You will be working in the Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology at Ghent University in Belgium, headed by Dominique Van Der Straeten. The lab is renown for its work in the areas of ethylene and vitamin biology, as well as on bio-imaging. See fpb.ugent.be for more information on our work.
The goal of the project is to explore the metabolism of the three-membered ring amino acid ACC, the direct precursor of the plant hormone ethylene, including ACC conjugation to known derivatives. Recently, ACC was proven to play a role on its own, alongside its function in the ethylene pathway. While the results of such groundbreaking research will have multiple potential applications in agriculture or horticulture, the work will essentially be of fundamental nature.
We aim at identification and characterization of factors in ACC metabolism, including ACC-interacting and conjugating proteins, as part of its signaling pathway, using molecular as well as in silico tools. In vivo validation will be performed in Arabidopsis and tomato. Affinity proteomics, in silico docking analysis, enzyme activity tests, mutant identification, phenotypic and genetic analyses will be part of the project. Analysis of ACC and its conjugates, as well as ethylene measurements will be performed, in different backgrounds and growth conditions, using methods established by the Van Der Straeten lab. Hence, the project offers the possibility to acquire a wide expertise. A broad interest is an obvious essential asset.
In addition to research, the successful candidate will also be involved in teaching of (part of) courses taught to Bachelor and Master students, in the subject area of (molecular) plant physiology and ecophysiology (plant-environment interactions). Thus, the candidate should present a strong interest in student coaching at the academic level as well.
The successful applicant holds a PhD degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, or bio-engineering/applied biological sciences, not awarded earlier than 2 years prior to the appointment. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with postdoctoral experience of approx.2 years. Excellent laboratory skills, functioning well in a team, presenting a proven track record in the field of molecular plant physiology/biochemistry, endorsed by first author publications in high standard international peer-reviewed journals, are essential. A thorough knowledge of genetic and molecular-physiological techniques (including GoldenGate/GoldenBraid cloning, Q-RT-PCR, gas exchange measurements), and standard software packages (Microsoft Excel, Photoshop/Illustrator, RStudio) are a must. Expertise in in silico docking analysis and affinity proteomics is a strong asset. Experience with confocal microscopy is considered a plus. Communications and presentations at international conferences, as well as research experience in a country different from the country of origin are considered assets. Experience in leading research activities which resulted in Master theses is another plus.
The candidate should possess good didactic, communication and organization skills to support academic education at the Bachelor and Master’s level in the fields of biology and biotechnology, in English, but preferably also in Dutch -given involvement in Bachelors’ education.
The successful candidate will be part of a stimulating environment in a well-equipped lab and will be coached, prior to termination of this assignment, in view of career perspectives.
Applicants should be fluent in English (both in verbal and written communication) and have excelled in their studies.
Contract: 3 years. Start date: as of September 1, 2024.
Application term closes August 31, 2024. Successful applicants will submit their application on the Ghent University e-recruitment system to initiate the hiring process. An application link will follow after the primary round of selection.
Please send:
- your CV, including your publication record, and a detailed description of your research achievements and skills;
- a motivation letter which mentions the date you have earned your PhD degree, and which explicitly details your expertise fit to the above-listed requirements, together with date of your earliest availability, and names and email addresses of 3 referees;
to:
[email protected] Important ! Mention 'postdoc ACC metabolism' in the subject line of the message).
