Postdoc Funded Position in Evolution of ACC and Plant-Microbe Interaction at KU Leuven in Belgium

 Postdoc Funded Position in Evolution of ACC and Plant-Microbe Interaction at KU Leuven in Belgium

Postdoc Funded Position in Evolution of ACC and Plant-Microbe Interaction at KU Leuven in Belgium; The lab of Prof. Bram Van de Poel conducts fundamental research on plant hormones. We deploy a variety of molecular, biochemical, and physiological approaches to study plant hormones and how they control plant development and stress resilience. We are looking for a postdoc to study the role of ACC signaling in plant-microbe interactions from an evolutionary perspective, in collaboration with Prof. Barbara De Coninck, KU Leuven and Dr. Francisco Nascimento (iBET, Lisbon, Portugal).

Responsibilities; In the framework of our ERC Consolidator grant, we are looking for a highly motivated and skilled postdoc to conduct cutting-edge science on plant-microbe interaction and elucidating the role of ACC (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid) herein. ACC is the known precursor of the phytohormone ethylene in seed plants, but serves other roles independent of ethylene. Non-seed plants also produce ACC, and we wonder what role ACC plays in controlling plant-microbe interactions.

You will study the link between ACC and the recruitment of either beneficial and/or pathogenic microorganisms using the evolutionary model plant Marchantia polymorpha, a representative species of early plant life on earth. You will deploy microbiome assembly studies (metagenomics) on Marchantia using a variety of in-house mutants related to the ACC metabolism. Next, you will zoom in and unravel the actual mode of action of the role of ACC in this plant-microbe interaction, using a variety of molecular techniques.

Profiel; You are a motivated scientist who holds a PhD in plant-microbe interaction or plant molecular biology. You have experience working with microorganisms and their interaction with plants. You are interested in evolutionary biology and molecular plant biology, and want to take up a new challenging project, which requires you to be dedicated and highly ambitious. You have a track record to proof your scientific excellence. You are motivated to conduct a cutting-edge postdoc in a dynamic ERC-funded lab, in collaboration with Prof. Barbara De Coninck (plant-microbe interactions) and Dr. Francisco Nascimento (plant-microbe phytohormone evolution). Additional expertise in phytohormones or Marchantia biology is a plus, but not a must.  

Furthermore, your profile can match the following elements: 

– Master the English (academic) language fluently.

– Acquired a diverse set of skills and expertise at the bench.

– Uphold the highest standards in scientific integrity.

– Be ambitious and aspire high-impact scientific output.

– Be a team-player and yet work also independent.

– Have a personality that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Aanbod; We offer you a full-time postdoctoral position for 2 years (1 year extendable with 1 year after a positive evaluation) at a top-ranked multidisciplinary university. You will be embedded in the group of Prof. Van de Poel, where you will be part of a larger ERC-team, and have 2 additional supervisors (Prof. De Coninck and Dr. Nascimento) with different expertise. Our young and dynamic team will support you to successfully obtain excellent results and publish your findings in high-impact journals.

You get ample opportunities to acquire new skills and learn new techniques to further develop your scientific career. You will have opportunities to participate at national and international scientific conferences, and establish your own network, to strengthen your own profile and our team. You will also have possibilities to gain experience in transferrable skills. The city of Leuven has a dynamic and international vibe and is a safe environment in the heart of Europe.

Interesse; For more information please contact Prof. dr. Bram Van de Poel, tel.: +32 16 32 55 27, mail: bram.vandepoel@kuleuven.be  or Prof. dr. Barbara De Coninck, tel.: +32 16 37 66 26, mail: barbara.deconinck@kuleuven.be.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status.