PhD Position in Bioscience Engineering
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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.

Research Focus (UAntwerp Position)

• 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

• Master’s degree in:

  • Bioscience Engineering

  • Biochemical Engineering (environmental/industrial focus)

  • Applied or Microbial Biotechnology

  • Or equivalent applied life sciences discipline

• Strong interest in microbial biotechnology and sustainability

• Solid background in:

  • Bioprocess engineering

  • Applied microbiology

  • Sterile laboratory techniques

• Familiarity with:

  • Chromatography, microscopy

  • Molecular biology methods

• 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

• 4-year doctoral scholarship

  • 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

• Flexible working hours

• Internet allowance

• Bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement

• Access to:

  • Antwerp Doctoral School training programmes

  • 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:

• Motivation letter (mandatory)

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.
Email applications will not be considered.

Contacts

• Scientific questions:

  • Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck – siegfried.vlaeminck@uantwerpen.be

  • Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue – luis.diazallegue@uantwerpen.be

• Administrative questions: jobs@uantwerp.be

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