Postdoc position; Wellcome Trust funded): Structural of Autophagy Initiation

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Medical sciences » Medicine Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Established Researcher (R3) Final date to receive applications 26 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-65 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

• Biochemical Reconstitution:
  Lead the design and execution of purification strategies to reconstitute multi-protein autophagy initiation assemblies from recombinant sources.
• Structural Proteomics:
  Employ advanced mass spectrometry techniques, specifically HDX-MS and XL-MS, to map protein-protein interfaces and the conformational dynamics of complex formation.
• High-Resolution Imaging:
  Determine the molecular architecture of initiation complexes using Single-Particle Cryo-EM, complemented by super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to bridge the gap between in vitro models and cellular contexts.
• Dissemination & Impact:
  Take a leading role in translating complex datasets into high-impact publications and presenting findings at international symposia.
• Innovation:
  Actively contribute to stakeholder engagement and identify opportunities for intellectual property (IP) development or the translational valorization of your structural discoveries.
• PhD in a Relevant Field:
  You hold a PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or a related discipline, with a track record of productivity.
• Structural Biology Toolkit:
  You have experience in Cryo-EM or HDX-MS methods and a demonstrated ability to interpret 3D protein structures to generate and test mechanistic hypotheses.
• In Vitro Reconstitution:
  You have experience in the purification of proteins and an interest in building biochemical assays (experience with membrane mimetics (nanodiscs, liposomes) is a bonus).
• Analytical Mindset:
  You enjoy troubleshooting complex biochemical systems and have the computational literacy required for modern structural biology software (e.g., Relion, CryoSPARC, Pymol/Chimera
  
  X).
• Communication & Drive:
  You are a proactive scientist who can work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. You have good English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ambitious Research Environment: A fully funded postdoctoral fellowship with flexible starting date, supported by the Wellcome Trust, in a lab with ample resources.
• Comprehensive In-House Facilities:
  Direct, in-house access to a structural biology suite, including:
  • Cryo-EM:
    Two dedicated 200kV microscopes for rapid screening and high-resolution data collection.
  • Structural Mass Spectrometry:
    On-campus HDX-MS platforms to map the dynamic landscape of your complexes.
  • Advanced Imaging:
    State-of-the-art super-resolution microscopy to bridge molecular structures with cellular localization.
• Integrated Workflow:
  All required facilities for protein expression (insect/mammalian), purification, and biophysical characterization are available in-house.
• Professional Development: A dedicated budget for international conferences and specialized workshops.
• Collaborative Ecosystem:
  Join a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of scientists focused on the mechanisms of cellular proteostasis.
• Mentorship & Career Development:
  We provide a supportive environment that balances high-level scientific mentorship with the opportunity to develop a unique technical and intellectual profile.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Alex van Vliet, mail:

In your application please include:

• Motivation letter (1 page)
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact details of 2 referees

Eligibility criteria

• PhD in a Relevant Field:
  You hold a PhD in Structural Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Cell Biology or a related discipline, with a track record of productivity.
• Structural Biology Toolkit:
  You have experience in Cryo-EM or HDX-MS methods and a demonstrated ability to interpret 3D protein structures to generate and test mechanistic hypotheses.
• In Vitro Reconstitution:
  You have experience in the purification of proteins and an interest in building biochemical assays (experience with membrane mimetics (nanodiscs, liposomes) is a bonus).
• Analytical Mindset:
  You enjoy troubleshooting complex biochemical systems and have the computational literacy required for modern structural biology software (e.g., Relion, CryoSPARC, Pymol/Chimera
  
  X).
• Communication & Drive:
  You are a proactive scientist who can work independently while thriving in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. You have good English communication skills, both written and oral.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Alex van Vliet, mail: