Postdoctoral fellow: metalloproteomics of highly conductive proteins in cable bacteria

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Departement: Departement Biologie
Regime Voltijds

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The Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology within the Faculty of Sciences is looking for a full-time(100%)

Postdoctoral fellow: metalloproteomics of highly conductive proteins in cable bacteria (2 years)

The selected candidate will join the research group of Prof. Filip Meysman, who coordinates the Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology at UAntwerpen. Our team is at the international forefront of research into microbial electricity, combining state-of-the-art methods in molecular biology, electron microscopy, protein biochemistry and biophysics to explain the unique process of biological long-range conduction. See www.microbial-electricity.eu for more information about our research.

Position

We have a job opening for a postdoctoral fellow (2 years) to study the metalloproteins in the recently discovered cable bacteria, which are capable of conducting electrical currents over centimeter distances. Currents are channelled via highly conductive protein fibers, which form a unique biological structure and enable a completely new interface between biology and electronics, providing a prospect for new materials and technology. Recently, we have shown the protein fiber network in cable bacteria contains a metal cofactor that is entirely new to science. The goal of this project is to isolate and characterize this metal cofactor through metallomics approaches, thus achieving a deeper understanding of this extraordinary new form of biological electron transport. This postdoc project is part of the PRINGLE Pathfinder project (www.pringle-project.eu) and runs in collaboration with Prof. H. Remaut (Center for Structural Biology, VIB-VUB, Vrije Universiteit Brussels).

• You are highly motivated to conduct research within an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, and thus build a professional network and academic career;
• You will perform fundamental research within the domain of metalloprotein biochemistry, applying techniques like proteomics, non-targeted metallomics, and protein metal analysis using mass spectrometry (in collaboration with international partner research groups).
• You have ample experience with the techniques of protein biochemistry (e.g. protein expression, protein purification, gel electrophoresis, chromatography, pull down techniques)
• You have the experience and skills to design and conduct experiments rigorously and independently;
• You will publish your research results in high-level scientific journals and you love to present your results at national and international scientific meetings;
• You will support junior lab members (MSc, PhD), provide training in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques and take part in the supervision of these research projects.

Profile and qualifications

We are looking for a flexible and creative person, who is highly motivated to tackle new and complex biological questions.

• You hold a doctorate degree (PhD) in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biology, or a related discipline in the Natural Sciences, and have a strong interest in cross-disciplinary research;
• You have a productive scientific track record including first-author publications in international journals;
• Candidates who have experience in metallomicsare particularly encouraged to apply. Expertise in advanced mass spectrometry is a bonus;
• You are creative, possess excellent organisational skills and have a cooperative attitude;
• You are an excellent team-player, and enthusiastic to learn new technologies and work in an interdisciplinary team of biologists, chemists and physicists;
• Strong communication skills in English are essential, including the ability to present to both academic and non-academic audiences.

We offer

• a dynamic, vibrant and stimulating work environment within the Centre of Excellence on Microbial Systems Technology at UAntwerpen;
• a full-time contract as a postdoctoral researcher for two years (with potential prolongation depending on availability of funds);
• a gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP);
• a green working environment at Campus Drie Eiken (UAntwerpen). Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here;
• the possibility to develop your professional and soft skills in our large international network.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including15 January 2023 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on ’apply’, complete the online application form and don’t forget to include the following document(s) in English: (1) a motivation letter, (2) your up-to-date academic CV.
• We will perform a pre-selection on CV and we will invite selected candidates for an interview. The selection committee will review the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. These interviews will take place in January 2023. The planned startdate is 01 March 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• If you have questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Filip Meysman, filip.meysman@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’sHR Excellence in Research Awardfor its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encouragediversityand attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.