"Ph.D. on the development of a novel delivery for multi-species oral probiotics"

Ph.D. on the development of a novel delivery for multi-species oral probiotics

_(ref. BAP-2025-477)_

_Laatst aangepast: 22/07/25_

The Periodontology and Oral Microbiology (P&OM) research group focusses on a broad variety of subjects in understanding and treating the dysbiosis occurring in oral disease, more specifically gum disease. Being a pioneer in probiotics for oral health, P&OM is renown for our continuing contributions to the field.

Two core research lines is (1) the effects of known and novel antimicrobials on the microbiome, and their interplay with (2) promicrobials such as probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Promicrobials are increasingly being used, but frequently improperly, which we aim to address.

The research group is part of the department of Oral Health Sciences (OHS) in the group of Biomedical Sciences at KU Leuven.

[Website van de eenheid](https://gbiomed.kuleuven.be/english/research/50000644/research/periodontology-oral-microbiology)

Project

Ph.D. position: “Development of a slow release device for orally adapted multi-species probiotics to be used as a novel treatment concept for periodontitis.”

This project is part of a 2 Ph.D. project in which you will together with another candidate will develop the novel delivery device and test novel probiotics to discover new candidates and combine them into a multispecies composition to better treat periodontitis. This Ph.D. will focus on the latter. You will work closely with the other candidate who will be supervised by prof. Kristel Bernaerts at Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety (CREaS).

The project will start on the 1st of October.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Bioinformatics, Bioengineering, Biology, Biotechnology, Biomedical sciences, Pharmaceutical sciences
• You are interested in combining bioengineering, programming and biomedical sciences
• High level of English proficiency
• Wet lab experience: bacterial and human cell culture
• Programming knowledge
• Experience in microbial sequencing is a plus
• Establishing metabolic interaction network models is a plus
• Critical thinker, independent worker and a team player

Offer

• 4-year Ph.D. research fellow position in a innovative research environment to obtain a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
• Collaboration with UGent (prof. Nico Boon; CMET) and the possibility to acquire a joint Ph.D. in Bioengineering
• Competitive salary complemented with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.)
• Several occasions to develop your scientific and personal skills
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the heart of Europe. The university is in Leuven, a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km) and 15 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry lead to a safe town with a high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch-speaking people, and ample opportunities for social and sports activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some ingredients, that make the University of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe.

[KU Leuven University](https://www.kuleuven.be/english/kuleuven/ )

Interested?

For more information please contact Dr. Wannes Van Holm, mail: wannes.vanholm@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Wim Teughels, mail: wim.teughels@kuleuven.be.

You can apply for this job no later than September 22, 2025 via the [online application tool](http://www.kuleuven.be/eapplyingforjobs/light/60515469)

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at [this email address.](https://www.kuleuven.be/wieiswie/en/person/ue715673)