The Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management of Campus Group T (PME&BIM; Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics; Department Microbial and Molecular Systems) is a member of the Leuven Institute for Beer Research (LIBR), and is internationally recognized for its expertise in microbial ecology and industrial microbiology. Within the research group an important focus is on spontaneous fermentations and maturation of food and alcoholic beverages.
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Project
The maturation of beer in wooden barrels, or the use of wood alternatives, has in recent years regained the interest of both the beer industry and consumers. This process can add various flavors or aromatic components to the beer, originating either from the wood itself or from the microbial community present in the wooden barrel or in the beer. In recent years, several studies have provided important insights into the use of wood in the brewing process and the role of microorganisms in it. Within the research group, an in vitro system was developed that allows the process to be efficiently studied, manipulated, and monitored. In this way, the patterns and underlying mechanisms in the complex interaction between beer style, wood, and microorganisms can be uncovered.
The in vitro system offers the possibility to study the influence of various variables—such as wood type, beer type, maturation temperature, the composition of the microbial community, and their interactions—on the quality of the wood-matured beer. The formation and modification of flavor and aroma components will be monitored using metabolomics. The composition and dynamics of the microbial communities will be investigated using innovative RNA- and DNA-based techniques such as metagenetics, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics.
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated PhD student to conduct innovative scientific research in the field of microbial ecology and applied bioinformatics. The use of various -omics tools means that the ideal candidate must not only possess excellent laboratory skills but also have a strong interest in delving into the field of applied bioinformatics in order to analyze the large volumes of data generated.
The research activities will lead to a PhD at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering (KU Leuven) and have a clear practical applicability. Interim results will be published in scientific articles. The candidate will also report to interested companies and potential users of the results. The researcher will be part of an extensive international research team and will have the opportunity to collaborate with fellow researchers, students, companies, pilot-scale breweries, and other research institutions.
Profile
The candidate:
- Holds a Master's degree in Engineering Technology, Bioscience Engineering, or Biology.
- Has a strong interest in and knowledge of the research domains of microbiology, microbial ecology, and applied bioinformatics.
- Is communicative and willing to report on their research at (inter)national conferences, on social media, and through teaching.
- Is willing to supervise students during group projects, bachelor's or master's theses.
- Is willing to provide support in teaching activities.
- Is flexible, takes initiative, is self-directed, yet also a team player.
- Thinks in terms of solutions, not problems.
- Is collaboration-oriented and has an interdisciplinary mindset.
- An excellent command of English is required; knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
- Experience in conducting experimental research is an asset.
- Experience with bioinformatics tools, programming, and/or working in a Linux environment is a plus, as is a good knowledge of brewing technology (and/or food technology).
Offer
After an initial screening, suitable candidates will be invited for an interview, scheduled for the week of August 25th (2025). The final appointment will be made following these interviews. The selected candidate will be hired as a doctoral fellow with an initial one-year contract, extendable up to four years subject to positive evaluation. The workplace is the Laboratory of Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management in Heverlee (Leuven, Belgium).
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sam Crauwels, tel.: +32 16 37 66 25, mail: [email protected].
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