Postdoc in Microbial Genetics and Metabolism

Deadline to apply: June 15 2026

About the role

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 overexpress 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.

Were seeking someone independent curious and driven. As part of a growing lab youll play a central role in shaping a positive lab environment. Were 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.

About the lab

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.

Your profile

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

Our offer

• 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

How to apply

If you are interested please apply via the online VIB platform ( including the below documents:

• A description of why you are interested in this postdoc position and your career aspirations
• A description of your previous metabolomics and wet lab experience and the biological questions you addressed in your PhD.
• Your CV
• Contact information of at least 2 references

The deadline is June 15th. Applicants will be contacted about interviews by the end of the month.

In case of questions please contact

About VIB

VIB is an entrepreneurial non-profit research institute across four universities with a strong track record of translating scientific breakthroughs into societal innovations and biotech companies. The Center for Microbiology in Leuven is embedded within KU Leuven one of Europes oldest and most prominent universities consistently ranked in the top 50 worldwide. Leuven is located about 10 miles from Brussels with frequent direct train connections to Brussels Airport.