Dear all, The Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO) of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (https://imdo.vub.ac.be), Belgium, is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to perform PhD research in the framework of the HealthFerm project (Horizon Europe; https://www.healthferm.eu/). The overall aim of this project is to unravel the interactions between the microbiota of cereal-based fermented foods, in particular sourdough and borş, and the human gut microbiome and health. More in detail, the PhD student will perform genotypic characterization of a selection of microorganisms obtained by the project consortium by means of advanced genome sequencing (second and/or third generation sequencing methodologies), gene prediction, and functional annotation. Genome-wide metabolic models will be made for a selection of promising microorganisms to better understand and predict their metabolism and physiology. The candidate needs to have a university degree at Master level (Bioengineering Sciences or an equivalent degree), 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 sense of initiative and responsibility, group spirit, motivation and dynamism, a hardworking attitude, persistence, and good communication and reporting skills. Good knowledge of the English language (spoken and written) is required. The candidate will be embedded in a young, creative, dynamic, pluralistic, diverse, and international working environment. Salary according to the applicable scales for PhD students. Benefits according to the university's general benefits scheme (https://jobs.vub.be/content/Benefits/). If interested, please contact and send your application letter with curriculum vitae and Transcript of Records to Prof. Dr. Stefan Weckx, stefan.weckx@vub.be<mailto:stefan.weckx@vub.be>. Thank you for spreading this vacancy announcement within your network. Best regards, Stefan Weckx [Logo VUB]<http://www.vub.ac.be/> Prof. Dr. Stefan WECKX Research Group of Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology Department of Bioengineering Sciences Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences Vrije Universiteit Brussel VUB - IMDO - Pleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brussels - Belgium T +32 (0)2 629 38 63 (direct) T +32 (0)2 629 32 45 (secretary) F +32 (0)2 629 27 20 E stefan.weckx@vub.be<mailto:stefan.weckx@vub.be> www.vub.be<http://www.vub.be/> - imdo.vub.ac.be<http://imdo.vub.ac.be/> - disclaimer<http://huisstijl.vub.ac.be/styleguide/disclaimer> [http://www.vub.ac.be/sites/vub/files/Handtekening/triangle.png]