PhD Position for Identification of Structure-function Relationships in Methanogenic Microbiomes

Do you want to be the first to unravel structure function relationships in anaerobic microbiomes?

Job description

Anaerobic microbiomes play a crucial role in society, ranging from food fermentations, via the intestinal tract, towards waste bioprocessing in anaerobic digestors. In anaerobic microbiomes, substrates are converted to a diverse array of products in an extremely complex network of different microorganisms that cooperate to establish the conversions observed. Depending on the conditions imposed, different product formation pathways are established involving different guilds of microorganisms.

The objective of this project is to unravel the role of the different microorganisms in the microbiome to eventually obtain a quantitative description of the overall process. An experimental infrastructure, UNLOCK, has been established that enables parallelized high resolution phenotypic characterisation of microbiomes in bioreactors. Phenotypic characterisation will be combined with genotypic characterisation of the microbiomes in collaboration with UNLOCK partners in Wageningen.

This project combines laboratory bioreactor experiments with data processing and process modeling to obtain a quantitative description of the process as a result of the different guilds of microorganisms involved. Consequently, besides a clear affinity with laboratory experiments and microbial communities, a strong data and computational/modeling background is desirable. The modeling framework established in this project will contribute to a wide range of societal developments that depend on the understanding and control of anaerobic microbiomes.

Job requirements

MSc in life sciences, biotechnology, microbial ecology, or microbiology with a strong affinity for laboratory experiments and computational procedures for data processing and bioprocess modeling.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, staff provide high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.

Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students. Together, they create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences offers an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, the faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century.

Scientists conduct fundamental and applied research in fields including Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract includes an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate, you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.