Vrije Universiteit Brussel

PhD Student IMDO: Microbial Buttery Flavours

The Research Group Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (https://imdo.research.vub.be), Belgium, is looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to conduct doctoral research in the context of a VLAIO project with an industrial partner, entitled: “Closing the flavour gap between butter and margarine based on fermented plant-derived ingredients”.

The aim of this research project is to reduce the flavour gap between croissants made from laminated fat and traditional croissants made from butter. More specifically, the aim of this PhD research is to screen microbial strains and enzymes for the production of desired butter-mimicking flavours or the removal of unwanted off-flavours, using genomic and metabolic information. This microbial potential will then be investigated using fermentation strategies, both in the lab and on a pilot scale.

Profile

The candidate has a university degree at Master's level (Bioengineering or equivalent), with in-depth knowledge of and interest in (food) microbiology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, including hands-on experience with Linux and scripting (Python, R), fermentation technology, and/or food science and technology. Important additional qualifications are a sense of initiative and responsibility, group spirit, a hard-working attitude, perseverance, resistance to stress, and good communication and reporting skills. Good knowledge of the English language (spoken and written) is required.

We offer

The candidate will be embedded in a young, creative, dynamic, pluralistic, diverse and international working environment. Salary is paid according to the applicable scales for PhD students; benefits are granted according to the university's general benefits system (https://jobs.vub.be/content/Benefits/).

An application letter with curriculum vitae and a transcript of records can be sent to:

Prof. Dr. ir. Frédéric Leroy

Vrije Universiteit Brussel - IMDO - Pleinlaan 2 - B-1050 Brussels - Belgium

E-mail:frederic.leroy@vub.be-profile