Postdoc ACC metabolism & transport (Ghent, 9000) bei Universiteit Gent

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

• At least 85% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.

• 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 transport (building on preliminary work), as part of its signaling pathway, using molecular as well as in silico tools. We recently discovered new players in the pathway. In vivo validation will be performed in Arabidopsis and tomato. Affinity proteomics, in silico docking analysis, enzyme activity tests, ACC transport 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 genetic backgrounds and growth conditions, using methods established by our lab. Hence, the project offers the possibility to acquire a wide expertise. A broad interest is an obvious essential asset, alongside a thorough knowledge of plant hormone physiology.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You hold a thesis-based doctorate obtained max. 6 years ago. (This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma).

Applicants should be fluent in English (both in verbal and written communication), and hold a PhD degree in biochemistry, biology, biotechnology, or bio-engineering/applied biological sciences. We are looking for early-career enthusiastic scientists with postdoctoral experience (typically within 2 years after their PhD). Excellent laboratory skills, functioning well in a team, presenting a proven track record in the field of molecular physiology/biochemistry of plant hormones in growth and development, 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 required. Expertise in in silico docking analysis, working in AlphaFold3, and affinity proteomics is a strong asset, as is proven expertise with CRISPR-Cas technology. 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.

The successful candidates will be involved in training of Master and PhD students. Experience in leading research activities which resulted in Master theses will be considered.

Candidates should possess good communication and organization skills.

Successful candidates 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.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 3 years
•  Your contract will start on 1/11/2025 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers.. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
•  

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format.
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results…

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dominique Van Der Straeten  ([email protected], +32(0)9/2645185). Mention: postdoc ACC metabolism & transport in the header. Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36