The Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO) wishes to recruit one PhD student for food biotechnology research.
This student will be involved in internally or externally funded research projects. All projects include microbiological work, using advanced culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques, (meta)genomic and/or (meta)transcriptomic work including bioinformatics, and/or (meta)metabolomic work, using different chromatographic separation techniques and detection systems, including mass spectrometry.
The following topics are available:
Meat fermentation (one PhD student)
Fermented meat products constitute a diverse group of food ecosystems in which both lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Gram-positive catalase-positive cocci (GCC) form the fermentation microbiota and contribute to product quality and safety. During previous research projects, it has been mapped in detail how the species diversity of these microbiota is largely controlled by the specificities of the starting materials (meat type and quality, saltiness, ingredients) and the imposed process conditions (in particular the fermentation temperature). This follow-up study aims to use microbiological, metabolomic, and (meta)genomic/transcriptomic methodologies to explain in a more mechanistic way how species diversity comes about and to examine in more detail what the underlying bacterial competitiveness factors are that favour (or disfavour) certain species of LAB and GCC.
Profile
The candidate has a university degree of MSc of Bioengineering Sciences (Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology or Cell and Gene Biotechnology) or an equivalent degree, with in-depth knowledge of and interest in (food) microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, fermentation technology, and/or food science and technology. Important additional qualifications are: sense of initiative, group spirit, sense of responsibility, motivation and dynamism, a hardworking attitude, persistence, resistance to stress and good communication, and reporting skills. Good knowledge of the English language (oral and written) is required.
We offer
A young, creative, dynamic, pluralistic, diverse and international working environment. Opportunities for national and international collaboration with renowned labs and companies. An interesting field with many possibilities for a future career. Salary as a PhD student.
The vacancy can be filled immediately.
If interested, please contact and send your curriculum vitae to:
Prof. Dr. ir. Luc DE VUYST
Vrije Universiteit Brussel - IMDO - Pleinlaan 2 - B-1050 Brussels - Belgium
Tel: 02/629 32 45 - Email: luc.de.vuyst@vub.be - profile