Researcher (PhD student or postdoctoral fellow) with expertise in applied microbiology and bioprocess engineering

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Department: Department of Bioscience Engineering
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The University of Antwerp’s Faculty of Science is seeking a full-time researcher (PhD student or postdoctoral fellow) with expertise in applied microbiology and bioprocess engineering to join the research group Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN), part of the Department of Bioscience Engineering.

The Bioscience Engineering Department was established in 2006 to address the growing societal demand for experts in biobased problem-solving across a range of fields, including sustainable biotechnology, cell and gene biotechnology, chemical engineering, food technology, nature-based solutions, and sustainable cities. In 2015, prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck launched the Biobased Cleantech and Environmental Analysis Research (BioCLEAR), a proud member of the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) Research Group of the Faculty of Science. The team’s mission is to develop clean biotechnological solutions and to assess the environmental sustainability of novel treatment pipelines. Key domains include single-cell protein (microbial protein), mostly based on purple bacteria, nutrient recovery, nitrification, anammox and bio-accelerated enhanced weathering. The team is a core member of the European Cost action PurpleGain, the Microbial Systems Technology Centre of Excellence, the Enviromics valorization consortium, the CAPTURE platform, and the MELiSSA circular life support program of the European Space Agency (ESA).

The advertised position is within BioCLEAR’s Microbial Protein Cluster, led by prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and dr. Luis Diaz Allegue, where you will contribute to Purple4Life, a research and innovation action recently funded under the Horizon Europe Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JE) programme. This international, multi-partner project will explore the potential of purple phototrophic bacteria as an innovative, sustainable ingredient for human and animal nutrition. The project will explore the health benefits of purple bacteria for the elderly and its potential as an ingredient in salmonid fish feed. Beyond the life sciences and engineering aspects, it will also assess consumer acceptance and the environmental and societal impacts of introducing this microbial ingredient to the market. At UAntwerp, the research will focus on the phototrophic cultivation of purple bacteria using carbon sources derived from carbon capture and utilization (CCU) processes, with the aim of optimizing the production of bioactive compounds.

Position

The position includes the following tasks:

  • As part of the Purple4Life project, your primary responsibility will be to investigate the photoheterotrophic cultivation of purple bacteria using carbon sources derived from CCU processes, with a focus on optimizing the production of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and Coenzyme Q10.
  • You will design and carry out laboratory experiments and perform comprehensive analyses using state-of-the-art techniques to assess growth performance, substrate utilization, and biomass quality. You will play an active role in the development, execution, and interpretation of experiments.
  • If you are recruited as a PhD candidate, you will work towards the completion of a doctoral thesis in Bioscience Engineering, with a focus on purple bacteria biotechnology.
  • If you are recruited as a postdoctoral fellow, you will work towards the publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, and support grant acquisition.
  • You will also be an active member of SUSTAIN’s microbial protein cluster, collaborating with and supporting fellow researchers and ongoing projects when needed.
  • Participation in national and international conferences, project meetings, and workshops will be encouraged and supported.
  • You will be expected to contribute to scientific publications and prepare regular reports on your research progress.

Profile

  • You hold at least a master’s degree in bioscience engineering, applied microbiology, biotechnology or biochemical engineering with a focus on environmental and/or industrial applications in the domains of nutrition and health – or an equivalent degree in applied biological sciences.
  • You have a passion for microbes and sustainability, microbial biotechnology at the interface of industrial and environmental applications, and are highly motivated to contribute to research on purple bacteria.
  • You have specific knowledge on applied microbiology, microbial biotechnology and bioprocess engineering, including general laboratory skills, axenic techniques, bacteria cultivation, and familiarity with analytical techniques such as chromatography, microscopy, and with molecular biology methods.
  • Proven laboratory experience working under sterile conditions is essential. Additional expertise in microbial cultivation, operating bioreactors, and applying techniques for the identification and quantification of pigments is considered a strong asset.
  • You are a practically oriented problem solver, are hands-on and eager to learn.
  • You have good oral and written knowledge of English.
  • You have excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate constructively and respectfully with scientific team members and BSc/MSc students.
  • You are flexible, meticulous, creative, quality- and safety-oriented, cooperative and a person of integrity.
  • You are aware about the safety aspects of working in a laboratory and driven to actively contribute to a safe workplace.

What we offer

  • We offer either a (pre)doctoral or postdoctoral scholarship for a total duration of three years. Following a positive evaluation after the first year, the scholarship will be extended for an additional two years. For doctoral candidates, funding for a potential fourth year may be available.
  • The planned start date is July 1st, 2025, or as soon as possible.
  • The monthly scholarship amount will be determined according to the scholarship amounts, in line with the rates applicable to (pre)doctoral or postdoctoral fellows.
  • 40 days of annual leave and one week of collective closure between Christmas and New Year.
  • You will receive an internet connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • An open and flexible work environment that encourages creativity, self-realization and independent thinking. The team is young, dynamic, respectful, diverse and international.
  • The opportunity to build a broad national and international network of scientific and industrial partners, and develop new personal competences through professional training moments, courses and workshops.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here and discover all the other benefits.

Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this job through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until April 27th, 2025, midnight (local Antwerp time). Click on 'apply for job', complete the online application form and do not forget to include a letter of motivation. As part of your application, please create a short video (max. 1 minute) introducing yourself and explaining why you are the right person for the position. Upload it to a platform of your choice and include the link in your motivation letter.
  • The selection committee review all applications as soon as possible. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Interviews are scheduled in the afternoon of May 6th, 2025 (Antwerp time). Please mark your calendar accordingly.
  • If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the Frequently Asked Questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerp.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Siegfried Vlaeminck (siegfried.vlaeminck@uantwerpen.be) and Luis Diaz Allegue (luis.diazallegue@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp is a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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