Postdoctoral fellows in microbial biochemistry and biophysics

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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 at UAntwerpen. His 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 www.microbial-electricity.eu 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)

See https://www.science.org/content/article/metal-scaffolds-turn-bacteria-live-wires.

[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.

• High-resolution electron microscopy (TEM, STEM, cryoEM, cryo-FIB-SEM)
• 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)
• protein biochemistry (e.g. protein expression, protein purification, gel electrophoresis, chromatography, pull down techniques)
• protein structure elucidation (Alphafold modelling)
• (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: nanoSIMS, TOF-SIMS, OrbiSIMS
• Surface characterization (XPS, UPS)
• Spectroscopy (e.g. XAS, STEM-EELS)

Job description

• 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 microbiology/biochemistry/ biophysics, contributing to nature-based solutions for novel sustainable electron materials;
• You fit one of the above mentioned profiles and have ample experience with one or more of the listed 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 microscopy, biochemistry and biophysics techniques and take part in the supervision of these research projects.

Profile

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

• You hold a doctorate degree (PhD) in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, Biotechnology 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;
• 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 extension 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);
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting
• a green campus environment within the vibrant port city of Antwerp (renowned for its history, fashion and food!). 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 including 23 March 2026 (midnight Brussels CET 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 based 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 April 2026. The planned start date is 01 May 2026 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.