Joleen Masschelein

Postdoctoral position at KU Leuven / VIB-KU Leuven Center of Microbiology A fully funded postdoctoral opportunity is available in the lab of Prof. Joleen Masschelein at KU Leuven, within the Department of Biology and the VIB-KU Leuven Center of Microbiology. The project focuses on an exciting microbiology and chemical biology challenge: discovering the biosynthetic enzymes that build the unusual conductive structures of cable bacteria. Cable bacteria are remarkable multicellular organisms that transport electrons over centimeter distances using highly conductive protein fibers. Recent findings suggest these fibers contain a nickel-containing metal-organic framework that is completely new to science. This project aims to identify and characterize the biosynthetic machinery responsible for assembling these conductive molecules and to reconstruct the underlying pathway. The successful candidate will work at the interface of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, enzymology, and mass spectrometry. Main tasks include identifying candidate enzymes, recombinant protein production and purification, in vitro biochemical assays, molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and LC-MS or related mass spectrometry-based analyses. The work is supported by modern synthetic biology and analytical chemistry infrastructure in the Leuven Bioscience Center, with additional collaboration with the cable bacteria group of Prof. Filip Meysman at the University of Antwerp. The position is based in Leuven, a historic and international university city near Brussels. KU Leuven offers a stimulating, collaborative research environment, excellent facilities, training opportunities, and strong support for publications and conference participation. Applicants should hold a PhD in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, or a closely related field. A productive publication record is expected, along with strong expertise in microbial biochemistry or enzymology, E. coli protein expression, biochemical characterization, enzyme assays, and mass spectrometry-based analysis. Strong English communication and organizational skills are required. The post is offered for 2 or 3 years, is fully funded, and includes competitive pay and benefits. Applications are reviewed immediately and the vacancy remains open until a suitable candidate is found. Apply online with a motivation letter, CV including publications, and 2-3 references.