PhD Position in Bioscience Engineering

Polytechnicpositions; Antwerpen; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading academic institution in Belgium is seeking a PhD candidate in Bioscience Engineering to join the PurpleSpark project. The role includes conducting research on microbial biotechnology, collaborating with international teams, and publishing findings. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a solid background in microbiology and bioprocess engineering and possess excellent English communication skills. Offers competitive stipends, professional development, and a diverse research environment.

Prestations

Competitive doctoral stipend

40 days of annual leave

Bicycle allowance or full transport reimbursement

Access to professional development courses

Qualifications

• Strong interest in microbial biotechnology and sustainability.
• Solid background in bioprocess engineering and applied microbiology.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics is an advantage.

Responsabilités

• Conduct doctoral research leading to a PhD in Bioscience Engineering.
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments.
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.

Connaissances

Microbial Biotechnology

Bioprocess Engineering

Applied Microbiology

Teamwork

Problem-Solving

Formation

PhD in Bioscience Engineering

Degree in Biochemical Engineering

Degree in Applied or Microbial Biotechnology

Description du poste

Department: Bioscience Engineering
Faculty: Science
Institution: University of Antwerp (UAntwerp), Belgium
Employment Type: Full-time (Doctoral scholarship)
Project: PurpleSpark (UAntwerp – Wageningen University & Research collaboration)
Start Date: 1 April 2026 (or as soon as possible)
Application Deadline: 19 January 2026

Project Overview

This PhD position is part of PurpleSpark, a collaborative research project between:

University of Antwerp (UAntwerp) – focus on purple biotechnology

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) – focus on microbial electrochemistry

The project aims to advance photobioelectrochemical systems and high-value bioproduct formation using purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB). Two PhD candidates will work in close collaboration, including mutual research secondments.

This vacancy concerns the UAntwerp-based PhD, embedded in the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) research group and the BioCLEAR team.

Isolation and cultivation of specialised N₂-fixing purple phototrophic bacteria

Investigation of process conditions affecting PPB growth, composition, and performance

Mechanistic understanding of:

Electron donor and acceptor fluxes

Biomass retention and biofilm formation

Metabolic efficiency and product quality

Applications in feed and food biotechnology

Integration of controlled lab experiments with advanced analytical techniques

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct doctoral research leading to a PhD in Bioscience Engineering
• Design, execute, and interpret laboratory experiments
• Analyse growth performance, substrate utilisation, and biomass quality
• Collaborate intensively with the WUR PhD candidate
• Complete two 3-month secondments at the partner institution
• Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals
• Present findings at national and international conferences
• Actively participate in project meetings and SUSTAIN group activities

Required Profile

• Bioscience Engineering
• Biochemical Engineering (environmental/industrial focus)
• Applied or Microbial Biotechnology
• Strong interest in microbial biotechnology and sustainability
• Solid background in:
• Bioprocess engineering
• Applied microbiology
• Familiarity with:
• Bioinformatics experience is an advantage (not required)
• Hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset
• Strong written and spoken English
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• High standards for laboratory safety, integrity, and quality

What the University of Antwerp Offers

Initial 1-year appointment, renewable for 3 years after positive evaluation

Competitive doctoral stipend (official Flemish rates)

40 days of annual leave + Christmas/New Year closure week

Bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement

Access to:

Professional development courses and workshops

International research environment with strong industry links

Supportive, young, and diverse research team

Good coffee (or tea ☕)

Application & Selection Process

Required document:

Application deadline: 19 January 2026 (local time)

Interview dates (fixed):

First interview: 28 January 2026 (morning)

Second interview: 13 February 2026 (morning, preferably in person)

Applications must be submitted via the UAntwerp online job portal.

In your application, please refer to Polytechnicpositions.com