1. Master’s degree in (bio)chemical engineering, bioscience engineering, or related degrees.
2. You have experience in microbiological culturing and analysis techniques. Experience in biofilm development and analysis is considered as an asset.
3. You are acquainted with systems biology techniques, such as genome scale metabolic network modelling and flux balance analysis.
4. Knowledge of- and experience with electrospinning (or other polymer processing) techniques is considered a plus.
5. You are a passionate researcher with a critical mind.
6. You are a team player with the ability to collaborate, and manage your own research project.
7. Advanced command of both spoken and written English is mandatory
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that damages teeth-supporting tissue, and associates with a dysbiotic shift in the dental biofilm microbiome. More than 50% of adults suffer from this inflammation at some point during their lifetime. Periodontitis is also a major contributor to the establishment and progression of systemic and chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Current treatment focusses on dental plaque removal through scaling and root planning, complemented with antibiotics treatment. Unfortunately, often only temporal pathogenic reduction is observed and concerns on microbial resistance to antibiotics are rising. This doctoral research project aims for localized delivery of beneficial microbiomes to support robust healthy biofilm development. The project encompasses (i) electrospinning and defining formulations with desired properties, (ii) in silico microbiome design based on systems biology network analysis, and (iii) in vitro validation in a (inhouse developed) biofilm bioreactor system.
Over more than 10 years, the labs of Prof Wim Teughels (Lab of Periodontology and Oral Microbiology) and Prof Kristel Bernaerts (Chemical and Biochemical Reactor Engineering and Safety division) have been collaborating on alternative (preventive) treatments for periodontitis. Sound microbiological knowledge is combined with biochemical engineering approaches to find alternatives for nowadays non-sustainable treatments. Within this continued collaboration, we are seeking for a PhD candidate with knowledge in microbiology and (bio)chemical engineering that will exploit electrospinning, biofilm reactor setups, and system biology tools to create a new solution. Your PhD will be supervised by Prof Kristel Bernaerts, Prof Wim Teughels and Prof Christian Clasen (Soft Matter Rheology and Technology division). You will be member of a vibrant interdisciplinary team.
8. PhD fellowship to obtain a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
9. We will support you in all aspects in order to successfully run your research project.
10. You will be given opportunities to participate at national and international meetings and establish your network.
11. We offer a competitive salary (https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/en/phd/phd-information#working-conditions)
12. KU Leuven offers a competitive and international working environment with access to the latest technologies and expertise. KU Leuven ranks among the top 100 universities in the world in major ranking tables. The university commits to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for both working and living. Moreover, Leuven is a lively, historic university city with a large international and diverse student community and located only 30min from Brussels.