Siegfried Vlaeminck

The University of Antwerp SUSTAIN group, in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, is recruiting two full-time PhD candidates for the Purple Spark project, funded by the NWO–FWO WEAVE program. The research focuses on biobased sustainability engineering, specifically investigating the metabolism and bioproduction potential of purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB) for sustainable microbial technologies. One PhD position is based at the University of Antwerp, supervised by Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue, and centers on purple biotechnology, including the isolation and optimization of N₂-fixing PPB for feed and food applications. The other PhD position is at Wageningen University, supervised by Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne, Dr. Tom Sleutels, and Dr. Sanne de Smit, focusing on microbial electrochemistry and the influence of electron inputs on phototrophic metabolism and nitrogen fixation. Both PhD researchers will collaborate closely, including two three-month research stays at the partner institution to foster interdisciplinarity and knowledge exchange. The Antwerp-based position involves systematic laboratory experiments and advanced analytical approaches to understand how process conditions affect PPB growth, composition, and metabolic efficiency, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and industrial biotechnology. The SUSTAIN research group is internationally recognized for its work in environmental and industrial biotechnology, cleantech, and the development of added-value microbial products such as pigments and antioxidants. Applicants should have a master’s degree in bioscience engineering, biochemical engineering, applied microbiology, microbial biotechnology, or a related field. Required skills include laboratory experience, sterile technique, and familiarity with analytical methods like chromatography, microscopy, and molecular biology. Strong English proficiency and interpersonal skills are essential. The position offers a four-year doctoral scholarship, with renewal after a positive evaluation, and includes benefits such as annual leave, transport allowances, flexible working hours, and access to professional development opportunities. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job portal by January 19, 2026, including a letter of motivation. Interviews are scheduled for January 28 and February 13, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck or Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

The University of Antwerp is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join the SUSTAIN Research Group, focusing on sustainability engineering and life cycle assessment (LCA) for manure management. This position is embedded within the Bioscience Engineering Department, which is renowned for its interdisciplinary research at the interface of food, water, and nutrients, and is a core member of several innovation and valorization platforms including BioCLEAR, Enviromics, BlueApp, CAPTURE, and the MELiSSA programme of the European Space Agency. The successful candidate will work in the environmental systems analysis and engineering cluster led by Professors Marc Spiller and Siegfried Vlaeminck. The research will center on quantitative environmental sustainability assessments of novel manure management solutions, with a primary focus on treatment and processing, and consideration of collection, storage, logistics, and land application. Resource recovery technologies, especially for pig manure (with potential expansion to cattle and poultry), will be a key area of exploration. The role involves applying life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, conducting mass and energy balances, and potentially engaging in material flow analysis (MFA). Costing and method development at the MFA/LCA interface may also be included, such as identifying marginal suppliers for consequential LCA modeling. The position offers the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, prepare research progress reports, and participate in national and international conferences, project meetings, and workshops. The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to research support tasks, including proposal writing for funding acquisition, and may tutor and co-supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students. Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as sustainability engineering, environmental systems analysis, industrial ecology, systems engineering, environmental engineering or technology, environmental science(s), agronomy, agricultural engineering or technology, bioscience engineering, (bio)chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Required qualifications include demonstrable experience in LCA using software like SimaPro, OpenLCA, or Activity Browser, and co-authorship of quantitative sustainability assessment papers. Programming skills (especially Brightway 2 and Python), knowledge of process technology and emissions from liquid waste streams, and experience with MFA, sustainable livestock husbandry, and resource recovery for manure or wastewater are desirable. Candidates should have first-author publications in Web of Science-indexed journals, excellent English communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, time management, creativity, independence, and alignment with the university’s research ethics. The position is funded by a postdoctoral scholarship for one year, with the possibility of renewal until the end of 2028 or later, depending on research funding availability. The net monthly scholarship is approximately 3000 EUR, with 40 days of annual leave, a week of collective closure during Christmas and New Year, and commuting benefits such as a bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement. The working environment at the Groenenborgercampus is safe, green, and flexible, fostering creativity, self-realization, and independent thinking. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all employees. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 26 January 2026, including a compulsory letter of motivation. Email applications are not accepted. The selection process includes two rounds of interviews scheduled for 4 and 11 February 2026. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For job-related inquiries, contact Professors Marc Spiller ([email protected]) and Siegfried Vlaeminck ([email protected]). This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainability engineering, develop new skills, and build a broad network of industrial and scientific partners while addressing urgent societal challenges in environmental management and resource recovery.

