Postdoc in Carbon Fixation Mediated by Marine Microbial Enzymes

Postdoc in Carbon Fixation Mediated by Marine Microbial Enzymes

VIB

Leuven, Belgium

Job description

Marine microbes naturally capture massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into dissolved molecules that can resist degradation for months, years, or even millennia. These processes could drive the development of new carbon capture technologies, but how microbes create these molecules and why they resist degradation remain a mystery. We are searching for a postdoc to address this knowledge gap by exploring how enzymes in phytoplankton (un)intentionally convert cellular metabolites into forms that cannot be degraded. For this, the postdoc will use a unique combination of enzyme assays, high-throughput metabolomics, and phytoplankton microbiology. The ideal candidate has experience with some, or all, of these interdisciplinary areas.

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.

Profile

Essential

• PhD in a biologically related field (Microbiology, biotechnology, etc.);
• Wet lab 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

• Highly Preferred: Experience in culturing marine phytoplankton;
• Hands-on experience with high-resolution mass spectrometers;
• Knowledge of MZmine;
• Experience in molecular cloning, protein purification, and enzyme assays;
• Programming skills in R.

Key personal characteristics

• Enthusiasm to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations;
• Ability to take on leadership and mentoring roles in a starting lab;
• Commitment to an inclusive and diverse lab, promoting a positive environment.

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