KU Leuven
Top university
2 weeks ago
Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Engineering for Enzymatic DNA Synthesis KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Biochemistry
Funding
24-month contract in a world-class research environment with a KU Leuven salary scale, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, comprehensive social benefits, and career support through YouReCa.
Deadline
Nov 13, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
KU Leuven is advertising a Postdoctoral Researcher in Protein Engineering position in the Pinheiro group, focused on enzymatic DNA synthesis and the engineering of a recently discovered hyperthermophilic polymerase with template-independent activity.
The project aims to improve the enzyme through directed evolution and structure-guided design, with specific targets including terminator acceptance, coupling efficiency, and control over stepwise nucleotide addition. The successful candidate will benchmark variants in complete synthesis cycles and contribute to the development of greener, longer, and purer oligonucleotide synthesis methods.
The Pinheiro group has an established pipeline for DNA polymerase engineering, including automated multi-site library construction, selection platforms such as bacterial cell display, NGS-based analysis of selection outputs, and structural/computational analysis of evolved variants. The postdoc will design selection conditions, interpret sequencing data quantitatively, and characterize hits biochemically, including kinetic analysis of nucleotide incorporation. There is also an industrial translation component to help build a network for licensing or co-developing the enzyme and related technologies.
Eligibility highlights: PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry (or near completion), published hands-on experience in nucleic acid enzymology beyond PCR, and experience in at least one of directed evolution/selection platforms, library construction and NGS analysis, or enzyme kinetics. Applicants should be fluent in English, able to work independently in an international team, and demonstrate strong analytical skills and research integrity.
Funding and terms: 24-month contract, KU Leuven salary scale, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, comprehensive social benefits, and career support through YouReCa.
Location: Leuven, Belgium.
Deadline: 13 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
Apply through the KU Leuven online application tool. For more information, contact Prof. dr. Vitor Bernardes Pinheiro at [email protected].
Funding details
24-month contract in a world-class research environment with a KU Leuven salary scale, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, comprehensive social benefits, and career support through YouReCa.
What's required
PhD in molecular biology or biochemistry, or degree obtained shortly before the start date. Demonstrated published hands-on experience in nucleic acid enzymology beyond PCR, plus at least one of the following: directed evolution and selection platforms, library construction and NGS analysis, or enzyme kinetics. Excellent analytical skills, research integrity, fluent English, ability to work independently and in an international team, and a proactive approach to career development.
How to apply
Apply online via the KU Leuven application tool before 13 November 2026 at 23:59 CET. For questions about the position, contact Prof. dr. Vitor Bernardes Pinheiro by email.
More information can be found here
Ask ApplyKite AI

How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.