PhD position in Microbial Electrochemistry for Purple Phototrophic Bacteria

We are seeking a dedicated professional to advance the production of high value bioproducts from Purple Phototrophic Bacteria (PPB) using photo-bioelectrochemical systems. Are you passionate to work on production of high-value products like amino acids, pigments and coenzyme Q10? Do you want to develop a strategy to steer growth and composition of PPB with light and electrodes? Are you motivated to work closely together with another PhD candidate located in Antwerp? Are you the PhD student we are looking for?

What are you going to do?

We are seeking two full time PhD candidates with a strong background in applied microbiology and bioprocess engineering to join Purple Spark, a pioneering collaborative project between Environmental Technology at Wageningen University & Research and the Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) group at the University of Antwerp. Purple Spark aims to uncover how external electron inputs shape the metabolism of Purple Phototrophic Bacteria, addressing key gaps in phototrophic metabolism, microbial electrochemistry and biological nitrogen fixation. The work is expected to lead to the discovery or enrichment of strains with superior nitrogen fixation capacity and electroactivity. The partnership combines leading expertise in microbial electrochemistry and purple biotechnology, providing a solid basis for advancing photobioelectrochemical systems and the production of high value bioproducts from Purple Phototrophic Bacteria. 

One PhD position will be based at Wageningen University under the supervision of Prof. Annemiek ter Heijne, Dr. Tom Sleutels and Dr. Sanne de Smit focused on microbial electrochemistry. The second PhD position will be hosted at the University of Antwerp within SUSTAIN, supervised by Prof. Siegfried Vlaeminck and Dr. Luis Diaz Allegue, focused on purple biotechnology. 

At Wageningen University, you will combine photobioreactors with electrochemical systems, and study the effect of process conditions on PPB growth and composition. You will carry out laboratory experiments and perform comprehensive analyses to address the research gaps related to bioelectrochemical PPB culturing.

The position is embedded in the chair group of Environmental Technology of Wageningen University, where (bio)electrochemical expertise and materials and analytical facilities are available. As part of this chair group, you will also be involved in support of teaching activities and training of MSc and BSc students.

You will work here

Environmental Technology (ETE) develops and evaluates innovative environmental technologies and concepts based on processes from nature, to recover and reuse essential components and maintain and create a viable environment. Our education inspires students to develop their talents. We impact by innovation through top science and focus on applicability. Environmental Technology offer education that is focused on sustainable technological solutions for the worldwide environmental problems. Our approach is to combine several disciplines in order to achieve innovations for environmental solutions.

See the vacancy at the University of Antwerp here.

• A MSc degree (or equivalent) in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Biotechnology/Bioprocess engineering, or related field;
• A passion for microbes and sustainability, sustainable microbial biotechnology at the interface of industrial and environmental applications, and are highly motivated to contribute to research on purple bacteria.
• Proven experience with working independently in the lab for microbial cultivation and operating (photo)bioreactors. Applying techniques for the identification and quantification of pigments is considered a strong asset.
• A strong desire and ability to quickly master new (laboratory) techniques to effectively tackle complex, multidisciplinary scientific queries;
• Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate constructively and respectfully with scientific team members and BSc/MSc students; 
• You are aware about the safety aspects of working in a laboratory and driven to actively contribute to a safe workplace.

For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognized Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• Partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed December bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.

The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,-  in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

There are plenty of options for personal initiative in a learning environment, and we provide excellent training opportunities. We are offering a unique position in an international environment with a pleasant and open working atmosphere.

You are going to work at the greenest and most innovative campus in Holland, and at a university that has been chosen as the “Best University” in the Netherlands for the 19th consecutive time.

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.

For more information about this position, please contact Sanne de Smit, assistant professor, by e-mail sanne.desmit@wur.nl

For more information about the procedure, please contact Jessa Rozema, corporate recruiter jessa.rozema-stol@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval.

This vacancy will be listed up to and including 18 January 2026. The 1^st round of interviews is planned on 2 and 3 February 2026 and the 2^nd round is planned on 26 February 2026.

Additional information form
For this position, you must fill in a mandatory form which will allow us to have a comprehensive view of your qualifications and better assess your fit for it. You can access the form using the link below:

Additional Information Form - purple spark – Fill out form

Your prompt response will ensure that your application continues to move forward in the evaluation process. We assure you that the information provided will be kept confidential and used solely for this application process.

Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.

​The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

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