PhD Student - Department of Biotechnology

Last application date Jul 13, 2024 00:00

Department LA25 - Department of Biotechnology

Contract Limited duration

Degree A Master degree in microbiology, biotechnology, bioscience engineering or equivalent, completed before the start date of the position, with excellent grades.

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

Project “Sustainable Proteins from Seaweed (SUPROSEA)”
Opportunity for a PhD position

Project abstract
Given the generally high standard of living in Europe, protein shortage is imminent. Today, protein-rich crops such as soy are imported to meet the high demand, leading to unsustainable practices. Europe, including Flanders, is committed to growing protein seeds, legumes, etc. but is far from self-sufficient in protein. SUPROSEA is a collaborative research project between Ghent University, Antwerp University, Biobased Europe Pilot Plant and ILVO, framed within the Flemish Protein Strategy which sets the 40%-60% animal versus plant protein target. The project aims to develop a promising and sustainable protein biorefinery from seaweed. This specific PhD position at Ghent University will focus on the production of microbial protein from seaweed residues.

Type of employment

• PhD candidate researcher: Full-time, fixed-term appointment for initially 1 year, yearly renewable after positive evaluation up to 4 years. Intended starting date: 1st of October 2024 (or earlier if possible).
• A competitive salary including benefits is offered, salary levels account for years of professional experience.
• Ghent University is an equal opportunity employer.

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY – CMET
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision
on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
The Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) formerly LabMET; www.CMET.UGent.be) is part of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, a top 100 university in most rankings. CMET has over 40 years of experience in the study of applied microbial processes and microbial ecology in the contexts of waste(water) treatment, bioremediation, bioproduction, bioelectrochemistry and resource recovery. It is one of the top performing centres worldwide in its field and links excellent basic science with application, leading to high level peer-reviewed outputs besides commercial outcomes including 7 spin-off companies over time. Reactor and process developments go from millilitre scale to full scale industrial. Prof. Ramon Ganigué leads a group of 12 PhD students and 4 postdocs, and will be the UGent promotor of this PhD project. CMET is a very multidisciplinary team and has a very international atmosphere.

Job profile

Background and experience

• Scientific researcher: A Master degree in microbiology, biotechnology, bioscience engineering or equivalent, completed before the start date of the position, with excellent grades.

Scientific knowledge and skills

• Knowledge of bio-process engineering and microbiology.
• Hands on experience in microbial (axenic) cultivation.
• Ability to rigorously design experiments and to perform experiments under well-controlled conditions.
• Ability to work with analytics, such as IC, HPLC & GC, as well as experience with microbial analyses.
• Ability to rigorously design and perform experiments in a result-oriented and thorough manner.
• Ability to perform in-depth and critical data analysis.
• Ability to communicate through high-quality scientific channels, e.g. WoS publications (A1).

Personal knowledge and skills

• A strong interest in inter/multi-disciplinary applied science.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with team members from different backgrounds and in different research areas.
• Excellent skills for time management and the ability to meet objectives within strictly set deadlines.
• Good oral and written communication skills in English are strictly required (C1 level).
• Demonstrated ability to work efficiently.
• Outcome focused, hands-on mentality.
• Willingness to travel internationally for project meetings and conferences.
• Willingness to apply for scholarships to obtain additional funding.

How to apply

Submission and closing date
Applications must be sent via email to cmet.recruitment@UGent.be as pdf or word documents, with in the subject line mentioning “SUPROSEA_PhD”. Final closing date is July 13th 2022 (23h59 CET), but applications will be regularly reviewed prior to the deadline, hence, early application is recommended.

Application files
1. Cover Letter. The cover letter should include the position reference, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity -in not more than one page- to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role, taking into account the required skills.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience that covers the following areas:

• Educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended;
• Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements;
• Research fields and current interests, publications (full list as attachment with three most significant marked with an asterisk, also indicating impact factors and Quartiles according to Web of Science), research grants awarded.
• The names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail) of three referees, including if possible a senior person (preferably your supervisor, manager or head of organisational unit) closely associated with your current work. A referee must be able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria.

3. Selection Criteria. A statement addressing how each of the selection criteria has been met is required to assist the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications, knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.

Selection process

• A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for interview who appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest levels. They will be invited to attend an interview and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be notified accordingly.
• An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the selection criteria or demonstrate your capabilities. Please note that for some positions interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance.
• The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior to interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence, factual information about your past work history, as well as opinions regarding the quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the position. Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e-mail.
• If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position, before you receive a written offer of appointment.

More information regarding this position
Please contact CMET recruitment: cmet.recruitment@UGent.be