state-of-the-art synthetic biology and analytical chemistry facilities for (i) the growth and genetic manipulation of aerobic and anaerobic micro-organisms; (ii) protein purification and in vitro biochemical assays; and (iii) the biosynthesis, detection, isolation and structural characterization of microbial metabolites.

The lab is part of the  VIB Life Sciences Institute and is located at KU Leuven, one of the oldest and most prominent universities in Europe, consistently ranked within the top 50 universities Worldwide. The lab is situated in the beautiful park of the 15th-century Arenberg castle in Heverlee, near the city center of Leuven. Leuven is located 10 miles from Brussels, with frequent direct train connections to Brussels airport. It is a picturesque, historic university city with a young and vibrant atmosphere and a strong international allure.

Profile

Essential 

• A PhD in molecular biology, biotechnology, genetics, microbiology, bio-engineering or related field
• Demonstrated expertise in the genetic engineering and molecular microbiology of Clostridia
• Hands-on experience with genome editing, metabolic engineering and bioinformatics
• A background in natural product biosynthesis is considered a 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

We offer

• An initial 2-year, fully-funded postdoc position which may be extended
• The ability to work on an ERC-funded, high-impact research project
• A stimulating international and multidisciplinary research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art tools and research infrastructure
• A supportive environment with training opportunities in academic, technical and career skills.
• Starting date: as soon as possible

 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 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@kueluven.be).