The Research Group for Insect Production and Processing (IP&P) is part of the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems (M²S) and is located at KU Leuven, Campus Geel, Belgium. Our research focuses on the production, processing and use of insects for human food and feed, as a source of biochemicals and as actors in upgrading organic waste streams. We focus on knowledge gaps throughout the insect value chain and work closely with national and international research groups and industrial partners. This vacancy is linked to one of IP&P's research lines, which specifically focuses on investigating the importance of interactions between insects, their microorganisms and their environment within the insect value chain and how these interactions can be used to improve product yield, product quality, safety and stability.
KU Leuven is a research-oriented institution that consistently ranks among the top research universities in Europe. The campus in Geel is located in a green and rural environment, and works closely with research institutions and industry.
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Project
In the past ten years, the production of insects for food and feed is booming in Europe. Of particular interest are the larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF), who demonstrate a remarkable capacity to convert organic wastes into valuable nutrients. With the rise of this sector also emerged a variety of challenges and research questions. This PhD fits in ongoing research at IP&P that addresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of microbial diversity and dynamics in the gut of industrially produced insects and how these dynamics affect insect health and performance, using the black soldier fly (BSF, Hermetia illucens) as a model, under the supervision of Prof. Jeroen De Smet.
The open PhD position will address some of the main open questions to better understand these complex interactions, focusing in the first place on how the substrate changes over time (both chemically and microbiologically) in relation to the composition of the present (gut) microbiome. From these insights, the aim will be to isolate and characterize promising microbes with interesting functionalities that support desired processes in the substrate for downstream valorization efforts.
As a PhD researcher, you will conduct cutting-edge research in microbiology and insect production, working closely with Prof. De Smet and collaborating with colleagues within and beyond the research group. You will play an active role in the daily activities of the Research Group IP&P and develop the scientific and technical skills needed to address future challenges in the field. Your research will lead to a doctoral dissertation to be defended at the Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven. Throughout the programme, you will have opportunities to supervise bachelor's and master’s students, present at national and international conferences, and publish your findings in scientific journals, contributing to the broader academic and industrial community.
Profile
Our team is looking for a PhD candidate who should fulfill the following requirements:
- You have a master's degree and at least one award in the field of biosciences, bio-engineering, biology or equivalent. This degree must be obtained this academic year or obtained within the last 3 years at a university in the European Economic Area (EEA)
- You are interested in conducting research at the interface of life sciences, animal production, microbiology and feed technology.
- You are hands-on oriented and have a creative and critical approach
- You have good oral and written communication skills in English
- You can work independently, but also well in a team and show sufficient initiative.
- You are able to successfully complete doctoral research under supervision.
Offer
We offer a full-time, fixed-term position for 1 year, renewable up to a maximum of 4 years. The research is intended to result in a PhD after 4 years.
Our dynamic team will support you to successfully obtain a PhD degree via an in-depth scientific training at a top-ranked university. You will have opportunities to participate in national and international meetings and establish your own network, as well as to publish your results in respected academic journals. In addition, you receive career guidance and are encouraged to develop soft skills for science-adjacent careers in policy or communication via the Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd).
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. Jeroen De Smet, tel.: +32 16 37 95 27, mail: [email protected].
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