Summary
Ghent University is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join TRASlab (Technology for a Resource Agile Society) within the Department of Biotechnology. The successful candidate will work on a new microbial protein production project in collaboration with industrial partners, focusing on laboratory-scale process development, optimizing growth conditions, and enhancing overall process sustainability.
Postdoctoral Researcher – Microbial Protein Production, Ghent University, Belgium
Job Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Job ID | 30169 |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Bioscience Engineering / Department of Biotechnology (BW25) |
| Research Group / Lab | TRASlab (Technology for a Resource Agile Society) |
| Occupancy Rate | 100% |
| Type of Employment | Contract of limited duration (3 months initially, extendable by 10 months pending funding) |
| Earliest Start Date | September 1, 2026 |
| Wage Scale | PD1 to PD4 (Doctoral Degree) |
| Location | Zwijnaarde / Ghent, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | July 30, 2026, at 23:59 (Brussels Time) |
Research Area
- Field: Microbial Biotechnology & Bio-engineering
- Focus: Laboratory-scale development of microbial protein production processes, bioreactor operation, growth condition optimization, and sustainable process development in collaboration with industry partners.
Location
- Department: Department of Biotechnology (BW25), Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University
- City: Zwijnaarde / Ghent, Belgium
Eligibility / Qualification
- Degree: A thesis-based Ph.D. in Bio-engineering, Biotechnology, or an equivalent specialty.
- Experience & Interest: Demonstrated interest in microbial biotechnology and research, with the ambition to operate bioreactors at laboratory scale and work closely with industrial partners.
- Languages: Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is essential for reporting and working in an international context.
- Collaboration: Willingness to work in an international collaborative environment.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Assist in the laboratory-based development of microbial protein production processes.
- Optimize growth conditions for microbial cultures to improve yield and efficiency.
- Enhance overall process sustainability in alignment with TRASlab’s mission.
- Operate laboratory-scale bioreactors and carry out experimental protocols.
- Collaborate closely with industrial partners and report research findings clearly in English.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their application online through the Ghent University e-recruitment system before the deadline. Applications sent via email will not be accepted.
Required Documents for Submission:
- CV: Your CV merged with a transcript of your academic record into a single PDF file (under the ‘CV’ field).
- Cover Letter: Application letter in PDF format (under the ‘Cover letter’ field).
- Diploma: A transcript of the required Ph.D. degree (under the ‘Diploma’ field). Note: Foreign diplomas not in English, Dutch, French, or German must include a translated copy.
Note: The maximum file size for each uploaded document is 10 MB. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Korneel Rabaey attraslab@ugent.be.
Last Date to Apply
- July 30, 2026, before 23:59 (Brussels Time)








