Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

You will conduct a 4 years PhD trajectory within the SOYSAFE project, focusing on mycotoxin contamination in soy-based food products in the context of the protein transition towards more plant-based diets.
The research will investigate the behavior of mycotoxins during different processing steps (such as protein extraction, texturization, and production of plant-based (meat)alternatives), using advanced LC-MS/MS analytical methods and pilot testing. By performing exposure assessments using probabilistic modeling and Belgian consumption data, the impact on public health will be evaluated.
You will perform laboratory experiments, analyze and model data, collaborate with project partners (UGent, ILVO, Sciensano and FPS Public Health), and disseminate your results through scientific publications and presentations.
The ultimate goal of the research is to obtain a doctoral degree.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Bioscience Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Food Technology, or a related field.
Additionally:

• You have an interest in food safety, mycotoxins, processing, innovative foods, and analytical chemistry 
• Experience with LC-MS/MS or similar techniques is an asset 
• Experience with modeling and data analysis is a plus 
• Experience with plant proteins is beneficial 
• You can work independently and in a team 
• You work very accurately 
• You are stress-resistant 
• You drive for working in multidisciplinary environment with a good organizing and communication skills 
• You have a good command of English 

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months. 
• Your contract will start on 01/09/2026 at the earliest. 
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales: https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/welcoming-new-staff/salaryscales 
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits: https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/considering 

INTERESTED?

Send your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to MariaAgustina.Pavicich@UGent.be, and kindly include Sarah.DeSaeger@ugent.be, and Liesbeth.jacxsens@ugent.be in CC. 
We do not accept late applications.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Sarah De Saeger (Sarah.DeSaeger@ugent.be, +32(0)9/2648137) or prof. Liesbeth Jacxsens (Liesbeth.jacxsens@ugent.be, +32494455191