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PhD Student Department of Biotechnology
Fixed-term Position 12 to 36 months • Ghent
Universiteit Gent | Ghent University
Government/ Charity/ Public Institution/ Other • 15K employees • Public / Government / Education / Armed Forc
Published on June 7, 2024
Start date Study level
Remote working
October 2024 Master level or equivalent Not specified
Last application date
Oct 01, 2024 00:00
Department
LA25 - Department of Biotechnology
Contract
Limited duration
Degree
A Master degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biomedical Sciences,
Biotechnology or equivalent, completed before the start date of the position,
with excellent grades.
Occupancy rate
100%
Vacancy type
Research staff
Job description
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY- CSB
The Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB, www.csb.ugent.be) is part of the Faculty of
Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, a top 100 university in most rankings.
CSB has a long tradition in in the application of synthetic biology for industrial
biotechnology, particularly directed towards the biocatalytic synthesis of
chemicals through either microbial fermentation or the use of isolated enzymes.
The area of expertise includes the screening for novel biocatalysts (enzymes and
micro-organisms), the optimisation of fermentation strains through metabolic
engineering, the engineering of enzymes through rational design and directed
evolution, as well as process development, up-scaling, and downstream
processing. Prof. De Mey leads a group of 8 PhD students and 5 postdocs and has a
strong track-record in translating her basic research into real-life applications,
including patents and spin-offs.
For the research group The Centre for Synthetic Biology we are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow
YOUR JOB
The continued spread of anti-microbial resistant bacterial pathogens together with
a lag in the development of suitable antibiotic alternatives set the alarm bells
ringing in public and animal health. The ImmunoKeys project brings together
experts in synthetic biology and animal immunology to engineer microbial cell
factories capable of producing structurally well-defined chitooligosaccharides with
optimal immunostimulating properties via an integrated Design-Build-Test-Learn
(DBTL) cycle. The obtained knowledge will lay the foundation for the development
of these glycans as innovative alternatives for antibiotics in animal health during
the duration of your PhD.
Job profile
Background and experience
Scientific researcher: A Master degree in Bioscience Engineering, Biomedical
Sciences, Biotechnology or equivalent, completed before the start date of the
position, with excellent grades.
Experience in the field of synthetic biology for microbial biotechnology will be
greatly appreciated.
Scientific knowledge and skills
Knowledge of microbial and industrial biotechnology.
Hands on experience in asceptic cultivation of microbes.
Hands on experience in microbial synthetic biology is a strong added value.
Ability to rigorously design experiments and to perform experiments under
well-controlled conditions.
Ability to work with analytics, such as chromatography, as well as experience
with microbial or cell line analyses.
Ability to rigorously design and perform experiments in a result-oriented and
thorough manner.
Ability to perform in-depth and critical data and statistical analysis.
Ability to communicate through high-quality scientific channels, e.g. WoS
publications (A1).
Personal knowledge and skills
A strong interest in inter/multi-disciplinary applied science.
Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with team members from
different backgrounds and in different research areas.
Excellent skills for time management and the ability to meet objectives within
strictly set deadlines.
Good oral and written communication skills in English are strictly required (C1
level).
Knowledge of Dutch is an asset but not a must
Demonstrated ability to work efficiently.
Outcome focused, hands-on mentality.
Willingness to travel internationally for project meetings and conferences.
Willingness to apply for scholarships to obtain additional funding.
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 can start as soon as possible
The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal
family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the
Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and
seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for
doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for
more information about our salary scales
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 (in Dutch).
How to apply
Submission and closing date
Applications must be sent via email to Prof. Marjan De Mey
(
[email protected]) and Dr. Chiara Guidi (
[email protected]) as pdf or
word documents, with in the subject line mentioning “vacancy ImmunoKeys_PhD”.
Final closing date is 1st of October 2024 (23h59 CET), but applications will be
regularly reviewed prior to the deadline, hence, early application is recommended
Application files
1. Cover Letter, named as “CoverLetter_Family name”. The cover letter should
include the position reference, your contact address, email and telephone number.
It is an opportunity -in not more than one page- to introduce yourself and highlight
the key reasons you should be considered for the role, taking into account the
required skills.
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae, named as “CV_Familiy name”. A resume is a brief
history of your employment and experience 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.
3. Selection Criteria, named “SelectionCriteria_Family name”. A statement
addressing how each of the selection criteria has been met, is required to assist
the Selection Committee determine whether you have the relevant qualifications,
knowledge/skills, experience and personal qualities.
Selection process
A Selection Committee will consider all applications and shortlist candidates for
interview who appear to meet the selection criteria at the highest levels. They will
be invited to attend an interview and the remaining unsuccessful applicants will be
notified accordingly.
An invitation to attend an interview provides an opportunity to provide further
information to the Selection Committee to substantiate your claims against the
selection criteria or demonstrate your capabilities. Please note that for some
positions interviews may be conducted by teleconference in the first instance.
The Selection Committee will subsequently seek referee reports, if not sought prior
to interview, before making a decision to make an offer of appointment to the
preferred candidate. The purpose of referee checks is to obtain, in confidence,
factual information about your past work history, as well as opinions regarding the
quality of your work, behaviour in the work place and suitability for the position.
Referee reports may be sought orally, or for academic staff, in writing by post or e-
mail.
If you are the preferred candidate, you will receive a written offer of appointment to
the position. Do not take any action, such as resigning from your current position,
before you receive a written offer of appointment.
More information regarding this position
Please contact Prof. Marjan De Mey ([email protected]) or dr. Chiara Guidi
(
[email protected])
Application deadline Job Category
October 1 2024 Research & Development
