Postdoctoral fellows in molecular plant physiology and metabolic engineering

Join us on these exciting projects in the Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology! For molecular plant physiologists or metabolic engineers.

You will be working in the Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology at Ghent University in Belgium, headed by Dominique Van Der Straeten. The lab is renown for its work in the areas of ethylene and vitamin biology, as well as on bio-imaging. See fpb.ugent.be for more information on our work (https://biblio.ugent.be/person/801000565182 for publications).

Postdoc 1: The goal of the first project is to explore the metabolism of the three-membered ring amino acid ACC, the direct precursor of the plant hormone ethylene, including ACC conjugation to known derivatives. Recently, ACC was proven to play a role on its own, alongside its function in the ethylene pathway. While the results of such groundbreaking research will have multiple potential applications in agriculture or horticulture, the work will essentially be of fundamental nature.

We aim at identification and characterization of factors in ACC metabolism, including ACC-interacting and conjugating proteins, as part of its signaling pathway, using molecular as well as in silico tools. In vivo validation will be performed in Arabidopsis and tomato. Affinity proteomics, in silico docking analysis, enzyme activity tests, mutant identification, phenotypic and genetic analyses will be part of the project. Analysis of ACC and its conjugates, as well as ethylene measurements will be performed, in different genetic backgrounds and growth conditions, using methods established by our lab. Hence, the project offers the possibility to acquire a wide expertise. A broad interest is an obvious essential asset.

Postdoc 2: The goal of the second project is to explore the impact of B-vitamin multi-biofortification on vitamin metabolism and on plant resilience to global climate change. The project builds further on recently generated multivitamin and iron-enhanced rice and potato lines, engineered for combined enhancement of provitA and different B-vitamins.

We plan to investigate how the enhancement of specific micronutrients impacts on B-vitamin metabolism, using transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics by applying a multi-B-vitamin quantification method recently established in our lab. Furthermore, we plan to combine these micronutrient traits in a flood resistant background, which will be tested in fields in Asia and Africa. Selection of the most promising transgenic lines will be done by metabolite analysis, followed by gene expression analysis. Best performing lines will be subjected to abiotic stresses (flooding, drought) to test resilience. Furthermore, selected lines will be grown in an Ecotron setting, in order to assess the effect of enhanced CO2 on micronutrient accumulation in future climate conditions. In view of recent evidence for a decline, in rising levels of CO2, in the content of B-vitamins in particular, this may demonstrate a positive effect of biofortification to retain the necessary levels of these vital micronutrients in staple foods.

Profile:

Applicants should be fluent in English (both in verbal and written communication), and hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, or bio-engineering/applied biological sciences, not awarded earlier than 2 years prior to the appointment. We are looking for enthusiastic scientists with postdoctoral experience of approx.2 years. Excellent laboratory skills, functioning well in a team, presenting a proven track record in the field of molecular plant physiology/biochemistry, endorsed by first author publications in high standard international peer-reviewed journals, are essential. A thorough knowledge of genetic and molecular-physiological techniques (including GoldenGate/GoldenBraid cloning, Q-RT-PCR, gas exchange measurements), and standard software packages (Microsoft Excel, Photoshop/Illustrator, RStudio) are required. Expertise in in silico docking analysis, working in AlphaFold3, and affinity proteomics is a strong asset. Experience with confocal microscopy is considered a plus. Communications and presentations at international conferences, as well as research experience in a country different from the country of origin are considered assets.

The successful candidates will be involved in training of Master and PhD students. Experience in leading research activities which resulted in Master theses will be considered.

Candidates should possess good communication and organization skills.

Successful candidates will be part of a stimulating environment in a well-equipped lab and will be coached, prior to termination of this assignment, in view of career perspectives.

Contract: 3 years. Start date: as of February 1, 2025.

Application term closes December 31, 2024. Successful applicants will submit their application on the Ghent University e-recruitment system to initiate the hiring process. An application link will follow after the primary round of selection.

Please send:

– your CV, including your publication record, and a detailed description of your research achievements and skills;

– a motivation letter which mentions the date you have earned your PhD degree, and which details your expertise fit to the above-listed requirements, together with the date of your earliest availability, and names and email addresses of 2-3 references;

to:

[email protected] 

Important : Mention ‘postdoc ACC metabolism’ or ‘postdoc biofortification’ or both in the subject line of the message (depending on whether you apply for either one or for both projects).