Postdoc in Microbial Genetics and Metabolism

Final date to receive applications: June 15, 2026

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in microbial genetics and molecular biology to join an interdisciplinary project investigating how microbial enzymes and metabolism influence global carbon cycling and long-term carbon storage in the ocean.

The project will involve applying genetic approaches to non-model marine bacteria to modify their genomes and/or over express genes. The postdoc will link these genetic perturbations to changes in metabolic and biochemical function, monitored using enzyme assays, metabolomics, and growth experiments.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experimental backgrounds in microbial genetics, bacterial physiology, synthetic biology, or related areas of molecular microbiology. Experience working beyond standard bacterial model systems (e.g.

E. coli) is highly desirable. Prior experience in environmental microbiology is not required.

Our lab specializes in high-throughput metabolomics and enzyme assays, and in combining these approaches to answer new types of biological questions. The postdoc will gain hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art mass spectrometry platforms and exposure to high-throughput metabolomics and biochemical approaches.

We’re seeking someone independent, curious, and driven. As part of a growing lab, you’ll play a central role in shaping a positive lab environment. We’re especially looking for someone ready to take on a leadership role, who enjoys mentoring students, working across disciplines, and participating in collaborations to expand their scientific network and research profile.

The lab of Sammy Pontrelli started at the VIB-KU Leuven Center for Microbiology in Jan 2025. Our interdisciplinary research combines metabolomics, genetics, biochemistry, and microbial physiology to understand how microbial metabolism and interactions shape carbon transformation and long-term carbon storage in the ocean. We develop high-throughput experimental approaches to understand how microbial processes scale from molecular mechanisms to ecosystem-level carbon cycling.

Essential requirements

• Experience with genetic systems in non-model bacteria
• PhD in a biologically related field (Microbiology, biotechnology, etc)
• Basic laboratory experience with molecular biology, microbiology or enzyme assays
• Experience leading a molecular level, biologically oriented project
• Excellent communication skills in English
• Willingness to apply for external postdoc funding (e.g. EMBO, Marie-Curie, FWO postdoc fellowships)

Desirable but not required

• Detailed understanding of central carbon metabolism and/or environmental microbiology
• Experience with in vitro enzyme assays
• Programming skills in R

Key personal characteristics

• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary collaborations
• Ability to take on leadership and mentoring roles in a starting lab, including equipment responsibilities
• Commitment to an inclusive and diverse lab, promoting a positive environment

• The starting date is mid-January 2027 for 3 years, pending a 1-year positive evaluation.
• State-of-the-art QTOF mass spectrometers and other equipment
• Ability to work on high-impact research topics
• Possibility to participate in interdisciplinary conferences
• Training in high throughput metabolomics, enzymology, and microbial physiology