PhD Student

Last application date

Jan 08, 2021 11:18

Department

LA23 - Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health

Employment category

Doctoral fellow

Contract

Limited duration

Degree

A Master's degree in (applied) engineering sciences or Bio-engineering sciences

Occupancy rate

100%

Vacancy Type

Research staff

Job description

The PhD-student will be part of the ongoing research in which vegetable and potato processing companies strive for a production process that is as sustainable as possible, next of being of high quality and safety.

This vacancy is part of a recently approved 4-year EU project (H2020) Fairchain and is anchored with the VEG-i-TEC activities, located on the Kortrijk Campus of Ghent University. VEG-i-TEC is a testing ground for applied research, training and demonstrations to innovate and optimize production processes for and with the vegetable and potato processing industry (www.ugent.be/vegitec).

An innovative packaging machine for small and medium-sized players will be developed together with the Food Microbiology and Preservation Research Group, as well as with the participating companies and research institutions of the project. Attention will be paid to various aspects such as hygienic design, cleaning and disinfection (CIP), air quality, sustainable packaging.

Our offer:

• A PhD position of 1 year, which is extended with a maximum of 3 years after positive evaluation. For more about doctoral studies at Ghent University, see https://www.ugent.be/phd/en and https://www.ugent.be/en/work/phd/bursaryabc.htm.
• An exciting research environment at the interface of theory and application in the interdisciplinary field of packaging technology.
• The opportunity to participate in international collaborations and conferences.

Profile of the candidate

• You have a Master's degree (or equivalent) in (applied) engineering sciences or Bio-engineering sciences with regard to bioprocess technology and / or food technology, or Master of Science in Bio-industrial Sciences: Biochemistry, or Master of Science in Biosciences: food industry or equivalent with knowledge of food production technology. The candidate is considered to be in possession of the relevant diploma at the time of commencement of employment.
• You have knowledge of food process technology. Previous experience with practical experiments (eg in the context of a master's thesis or internship) is a plus.
• Highly motivated to do a PhD and has a passion for scientific research
• You can rely on excellent laboratory skills. You are further motivated and have a hands-on mentality.
• You have knowledge of setting up and executing experimental designs and you are not afraid to process your data in a structural (statistical) way.
• You have an open attitude, you are structural and critical where necessary.
• You can work independently and take initiative where necessary. You can also function as one of the links within the already present and multidisciplinary team.
• You have excellent Dutch and English language skills, both written and oral. You can use these for oral presentations as well as for written reports (towards companies, as well as within a scientific context).
• Willing to travel internationally.

How to apply

Your application must include the following documents:

• your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• A short (max 2 pages) letter of motivation explaining why you apply for the PhD. The letter should also describe aspects of your educational background and experience that would be of value for your research project. your application letter in pdf format (describe your values and provide ample examples for the criteria under “what we are looking for”)
• a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Imca Sampers (imca.sampers@UGent.be, +32 (0) 56/32 20 10) or Prof. Frank Devlieghere (frank.devlieghere@ugent.be 09/2646177). Please note: send your application by e-mail, early application is highly recommended. Put in the subject of your mail “PhD_application Fairchain”.

After an initial selection based on the applications received, an interview will take place in December 2020 - January 2021.