Two fully funded PhD positions are available in the field of microbial biotechnology, with a focus on bioprocess engineering and microbial electrochemistry. The positions are part of the PurpleSpark initiative, aiming to advance research in purple biotechnology and industrial microbial systems. One position is based at the University of Antwerp, focusing on bioprocess engineering, while the other is at Wageningen University & Research, specializing in microbial electrochemistry. Supervision will be provided by a team of leading academics, including Siegfried Vlaeminck, Annemiek Ter Heijne, Luis Allegue, Tom Sleutels, and Sanne de Smit. The research will involve laboratory work on microbial systems, with applications in environmental and industrial biotechnology. Applicants should have a relevant master's degree and a strong interest in microbial research. Both positions are fully funded, though specific financial details are not provided. The application deadline is January 18, 2026. Interested candidates should apply through the respective university job portals linked in the announcement. This is an excellent opportunity for students passionate about microbial biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, and environmental systems to join leading research teams in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The University of Antwerp’s Department of Bioscience Engineering is offering a full-time PhD position in purple engineering, focusing on the biotechnology of purple phototrophic bacteria. This opportunity is part of the PurpleSpark project, a collaborative initiative with Wageningen University & Research, combining expertise in microbial electrochemistry and purple biotechnology. The successful candidate will join the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) research group, working under the supervision of Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue. The research centers on the isolation and bioproduction potential of specialized N₂-fixing purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB). The project aims to systematically study how process conditions affect PPB growth, composition, and performance, using controlled laboratory experiments and advanced analytical techniques. A key research goal is to achieve a mechanistic understanding of how electron donor and acceptor fluxes influence biomass retention, biofilm formation, and metabolic efficiency, with applications in feed and food production. As a PhD candidate, you will be responsible for developing, executing, and interpreting laboratory experiments, analyzing growth performance, substrate utilization, and biomass quality. You will collaborate closely with a parallel PhD student at Wageningen University, including two three-month research stays at the partner institution to foster interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. Active participation in national and international conferences, project meetings, and workshops is encouraged and supported. The SUSTAIN research group is dynamic, international, and committed to developing clean solutions for environmental and industrial biotechnology. The team collaborates with industrial partners and participates in major European projects such as Purple4Life, PurpleGain, and BioVal, as well as tech transfer initiatives and research platforms like Enviromics and CAPTURE. Applicants should hold a master’s degree in bioscience engineering, biochemical engineering (environmental/industrial biotechnology), applied microbiology, microbial biotechnology, or a related field. Required skills include laboratory experience under sterile conditions, proficiency with analytical techniques (chromatography, microscopy, molecular biology), and strong English communication abilities. Bioinformatics is a plus but not mandatory. The ideal candidate is practical, hands-on, eager to learn, and committed to laboratory safety and teamwork. The position offers a four-year doctoral scholarship, renewable after a positive evaluation in the first year. Benefits include a monthly stipend, 40 days of annual leave, internet connectivity allowance, commuting support, access to professional development courses, flexible working hours, and a supportive, creative work environment. The planned start date is April 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job platform by January 19, 2026, including a letter of motivation. Selection interviews are scheduled for January 28 and February 13, 2026. The university values diversity and inclusivity, encouraging candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time PhD position in purple engineering, focusing on the bioproduction potential of specialized N₂-fixing purple phototrophic bacteria (PPB). This opportunity is part of the PurpleSpark project, a collaborative initiative between the Environmental Technology group at Wageningen University & Research and the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) group at UAntwerp. The project aims to advance photobioelectrochemical systems and develop high-value bioproducts using purple phototrophic bacteria. As a PhD candidate based at UAntwerp, you will join the Bioscience Engineering Department and work under the supervision of Professor Siegfried Vlaeminck and Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue. The research will involve systematic investigation of process conditions affecting PPB growth, composition, and performance. You will conduct controlled laboratory experiments and employ comprehensive analytical approaches to address key research questions, such as how electron donor and acceptor fluxes influence biomass retention, biofilm formation, and metabolic efficiency. The ultimate goal is to optimize microbial processes for feed and food applications. The SUSTAIN research group is recognized for its innovative work in environmental and industrial biotechnology, with a strong focus on sustainability and clean technology. The team collaborates with industrial partners and participates in major European projects, including Purple4Life, PurpleGain, and BioVal. You will benefit from a dynamic research environment, opportunities for collaboration, and planned secondments to Wageningen University. This position is funded through the Horizon Europe program and offers a competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with university and EU regulations. The University of Antwerp is a leading international institution, providing a vibrant academic community and state-of-the-art research facilities. Applicants should hold a Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field, such as applied microbiology, bioprocess engineering, biological sciences, or biomaterial engineering. Strong laboratory skills, analytical expertise, and experience in microbial electrochemistry or environmental biotechnology are highly desirable. Proficiency in English is required. The application deadline is January 19, 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via the University of Antwerp's academic staff vacancies portal, submitting a CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts. For more information, visit the official job posting or contact the department directly.