Researcher Vegicereus Project

**Faculty of Bioscience Engineering**:

- **Department: BW23 - Levensmiddelentechnologie, Voedselveiligheid en Gezondheid**:

- **Occupancy rate:100%**:

- **Number of positions: 1**:

- **Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration**:

- **Term of assignment**:

- **Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree)**:

- **Required diploma:Master**

**ABOUT UGENT**
Ghent University is a world unto itself. More than 15 000 staff work there every day in teaching and research, management and administration, technical and social services, etc. For them, Ghent University is a logical choice: it is one of the largest, most exciting and forward-looking employers in the region. Ghent University has 11 faculties and more than 80 departments, offering high-quality, research-supported courses in each of the scientific disciplines.

**ABOUT THE VEGICEREUS PROJECT**
The aim of the VegiCereus project is to introduce and implement the use of predictive models that predict the growth of two relevant psychrotrophic food pathogens, Bacillus cereus and Listeria monocytogenes, in ready-to-eat, plant-based food matrices within the Flemish food industry.

To achieve this, a model is being developed for psychrotrophic B. cereus strains under various stress conditions. Initially, this model is created using data generated in laboratory media. Subsequently, the matrix effect is incorporated into the general model for four different plant-based matrices: (i) a protein-rich matrix, (ii) a starch-rich matrix, (iii) a polysaccharide-rich matrix, and (iv) a vegetable-based matrix. Finally, the model will be validated through challenge tests in real food products produced by the participating companies.
In addition to the model for B. cereus, an existing model for L. monocytogenes will also be validated, for these new matrices through challenge testing. If necessary the existing model will be adapted to these matrices.
The VegiCereus project is funded by VLAIO through the spearhead cluster Flanders’FOOD.

**YOUR ASSIGNMENT**
You are responsible for the execution and coordination of the project within Ghent University and serve as the primary point of contact for communication with other project partners. You are in charge of executing the research program, which you help shape based on the insights gained. You also actively participate in conducting microbial experiments in the laboratory. You prepare project meetings, present both internally and externally to companies, and ensure scientific reporting to the funding agency as well as to the broader scientific and industrial community.
Additionally, you actively seek new research opportunities, either as an extension of the current research or in other areas, to support the potential continuation of research funding and, if desired, to facilitate the preparation of a doctoral dissertation.

**YOUR PROFILE**
- You obtained a master degree in a relevant field of science (for instance, but not limited to MSc. Food Science and Technology, MSc. Bio-engineering,)
- You have a good knowledge of current software packages (MS Office), more specifically in the area of spreadsheets, presentations.
- You can communicate fluently and clearly both orally and in writing in English. Knowledge of Dutch, French, Spanish and/or German is an advantage.
- You are able to operate smoothly at the interface between academic institutions, research institutions and industrial partners and this in a multidisciplinary context; as well as with students..
- You are a team player and are fluent and clear in communication (orally, written).
- You can work independently in a well-organised manner.
- You are quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
- You are flexible.
- You know how to set priorities and can make decisions in consultation.
- You are customer-oriented.

**OUR OFFER**
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration (project funding of 3 years)
- The earliest employment date is after closure of the selection procedure.
- Remuneration will be according to bar scale WM1 to WM4 Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- Furthermore, every UGent staff member can count on a number of benefits, such as a broad training and education offer, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time position), a bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, etc. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

**INTERESTED?**
- In the 'CV' field: your CV
- In the 'Motivation letter' field: your motivation letter
- In the 'Diploma' field: a copy of your highest diploma

Please note: each field has a limitation of maximum 10 MB.

UGent pursues an equal opportunities and diversity policy and therefore encourages everyone to apply.