Siegfried Vlaeminck
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Postdoctoral Fellow in Phototrophic Bioprocess Engineering and Microalgal Bioprocesses University of Antwerp in Belgium
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Environmental Science
Funding
Fully funded postdoctoral scholarship for a total duration of two years, with extension for an additional one year after positive evaluation in year one. Monthly scholarship amount is determined according to the rates applicable to postdoctoral fellows. Additional benefits include 40 days of annual leave, one week of collective closure between Christmas and New Year, internet connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
Deadline
Jul 6, 2026
Country
Belgium
University
University of Antwerp
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About this position
Postdoctoral fellow in phototrophic bioprocess engineering at the University of Antwerp, Belgium.
This fully funded postdoctoral opportunity is hosted in the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) research group within the Department of Bioscience Engineering, Faculty of Science. The position contributes to the BIOVAL / BioVal Horizon Europe project, an international multi-partner research and innovation action focused on developing near-zero-waste biorefinery concepts using microalgae and bacterial gas fermentation to convert residual biomass and captured CO₂ into lipids, pigments, antioxidants, and other high-value bioproducts.
The main research focus is phototrophic bioprocess engineering with emphasis on aerobic photomixotrophic growth of microalgae. The successful candidate will optimize cultivation conditions, test single- and multi-stage systems, evaluate stress factors, and develop downstream processing strategies for extraction and purification of lipids and pigments, including astaxanthin. The role involves designing, performing, and interpreting laboratory experiments, contributing to process development and scale-up, preparing manuscripts and reports, and participating in project meetings and scientific conferences.
Eligibility highlights: a PhD in bioscience engineering, chemical/biochemical engineering, applied biological sciences, or biotechnology; strong experience in bioprocess engineering and preferably microalgal cultivation; knowledge of downstream processing and analytical methods such as chromatography, microscopy, and molecular biology; hands-on skills in biomass drying and cell disruption; first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals; excellent English communication and teamwork skills.
Funding and duration: postdoctoral scholarship for 2 years, extendable by 1 year after positive evaluation. The monthly scholarship follows the university’s postdoctoral rates. Benefits include annual leave, a holiday closure period, internet allowance, and commuting support.
Application window: apply online by 6 July 2026 (midnight Antwerp time). Required attachments include a motivation letter, CV, and a statement about willingness to compete for additional research funding. Email applications are not accepted.
Funding details
Fully funded postdoctoral scholarship for a total duration of two years, with extension for an additional one year after positive evaluation in year one. Monthly scholarship amount is determined according to the rates applicable to postdoctoral fellows. Additional benefits include 40 days of annual leave, one week of collective closure between Christmas and New Year, internet connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD degree in bioscience engineering, chemical or biochemical engineering with a focus on industrial and/or environmental applications, or an equivalent degree in applied biological sciences or biotechnology. Required or strongly preferred experience includes bioprocess engineering, ideally axenic cultivation of microorganisms and microalgae, downstream processing, extraction and purification of pigments and other bioactive compounds, and analytical techniques such as chromatography, microscopy, and molecular biology. Hands-on experience with biomass drying, mechanical cell disruption (e.g. high-pressure homogenization, bead milling), and recovery of high-value metabolites is expected. Candidates should have first-author publications in peer-reviewed Web of Science journals, excellent English communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to support BSc/MSc students.
How to apply
Apply through the University of Antwerp online job application platform before the deadline. Complete the online form and upload a motivation letter, academic CV, and a statement confirming willingness to actively compete for additional research funding. Do not apply by email.
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