PhD student Study of Microbial Ecology in Barrel-Aged Sour Beers (M/V/X)

Job title:

PhD student Study of Microbial Ecology in Barrel-Aged Sour Beers (M/V/X)

Company

Job description

Offer DescriptionThe 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.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).

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). For more information please contact Prof. dr. Sam Crauwels, tel.: +32 16 37 66 25, mail: .Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Biological sciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalentResearch Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentResearch Field Engineering » Industrial engineering Years of Research Experience NoneAdditional InformationBenefitsAfter 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).Eligibility criteriaThe 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).

Selection processFor more information please contact Prof. dr. Sam Crauwels, tel.: +32 16 37 66 25, mail: .Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU LEUVEN Country Belgium City Leuven GeofieldContact CityLeuvenSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant

Job date

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:03:26 GMT

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your email/cover letter where (jobsineu.net) you saw this job posting.