Doctoral scholarship holder industrial biotechnology and biochemical engineering

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 Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Industrial Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the Biochemical Engineering. In this challenging research project, you will investigate the simultaneous detoxification of and microbial oil production from a lignocellulosic waste stream using fungi. A variety of techniques will be evaluated including flocculation, immobilisation using innovative support materials, fungal coculture techniques and adaptive laboratory evolution.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks in the field of Industrial Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Biochemical Engineering Technology, Bioscience Engineering or equivalent or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have a strong interest in scientific research and a strong perseverance.
• You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• Experience in fermentation as well as bioreactor technology is a plus.
• Also knowledge of the engineering software Matlab is an advantage.
• You have excellent knowledge of the English language, in both oral and written communication.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another period of two years.
• The planned start date is 1 November 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 19 August 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • your diploma and diploma supplements
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. 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. Please note the following date in your calendar: Tuesday 27 August 2024 (selection interviews).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Iris Cornet, iris.cornet@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are 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.