Website KU Leuven (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven)
The Laboratory for Microbial Process Ecology and Control (PME&BIM, Centre for Microbial and Plant Genetics) belongs to Campus Group T and the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M2S), and is also a member of the Leuven Institute for Beer Research (LIBR). The research group is internationally recognized for its expertise in microbial ecology and industrial microbiology. A key research line focuses on understanding spontaneous fermentations and maturation processes of food and alcoholic beverages.
Project
The aging of beer in wooden barrels, or the use of wood alternatives, has regained the interest of both the beer industry and consumers in recent years. The process can add various flavors or aroma components to the beer, originating from the wood itself or from the microbial community present in the wooden barrel or in the beer. In recent years, various studies have yielded important insights into the use of wood in the brewing process and the role of microorganisms therein. 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 species, beer type, maturation temperature, composition of the microbial community, and interactions between them, on the quality of wood-matured beer. The formation and modification of flavor and aroma components will be monitored via 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 who will 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 to analyze the large amount of data generated.
The research activities will result in a PhD at the Faculty of Industrial Engineering (KU Leuven) and have a clear, practically applicable purpose. Interim results will be published in scientific articles. The candidate also reports 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 Industrial Engineering, Bioengineering, or Biology, or will soon obtain one.
- 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 your research at (inter)national conferences, on social media, and through education.
- Is willing to supervise students on group projects, bachelor’s or master’s theses. – Is willing to provide support with teaching assignments.
- Is flexible, shows initiative, and is self-directed, but is also a team player. – Thinks in solutions, not problems. – Is collaborative and has an interdisciplinary mindset.
- Excellent knowledge of Dutch and English is required. – Experience in conducting experimental research is a plus.
- Experience with bioinformatics tools, programming, and/or a Linux environment is a plus, as is a good knowledge of brewing technology (and/or food technology).
Offer
Following an initial selection, suitable candidates will be invited for an interview scheduled for the second half of June 2026. Final recruitment will take place after these interviews. The selected candidate will be hired as a doctoral fellow with an initial contract of 1 year, extendable to 4 years upon positive evaluation. The workplace is the Laboratory for Microbial and Process Ecology and Management in Heverlee (Leuven).
Interested?
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You can apply for this vacancy until 01/06/2026 via our online application system.
KU Leuven aims to be an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe community. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential in an ambitious research and teaching environment. In our pursuit of equal opportunities, we acknowledge the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, among other things, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national origin, skin colour, religious belief, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socio-economic status. If you have questions about accessibility or available support, we are happy to assist you at this email address .
Do you have a question about the online application procedure? Consult our frequently asked questions or send an email to solliciteren@kuleuven.be
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