PhD Student

Job description

The Group of Anne Willems at the Lab. of Microbiology (Fac. Sciences) and Sven Mangelinckx at the Synthesis, Bioresources and Bioorganic Chemistry Research Group (SynBioC) (Fac. Bioscience Engineering) have a position for a PhD student for 1 year and extendable by another 3 years after positive evaluation. The PhD student will be involved in the Flemish funded BIOCHROMA project, involving academia (Ghent University and University of Antwerp), and industrial stakeholders as advisory board members.
The aim of BIOCHROMA is to develop natural bacterial pigments for food and feed applications. Initial data on our research collection of bacteria indicate a colourful diversity of pigments is produced by strains from a wide range of sources. The natural function of these pigments in bacteria is often antioxidant, antimicrobial or UV-protective, which can provide added benefits in food/feed applications. Overall, we aim to expand the portfolio of microbial pigments for food and feed applications that can meet market and consumer needs while also considering the potential environmental benefits and drawbacks. This will be done by building an in-depth knowledge platform on correlation between bacterial strains, genetic contexts, pigment structures, physicochemical and biological properties, process parameters and colour behaviour in food and feed formulation, application testing and impact assessment, thereby addressing a large knowledge gap that currently complicates the further development and commercialization of microbial pigments. In consultation with industrial partners and consumers, we will select several pigmented bacterial strains that will be developed as test cases for food application.
We aim to extend and document the collection of pigmented bacteria, including genomic information and properties of the pigments relevant for food/feed production.
This PhD position will focus on the initial tasks of biopigment prospecting from bacterial sources. Specifically, the study will aim to extend and document the collection of pigmented bacteria. This will involve characterizing strains including through whole genome sequence analysis, extracting, purifying and characterizing pigments for properties relevant to food/feed applications. The PhD student will work in both departments, approx. 50/50 and will also collaborate with postdocs and PhD students involved at other project partners (Dept. Biotechnology, Dept. Food Technology, Safety and Health at UGent and Dept. Product Development, UAntwerp). The scientific findings should lead to publications in international peer reviewed journals and should be presented at international conferences.

Job profile

You have obtained your Master degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology or Bioscience Engineering or Biology or equivalent with excellent grades before the start date of the position (intended start date is 1 October 2024). Students graduating in July 2024 are also welcome to apply.
You do not yet hold a PhD degree and are motivated to perform high quality research towards obtaining a PhD degree.
You have a strong interest in working in the microbiology wet lab and analytical bio(organic)chemistry lab as well as in bioinformatics and genome analysis.
Experience in bacteriology, bio(organic)chemistry, analytical laboratory techniques and bioinformatics is an asset.
You combine being a team player with a strong sense of autonomy, responsibility and initiative.
You are very organized and able to plan your work efficiently and with particular attention for quality and precision.
You have good oral and written communication skills and have a very good knowledge of written and spoken English in academic context.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 10/01/2024 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

To apply, mail to anne.willems@ugent.be by 1 July 2024 at the latest as follows:
Mention in the subject line: Biochroma - Application name surname
Add as a single attachment (max. size 10 MB) the following documents:
1. Cover Letter. The 1-page cover letter should include the position reference, your contact address and telephone number and point out the main reasons why you should be considered for this position.
2. Curriculum Vitae. Your CV should provide an overview of your education, employment and previous professional experience, including a list of papers published if available. It can also provide details on your research interests and any additional skills that may be useful for the position.
Please include the names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail) of two referees that are able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance relevant for the position.
3. Copies of your diplomas and detailed transcripts (if already available).

Selection procedure:
1. Preselection based on the provided documents.
2. Selection based on interviews.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.