Microbial foods for sustainable nutrition

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Department Microbial and Molecular Systems Research Field Agricultural sciences » Agricultural products Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 31 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP
- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

This PhD project focuses on the development of microbial foods, with emphasis on bioprocess optimization, and downstream processing of microbial biomass for food applications. The project will investigate how cultivation conditions and food processing strategies can be used to steer biomass composition, functionality, and the presence of health-relevant compounds, with the broader aim of developing nutritious, sustainable, and functional microbial food ingredients.

A central aspect of the project will be the connection between bioproduction and food digestion. Microbial ingredients will be incorporated into model food systems and evaluated using in vitro digestion approaches to understand how processing and food microstructure affect macronutrient digestion and nutrient bioaccessibility. These results will feed back into bioprocess design and food processing strategies, creating an iterative framework to optimize both microbial ingredient production and their performance in food-relevant applications.

Your work will focus on:

• Optimizing microbial bioproduction processes to steer biomass composition, functionality, and the production of health-relevant compounds.
• Developing and evaluating downstream processing strategies to obtain stable, safe, and food-relevant microbial ingredients.
• Use of processing and formulation to impact nutritional functionality
• Evaluation of in vitro macronutrient digestion kinetics
• Study of interaction effects in complex food systems
• Statistical analysis

Your responsibilities will be:

• Your primary responsibility will be to carry out laboratory experiments and perform comprehensive analyses using state-of-the-art techniques. You will play an active role in the development, execution, and interpretation of experiments.
• Collaboration is integral. You will be an active member of the Food Microbiology research group, collaborating with the Laboratory of Food Technology and supporting fellow researchers and ongoing projects.
• You are expected to communicate your results through scientific publications, conference contributions and regular internal reports, and to engage actively in project meetings and training activities.
• You will supervise bachelor and master students.

We are looking for a PhD candidate which should fulfil the following requirements:

• You have a Master's degree in bioscience engineering, industrial biotechnology, applied microbiology, food science & technology or related discipline.
• You have a passion for microbes and sustainability, for sustainable microbial biotechnology at the interface of industrial and environmental applications, and you are highly motivated in a dynamic research environment.
• You have specific knowledge on bioprocess engineering, applied microbiology and microbial biotechnology, including general laboratory skills (proven experience working under sterile conditions) and familiarity with analytical techniques such as chromatography, microscopy, and with molecular biology methods.
• You have interest in food science and basic knowledge of colloidal chemistry.
• You are communicative, creative, eager to learn and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
• You are passionate about research with a critical, analytical and innovative mindset.
• You are familiar with general laboratory practices and have attention to details.
• You have good communication skills in written and spoken English.
• You are proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Having experience in performing in vitro digestion studies is a plus.

We offer:

• An attractive fully funded scholarship for 4 years of PhD research with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.), continuation after the first year is dependent upon a positive evaluation.
• The opportunity to develop scientific and personal skills via participation at trainings, workshops, and conferences (more information can be found here:  ).
• Supervision by recognized experts and access to (beyond) state-of-the-art research and infrastructure.
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the hearth of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km), and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry lead to a safe town with high quality of life, with a warm welcome to non-Dutch…