Postdoctoral fellows in microbial biochemistry and biophysics

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Biological sciences » Other Chemistry » Biochemistry Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 23 Mar 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

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The Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology within the Department of Biology is looking for 3 postdoctoral fellows in microbial biochemistry and biophysics
. These fellows will join the research group of Prof. Filip Meysman, who coordinates the Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology  research team is at the international forefront of microbial physiology and quantum biology and adopts a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining state-of-the-art methods in molecular biology, electron microscopy, protein biochemistry and biophysics. See (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). for more information about our research.

The aim of the three postdoctoral research projects (2 years – extendable to three years) is to achieve a fundamental understanding of the record-breaking conduction in multicellular cable bacteria, and in this way, design entirely new bio-based electronic materials. Cable bacteria are multicellular organism capable of conducting electrical currents over centimeter distances. Electric currents are channelled via highly conductive protein fibers embedded in the cell envelope.

These fibers form a unique biological supramolecular structure and enable a completely new interface between biology and electronics. The goal is decipher the molecular structure of these fibers and elucidate the electron transport mechanism. The research is conducted in collaboration with other research teams across Europe (University College London, TU Delft, Max Planck Institute Germany, Flanders Institute of Biotechnology)

[1] Postdoctoral fellow: high resolution microscopy and immunolabeling of conductive structures in multicellular cable bacteria (2 years – extendable to 3 years)

Challenge:
The conductive fiber network in cable bacteria provides a unique structure in biology. The goal is to elucidate and visualize this three-dimensional supramolecular structure.

• FDAA labeling
• Immunolocalisation of proteins
• Superresolution microscopy (e.g. STED, MINFLUX)

[2] Postdoctoral fellow: protein identification and structural elucidation of conductive fibers in multicellular cable bacteria (2 years – extendable to 3 years)

Challenge:
The conductive fiber network in cable bacteria provides a unique supramolecular structure with unique (quantum) properties. The goal is to elucidate its components and molecular structure.

• proteomics analysis using mass spectrometry and related (e.g. 13C and 15 N labelling)
• (spatial) transcriptomics

[3] Postdoctoral fellow: mass spectrometry and material characterization of highly conductive structures in cable bacteria (2 years – extendable to 3 years)

Challenge:
Recently, we have shown the fiber network in cable bacteria contains a metal organic framework that is entirely new to science. The goal is to isolate and characterize this structure through mass spectrometry approaches, thus achieving a deeper understanding of this extraordinary new form of biological electron transport.

• Chemistry of metal-organic frameworks
• Chemical imaging and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry: nano
  
  SIMS, TOF-SIMS, OrbiSIMS
• Surface characterization (XPS, UPS)
• You are highly motivated to conduct research within an international and interdisciplinary team of researchers, and thus build a professional network and academic…