Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry

University of Antwerp

Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology

Department: Biology
Regime: Full-time
Contract duration: 2 years (extendable to 3 years)
Planned start date: 1 May 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Application deadline: 23 March 2026 (midnight CET)

Host Institution

University of Antwerp

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic and internationally oriented European university, combining innovative education with pioneering research. With more than 20,000 students and over 6,000 staff members from 100 nationalities, the university offers an inspiring and inclusive research environment in the vibrant city of Antwerp.

Research Environment

These positions are hosted by the Centre of Excellence in Microbial Systems Technology, within the Department of Biology, and embedded in the research group of Filip Meysman, coordinator of the Centre.

The group is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge research at the interface of:

  • microbial physiology,

  • biochemistry and biophysics,

  • quantum biology and bioelectronics.

The team applies a strongly interdisciplinary approach, combining molecular biology, electron microscopy, protein biochemistry, spectroscopy, and advanced materials characterization.
More information: www.microbial-electricity.eu

Research Focus

The three postdoctoral projects aim to achieve a fundamental understanding of record-breaking electrical conduction in multicellular cable bacteria, with the long-term goal of designing novel bio-based electronic materials.

Cable bacteria are unique multicellular organisms capable of conducting electrical currents over centimeter-scale distances. This conduction occurs via highly conductive protein fibers embedded in the cell envelope, forming a previously unknown biological supramolecular structure. Understanding the molecular architecture and electron transport mechanisms of these fibers will open entirely new interfaces between biology and electronics.

The research is conducted in close collaboration with leading European partners, including:

  • University College London

  • TU Delft

  • Max Planck Institute

  • Flanders Institute for Biotechnology

Background reading: Metal scaffolds turn bacteria into live wires (Science).

Available Positions

Postdoctoral Fellow 1: High-resolution microscopy & immunolabelling

Focus: 3D visualization of conductive structures in cable bacteria

Techniques include:

  • High-resolution electron microscopy (TEM, STEM, cryo-EM, cryo-FIB-SEM)

  • FDAA labelling

  • Immunolocalisation of proteins

  • Super-resolution microscopy (e.g. STED, MINFLUX)

Postdoctoral Fellow 2: Protein identification & structural elucidation

Focus: Molecular composition and structure of conductive fibers

Techniques include:

  • Proteomics and mass spectrometry (incl. ¹³C / ¹⁵N labelling)

  • Protein biochemistry (expression, purification, chromatography, pull-downs)

  • Structure prediction (AlphaFold modelling)

  • (Spatial) transcriptomics

Postdoctoral Fellow 3: Mass spectrometry & materials characterization

Focus: Metal–organic framework in conductive fiber networks

Techniques include:

  • Chemistry of metal–organic frameworks

  • Chemical imaging & SIMS (nanoSIMS, TOF-SIMS, OrbiSIMS)

  • Surface analysis (XPS, UPS)

  • Spectroscopy (XAS, STEM-EELS)

Job Description

As a postdoctoral fellow, you will:

  • Conduct independent and collaborative fundamental research in microbiology, biochemistry, and biophysics;

  • Contribute to the development of sustainable, nature-based electronic materials;

  • Design, execute, and analyse experiments rigorously and independently;

  • Publish results in high-impact international journals;

  • Present findings at national and international scientific conferences;

  • Supervise and train MSc and PhD students in advanced experimental techniques.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking creative, flexible, and highly motivated researchers with:

  • A PhD in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related natural science discipline;

  • A strong publication record, including first-author papers;

  • Demonstrated experience with one or more of the listed techniques;

  • Strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the interface of biology, chemistry, and physics;

  • Excellent organisational and communication skills;

  • Fluency in spoken and written English.

What We Offer

  • A full-time postdoctoral position (2 years, with possible extension to 3 years);

  • Competitive salary according to the principal research fellow (BAP) pay scale;

  • Benefits including:

    • ecocheques,

    • internet allowance,

    • bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport;

  • A stimulating international research environment in a green campus setting;

  • Extensive opportunities for professional and soft-skills development;

  • Life and work in Antwerp, a vibrant port city known for its culture, history, fashion, and cuisine.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp online job application platform by 23 March 2026 (midnight CET).

Please include the following documents (in English):

  1. Motivation letter

  2. Up-to-date academic CV

Selected candidates will be invited for interviews in April 2026.

Contact

Equality & Diversity

The University of Antwerp holds the HR Excellence in Research Award and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are welcomed regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or age.

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