PhD position for identification of structure-function relationships in methanogenic microbiomes

Job Description

Anaerobic microbiomes are playing a crucial role in our society ranging from food fermentations, via the intestinal track towards waste bioprocessing in anaerobic digestors. In anaerobic microbiomes substrates are converted to a diverse array of products in an extremely complex network of different microorganisms that cooperate to establish the conversions observed. Depending on the conditions imposed, different product formation pathways are established involving different guilds of microorganisms. The objective of this project is to unravel the role of the different microorganisms in the microbiome to eventually obtain a quantitative description of the overall process. We have established an experimental infrastructure (UNLOCK) that enables paralelized high resolution phenotypic characterisation of microbiomes in bioreactors. Phenotypic characterisation will be combined with genotypic characterisation of the microbiomes in collaboration with our UNLOCK partners in Wageningen.

This project combines laboratory bioreactor experiments with data processing and process modeling to obtain a quantitative description of the process as a resultant of the different guild of microorganisms involved. Consequently, besides a clear affinity with laboratory experiments and microbial communities, a strong data and computational/modeling background is desirable. The modeling framework that will be established in this project will contribute to a wide range of societal developments that depend on the understanding and control of anaerobic microbiomes.

Requirements

Msc in life sciences, biotechnology, microbial ecology, or microbiology with a strong affinity for laboratory experiments and computational procedures for data processing and bioprocess modeling.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Robbert Kleerebezem ([email protected])

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 16 August 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Robbert Kleerebezem.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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