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Wendy Meulebroeck
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Doctoral Fellowship in Multimodal Portable Units for Biofilm Monitoring and Inhibition Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months; first 36 months funded through an MSCA Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and where applicable Family Allowance; the fourth year is covered by the VUB research council with Flemish PhD salary scales applied.
Deadline
Jan 31, 2027
Country
Belgium
University
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
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Keywords
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About this position
The Brussels Photonics Team at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel is seeking a PhD candidate for an MSCA-supported doctoral project within the Glass-Care network. The research focuses on developing a portable fluorescence/Raman sensing unit for monitoring microbial colonisation on stained glass, together with a light-based pretreatment to inhibit biofilm formation.
The project sits at the intersection of photonics, spectroscopy, and heritage conservation. You will work on sensing strategies that can detect biofilm activity even in the presence of strong optical interference, while also exploring a spectrally tailored light distribution to suppress biofilm formation. The long-term aim is to support eco-friendly, non-destructive approaches for the conservation of fragile stained-glass surfaces.
The doctoral research is embedded in the Faculty of Engineering, within the Department of Applied Physics and Photonics and the Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT). You will join a collaborative, international environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities, network-wide training, summer schools, workshops, secondments abroad, and opportunities to present and publish research findings.
Supervision is provided by Prof. Wendy Meulebroeck. The position combines advanced research with limited teaching and outreach contributions, and it is based at VUB’s Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus in Elsene.
Funding details
Full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months; first 36 months funded through an MSCA Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and where applicable Family Allowance; the fourth year is covered by the VUB research council with Flemish PhD salary scales applied.
What's required
Applicants must hold a master’s degree in engineering sciences (Photonics, Electronics and Information Technology) or Applied Physics, or an equivalent degree recognised by the university, obtained before the official recruitment date. Candidates must be fluent in written and spoken English, able to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team, and demonstrate strong communication skills. Initial experience with spectroscopic analysis and optical data processing is desirable, hands-on laboratory setup experience is a strong advantage, and knowledge of microbiology is an asset. Candidates must also satisfy MSCA eligibility rules, including not having resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the three years before recruitment, not already holding a doctoral degree, and meeting permit/residence requirements for VUB.
How to apply
Apply via jobs.vub.be by 2027-01-31. Upload a motivation letter, CV, bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and diplomas, the completed Glass_Care_Application_Questionnaire.pdf, a project proposal aligned with the Glass-Care objectives, two referees’ contact details, and any optional supporting documents such as language certificates or publications.
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Professors
Prof. at Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Belgium
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Archaeometry
Materials Science
Raman Spectroscopy
Physicochemical Analysis
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Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.