Last application date Jul 13, 2024 00:00
Department LA25 - Department of Biotechnology
Contract Limited duration
Degree A Master degree in microbiology, biotechnology, bioscience engineering or equivalent, completed before the start date of the position, with excellent grades.
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
Project “Efficient fermentative isobutyric acid production integrated with advanced adsorptive separation”
Opportunity for a PhD position
Project abstract
Flanders is heavily dependent on imported raw materials, mainly fossil fuels, which has significant economic and environmental implications. Transitioning to a circular and bio-based economy is crucial to improve self-sufficiency and reduce environmental impact. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in waste management practices. The focus has moved from traditional waste disposal to reclaiming and repurposing residual streams into valuable resources and materials. While energy generation from waste has been a priority, there is emerging interest in converting organic waste into chemicals and materials.
The EFFECTIVE project addresses this need. It aims to develop technologies and processes to bridge gaps in the organic waste-to-products value chain. The project includes the development of a fermentation process for the conversion of waste streams to isobutyric acid, and the application of novel technologies for product separation and purification. In addition to experimental advancements, the project evaluates the technical, economic, and circular aspects of the process. It stands at the forefront of scientific research in bio-based chemical production, laying the groundwork for a new generation of processes to convert organic waste into bio-based chemicals.
EFFECTIVE is a collaborative VUB-UGent project. This PhD position will focus on the bioconversion part of the project.
Type of employment
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY – CMET
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
The Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) formerly LabMET; www.CMET.UGent.be) is part of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, a top 100 university in most rankings. CMET has over 40 years of experience in the study of applied microbial processes and microbial ecology in the contexts of waste(water) treatment, bioremediation, bioproduction, bioelectrochemistry and resource recovery. It is one of the top performing centres worldwide in its field and links excellent basic science with application, leading to high level peer-reviewed outputs besides commercial outcomes including 7 spin-off companies over time. Reactor and process developments go from millilitre scale to full scale industrial. Prof. Ramon Ganigué leads a group of 12 PhD students and 4 postdocs, and will be the UGent promotor of this PhD project. CMET is a very multidisciplinary team and has a very international atmosphere.
Background and experience
Scientific knowledge and skills
Personal knowledge and skills
Submission and closing date
Applications must be sent via email to cmet.recruitment@UGent.be as pdf or word documents, with in the subject line mentioning “EFFECTIVE_PhD”. Final closing date is July 13th 2024 (23h59 CET), but applications will be regularly reviewed prior to the deadline, hence, early application is recommended.
Application files
1. Cover Letter. The cover letter should include the position reference, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity -in not more than one page- to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role, taking into account the required skills.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae. A resume is a brief history of your employment and experience that covers the following areas:
3. Selection Criteria. A statement addressing how each of the selection criteria has been met is required to assist the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications, knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.
Selection process
More information regarding this position
Please contact CMET recruitment: cmet.recruitment@UGent.be
Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.
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