CMET

Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology

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VACANCIES: PhD candidates with expertise in methanogenesis or sulphate reduction

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For the CMET research group we are looking for two Doctoral fellows

About Ghent University

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.

About CMET

The Center for Microbial Ecology and Technology (CMET) (www.CMET.UGent.be) is part of the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, as well as part of CAPTURE (www.capture-resources.be). 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 and resource recovery. CMET is well recognized worldwide in its field, and links excellent basic science with application, leading to a high level of peer reviewed publications, besides commercial outcomes, including several spin-off companies. Reactor and process developments go from millilitre scale to full industrial scale

Your job

A holistic approach to resource recovery from organic waste is critical for a successful bio-based circular economy in which anaerobic digestion for biogas production plays a central role. Hence, it is essential to gain a clear view on the critical role of the anaerobic digestion microbiome towards process stability and stress resistance. In the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) “Leveraging Anaerobic Digestion through environmental stresses (LeAD)” (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101168769), we are looking for two PhD candidates within the field of microbial ecology and technology with keen interest and expertise in methanogenesis (PhD candidate 1) and sulphate reduction (PhD candidate 2) in anaerobic digestion. Successful candidates will become part of the Architecture of Microbial Ecology and Engineering (AMiE2) research group, led by prof. Jo De Vrieze (Architecture of Microbial Ecology – CMET).

Job profile

  • You hold a master degree in science in the domain of Applied Biological Sciences, Biology or any related field;
  • You are interested in academic and/or project-based research and services;
  • You have excellent laboratory skills in bioreactor operation, applied microbiology, and microbial and molecular techniques in general;
  • You have knowledge of one or more of the following topics: water and wastewater treatment, bioreactor operation and bioprocessing, including basic reactor work and downstream processes;
  • Previous experience in working with methanogens and sulphate reducing bacteria is an asset;
  • You have skills in statistical data analysis, and are keen on developing these skills further. Basic knowledge of R is an asset;
  • You have experience in working anaerobically;
  • You have good scientific writing and communication skills in English (C1 level);
  • You are willing to travel abroad for meetings, workshops or conferences;
  • You are persistent and problem-solving oriented;
  • You are able to work independently, as well as in a team;
  • You are interested and motivated to work in an international team with people from different backgrounds.

What we can offer you

  • We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which – after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
  • Your contract will start on 01/09/2025 at the earliest, and latest by 1/11/2025 (starting date negotiable)
  • All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

Important: In light of the MSCA-DN Mobility Rules, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment.

The MSCA-DN Programme PhD Scholarship offers a monthly competitive salary to cover living allowance (a country correction coefficient applies to the living allowance to ensure equal treatment and purchasing power parity for all researchers; Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – European Commission), mobility allowance plus a family allowance (if applicable).

How to apply

Send your application to cmet.recruitment@ugent.be. Subject line of your mail should mention “MSCA-DN-LeAD”. The final closing date is April 30th (23h59 Brussels time) 2025. Candidates that will obtain their master degree before the 1st of October 2025 are also eligible. We do not accept late applications.

Your application must include the following documents:

  • A cover letter (max 1 page) that includes the position reference, your contact address and telephone number. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself and highlight the key reasons you should be considered for the role, taking into account the required skills.
  • Your CV in pdf format that covers the following areas:
    • Educational qualifications and professional affiliations that detail the full title of the qualification, the year awarded and the title of the institution attended;
    • Employment history in chronological order, starting with current position and specifying dates of employment, title of each position, name of employer, main duties or accountabilities and achievements;
    • Research fields and current interests, publications (full list as attachment with three most significant marked with an asterisk, also indicating impact factors and Quartiles according to Web of Science), research grants awarded;
    • The names and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail) of three referees, including, if possible, a senior person (preferably your supervisor, manager or head of organisational unit) closely associated with your current work. A referee must be able to comment on your work experience, skills and performance with respect to the selection criteria.
  • A transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Jo De Vrieze (jo.devrieze@ugent.be)