Postdoc in developing new long-read DNA sequence analysis workflows to study plant transposable elements (Bioinformatics, molecular biology)

The labs of Prof. Hervé Vanderschuren (https://vanderschuren-lab.eu) and Prof. Devang Mehta (https://mehta-lab.com) conduct research in experimental plant systems biology and tropical plant biotechnology in the Division of Crop Biotechnics (Department of Biosystems) at KU Leuven (Belgium). The laboratories have expertise in and access to cutting-edge technologies including in house long-read sequencing and access to the latest generation proteomics mass-spectrometry infrastructure and are part of the Leuven Institute for Single-Cell Omics (https://lisco.kuleuven.be/) and the Leuven Plant Institute (https://www.kuleuven.be/plant-institute). We are offering a postdoctoral position focused on the development and application of new bioinformatics and sequence-analysis methods to study extra-chromosomal DNA and transposable elements in plants.
About the University:
KU Leuven offers a competitive and international working environment with access to the latest technologies and expertise. KU Leuven is the highest internationally ranked university in Belgium and ranks amongst the best European universities for research and education. KU Leuven also ranks as the most innovative university in Europe, building on a very strong tech transfer office. Leuven is also one of Europe’s best university towns located only 30 minutes from Brussels with an international and diverse student community.
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Responsibilities
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We are recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for a grant-funded project that integrates new genomics and proteomics technologies to discover how helitron transposons are activated and replicate in plants. You will also be given the freedom to develop your own research projects within the broader theme of the project. We have previously developed a long-read sequencing method called CIDER-Seq including a new sequence analysis pipeline to profile extra-chromosomal circular DNA (Mehta et al., 2020, Nature Protocols). In this project we aim to create a more quantitative and scalable data analysis system to analyse long-read sequence data generated by CIDER-Seq in order to discover the roles of helitrons in creating new genetic variation in plants. In the long-term, this project seeks to create a system for programmable activation of helitrons to provide a new route to creating new crop germplasm. This project will equip you with a diverse skillset and experience well suited for both academic and industrial R&D careers. You will also be provided with mentorship by a team of senior and junior PIs with extensive professional networks in Europe, North America, and Asia in both academia and industry (including biological software companies) to help you achieve your professional career goals.

Profile
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We seek a candidate with a PhD in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Biochemistry, Synthetic Biology, Bioengineering, Biotechnology or other relevant topic for the projects described above.
A successful candidate will ideally:
• Demonstrate a strong ability to write and communicate in English in the form of a well-written PhD thesis and/or at least one published, accepted, or pre-printed publication as lead author.
• Be eager to apply for an independent postdoc fellowship and research grants with the support of the PIs.
• Have experience in biological data analysis software development and or advanced -omics data analysis.
• High-level programming or data-analysis skills including proficiency in Python or similar programming languages demonstrated by published software projects (e.g., public GitHub repos etc.).
• Be able to work well in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Be able to integrate in an international and diverse working environment.
The anticipated start date is highly flexible within 2025.

Offer
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We offer you a full-time postdoctoral scholarship position for up to 3 years, pending a positive evaluation at the end of the first year.
You will obtain advanced training in plant biology, genetic engineering, systems biology, and professional development that will prepare you for a career in academic research. You will be closely mentored by Profs. Mehta and Vanderschuren as well as a close-knit, international, and diverse community of plant scientists within the Division of Crop Biotechnics. You will be given support to participate in European and international conferences and publish your science in respected scientific journals. The host labs also support the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and embrace Open Science (https://mehta-lab.com/policies).

More information
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https://vanderschuren-lab.eu

Interested?
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For more information please contact Prof. dr. Hervé Vanderschuren, tel.: +32 16 37 62 45, mail: [email protected] or Prof. dr. Devang Mehta, tel.: +32 16 37 21 46, mail: [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.