Postdoctoral Position in Microbiology - Streptococcus pneumoniae cell cycle regulation de Duve Institute, UCLouvain (Brussels, Belgium)

Our research goals

Our research group, headed by prof. Liselot Dewachter, is part of the de Duve Institute (UCLouvain, campus Woluwe, Brussels, Belgium). In our lab, we focus on the major human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae. We use genetics, molecular biology and microscopy to study processes that are fundamental for S. pneumoniae growth. By doing so, we hope to discover novel ways to kill this important pathogen and thereby help fight the ever-growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

Your project

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to work on our ERC-funded project “REalCYCLE”. In this project, we want to uncover how S. pneumoniae cell cycle processes (e.g. DNA replication, chromosome segregation, cell division) are regulated and how they are coordinated in response to each other to make sure that e.g. this bacterium divides exactly once per DNA replication round. You will perform genome-wide CRISPRi-seq screens combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) to select mutants of interest and/or focus on the bioinformatic analysis of these screening results. Based on the selected mutants and bioinformatic analyses, the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell cycle regulation will be determined.

You will be able to independently work on your own project to develop your own research questions and ideas, while also working in collaboration with the other researchers involved in this ERC project (currently, one PhD student and a research assistant).

Your qualifications and skills

You are a microbiologist with a PhD in Biological sciences, Biomedical sciences, Biochemistry, Bioscience engineering, or equivalent. Preferably, you have experience with S. pneumoniae, microscopy, flow cytometry, or bioinformatics/data analysis. You have a strong record of academic achievements and possess excellent written and oral proficiency in English. 

Ideally, you are considered to be in "international mobility", i.e. you have not resided, studied or worked in Belgium for more than 24 months over the past 3 years before the start of the postdoc.

What we offer

Your appointment will be for a minimum of 2 years and can be extended depending on your goals, qualifications and productivity. Your postdoctoral position is funded by an ERC Starting Grant. Nonetheless, you will be encouraged to also apply for personal fellowships.

Interested?

Applicants should send their CV, motivation letter, and contact information for at least one reference to Liselot Dewachter by email: [email protected]. Candidates who are selected for an interview will be notified by August 1, 2025.

More information via email or at https://dewachterlab.com, https://www.deduveinstitute.be/