PhD Position in Bioscience Engineering

University of Antwerp

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@uantwerpen.be