Doctoral Grant University Research Fund (BOF) area of Environmental biotechnology - University of Antwerp

The Faculty of Science is seeking to fill the following full-time (100%) vacancy in the Department of Bioscience Engineering for a Doctoral Grant by the University Research Fund (BOF) in the area of Environmental biotechnology

Research team

The central research theme of prof. Vlaeminck’s team is ‘Microbial technology for resource-efficient nutrient management’. Technologies focus on (i) nutrient recovery, including reuse of recovered products, and (ii) nitrogen removal, either with innovative short-cut processes or novel applications of nitrification/denitrification. The group’s methodology includes reactor design from lab- to full-scale, and ranges from process control to microbiome management and steering of product quality. The team is strongly embedded within the national and international scene of relevant companies and research groups.

Description

Research topic

Single cell protein (SCP), i.e. using microbial cells as a protein source, is probably the most resource-efficient manner of producing feed and/or food. SCP might be pivotal in achieving global food security and sustainability. PurpleMENU (Purple Microbes for Eco-friendly NUtrition) will develop biotechnological solutions based on purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB).

Job description

You prepare a doctoral thesis in the field of Bio-science engineering.
You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment, and present your work at national and international scientific events.
You contribute to teaching and research in the research group Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology.

Profile and requirements

You hold a master degree in bioscience engineering, environmental engineering, (bio)chemical engineer or alike, preferably with demonstrable affinity for environmental technology in general and biological technologies for the treatment of aqueous streams in particular.
You can submit outstanding academic results.
Students in the final year of their degree can also apply.
Foreign candidates are encouraged to apply.
Your academic qualities comply with the requirements stipulated in the university’s policy.
You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
You comply with the eligibility rules for doctoral grants as stipulated by the Research Foundation Flanders - FWO (doctoral fellowship and strategic basic (SB) research, to be consulted on www.fwo.be).
You have outstanding oral and written communication skills in English.
You work efficiently, and plan strictly towards deadlines.
Within the first two years of your PhD, you commit to write a research proposal to apply for a doctoral grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

We offer

a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal for a further two-year period after positive evaluation;
the start date of scholarship will be 1 October, 1 November or 1 December 2016 or 1 January 2017;
a gross monthly grant ranging from € 2.189,88 - € 2.334,46;
a dynamic and stimulating work environment;
the opportunity to tutor BSc and MSc students working in your research topic;
the opportunity to develop new competences through professional courses, coaching sessions and workshops;
the opportunity to build a broad national and international network of industrial and scientific parties;
a chance to make a difference, and personally contribute to the development of sustainable biotechnological answers to urgent societal challenges.

Nr of positions available : 1
Research Fields

Environmental science
Career Stage

Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Post graduate)
Research Profiles

First Stage Researcher (R1)

 

University of Antwerp

Academic Positions
Academic
Prinsstraat 13
2000 - Antwerp
BELGIUM
email support@academicpositions.eu
https://www.uantwerpen.be/