PhD in Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, studying microbiome communities of cyanide, hexachlorocyclohexane and petroleum

PhD Student

Last application dateJul 31, 2022 00:00DepartmentWE10 – Department of Biochemistry and MicrobiologyContractLimited durationDegreeMaster degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Bioscience Engineering, Biology, Microbiology).Occupancy rate100%Vacancy typeResearch staff

Job description

In the frame of a funded EU project entitled “MIBIREM – Toolbox for Microbiome based Remediation”, the Laboratory of Microbiology (research group of Professor P. Vandamme – https://www.ugent.be/we/biochemicro/en/research/microbiology/vandamme.htm) wants to recruit a new PhD student.

Soil and groundwater microbiomes have a high potential to improve degradation of organic contaminants, a process called bioremediation. The MIBIREM project brings together 12 European partners from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, representing academia and industry, and aims to generate a TOOLBOX to develop applications for bioremediation microbiomes.

Within this project, our team recruits a new PhD student who will be studying microbiome communities of cyanide, hexachlorocyclohexane and petroleum hydrocarbons – polluted environments together with visiting scientists from partner labs. A major aim is the development of protocols for microbiome preservation and quality control. To this end we will use techniques as diverse as high-throughput culturomics, long-read 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, bacterial whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics, qPCR, flow cytometry, etc.

Funding is available for a four years PhD stipend. The successful candidate should preferably start October 1, 2022 to join our kick-off meeting in Vienna. Candidates who will be finishing their master studies in the 2021-2022 academic year are encouraged to apply.

Job profile

• You hold a master’s degree in Life Sciences (e.g. Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biotechnology, Bioscience Engineering, Biology), or a discipline that is declared admissible by the selection committee, or an equivalent degree.
• You have a strong interest in microbiology, and had theoretical and practical training.
• Experience in bioinformatics and/or bioremediation has a strong added value.
• You are an active team player with a strong sense of autonomy.
• You are fluent in Dutch or English

How to apply

All applications must be received no later than August 15, 2022, at Peter.Vandamme@ugent.be with the following documents attached as one file:

• application letter
• curriculum vitae
• a transcript of the required degree
• names and contact details of at least two reference persons
• an English language certificate if a non-Dutch speaking person applies

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.