项目介绍

2025年1月11日

The Laboratory of Food Technology (LFT) is looking for a PhD candidate to work on unlocking the endogenous potential of plant-based food systems through process-driven texturizing.
Within LFT, Prof. Sarah Verkempinck started her research line in September 2024 on process-structure-function relations as a basis for (reverse) engineering approaches to steer food functionality by targeted processing strategies and intelligent product formulations. On the one hand, she aims to exploit the endogenous potential of plant-based foods to tune the functional properties of the final food product with a specific focus on the texturizing potential (functionalization of whole food). On the other hand, she aims to investigate the functionalization potential of by-products created by the plant-based food industry (functionalization of by-products). For more information on the research aims of LFT, we kindly refer to our website: https://www.biw.kuleuven.be/m2s/clmt/lmt or our social media pages: https://twitter.com/labfoodtech; https://www.linkedin.com/company/86172867.

Website van de eenheid

Project

This research project investigates the texturizing properties of purées made from plant-based foods by leveraging the natural potential of fruits and vegetables. By applying various processing techniques and sequences, the study aims to develop nutritious purées designed for individuals with swallowing difficulties, reducing dependence on additives and their associated side effects.A central goal is to understand the interplay between food composition, applied processing conditions and sequence, and texturizing potential of fruit- and vegetable-based purées. This work aligns with the growing demand for natural, functional, and sustainable plant-based foods while contributing to reduced food waste and a more sustainable food system.
Your work will focus on:

• Compositional analyses
• Microscopic analyses
• Rheological analyses
• Tribological analyses
• Statistical analysis

Your responsibilities are:

• You will design and characterize fruit- and vegetable-based purées using various processing techniques and sequences
• You will study the structural, rheological, and tribological properties of the fruit- and vegetable-based purées 
• You will perform statistical analysis on the data obtained
• You will supervise bachelor and master students

Profile

A PhD candidate should fulfil the following requirements:

• You have a Master’s degree cum laude in Bioscience Engineering, Food Science & Technology or related discipline 
• You are highly motivated to do research in a dynamic research environment 
• You have interest in food science and basic knowledge of rheological analyses 
• You are communicative, creative, eager to learn and able to work independently as well as part of a team 
• You are passionate about research with a critical, analytical and innovative mindset
• You are familiar with general laboratory practices and have attention to details
• You have good communication skills in written and spoken English 
• You are proficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams

Offer

• An attractive fully funded scholarship for 4 years of PhD research with multiple benefits (health insurance, access to university infrastructure and sports facilities, etc.), continuation after the first year is dependent upon a positive evaluation. Starting period: March 2025.
• The opportunity to develop scientific and personal skills via participation at trainings, workshops, and conferences (more information can be found here: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/dopl/whytraining).
• Supervision by recognized experts and access to (beyond) state-of-the-art research and infrastructure
• A stay in a vibrant environment in the hearth of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25 km), and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry lead to a safe town with high quality of life, with a warm welcome to non-Dutch speaking people and with ample opportunities for social and sport activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some of the ingredients making the university of Leuven the most innovative university in Europe. Further information can be found on the website of the university: https://www.kuleuven.be/english/kuleuven/.
• KU Leuven (University of Leuven) has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries. Today, it is Belgium’s largest and highest-ranked university and, founded in 1425, one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. The university caters to over 60,000 students from more than 140 countries. KU Leuven’s three doctoral schools provide internationally oriented PhD tracks for more than 4,000 doctoral students. KU Leuven and affiliated knowledge institutes provide fertile ground for innovation and high-tech entrepreneurship in the Leuven region. This favorable climate for knowledge-driven entrepreneurship and innovation makes the Leuven region an attractive location for many high-tech companies.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Sarah Verkempinck, mail: sarah.verkempinck@kuleuven.be.
Application should be done in a single pdf-file.
Applications (in English) should include:-CV (contact details, education, work experience, prizes/awards, language skills, etc,…)-Official academic transcript of Bsc. and Msc. studies-Motivational letter describing research career goals, skills and experience-Full contact details of two reference personsYou can apply for this job no later than January 22, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

• Sollicitatieprocedure
• Arbeidsvoorwaarden
• Loopbaanmogelijkheden

Heb je een vraag over de online sollicitatieprocedure? Raadpleeg onze veelgestelde vragen of stuur een e-mail naar solliciteren@kuleuven.be