E-MUSE
Complex microbial Ecosystems MUltiScale modElling:
mechanistic and data driven approaches integration
Closed for Applications
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title
Early Stage Researcher (ESR12)
PhD fellowship in development of multi-scaling strategies
Project Title
“E-MUSE Complex microbial ecosystems multiscale modelling: mechanistic and data driven approaches integration” MSCA-ITN-2020 European Training Network
Hosting Organization
L-Università ta' Malta (UM), established in University Campus, Tal-Qroqq, MSIDA 2080, Malta
Researcher Profiles
ESRs
Research Field
Food microbiology, mycology, molecular microbiology, cheese process, (bio)process modelling, molecular modelling
Application Deadline
31.05.2021, 23:59 Brussels/Paris
Envisaged Job Starting Date
06.09.2021
Duration
3 years
Contract Type
full-time employment (based on COVID-19 evolution and restrictions, possibility to start remotely, once situation allows the presence is required)
Remuneration
€ 2,416 salary/month
+ €600 mobility allowance/month and €500 family allowance/month (if applicable)
Taxation and Social (including Pension) Contribution deductions based on National and company regulations apply.
Objectives
The main objective will be to analyse a cheese fungal/bacterial ecosystem and understand their functioning and impact on the ripening of fermented food products. The experimental data will be analysed with models describing either the kinetics, probability of growth/no growth in function of time or preselected conditions. This information will be integrated, through correlation of omics indexes with the population dynamics.
Expected Results
It is expected that the microbial interactions between the different studied species will be quantified and any competition between them will be quantitatively reported. Additionally, the integration of microbial data driven dynamics with mechanistic modelling approaches will allow to identify the impact of transcriptome, metabolome responses in microbial (sub) populations with different ecophysiological characteristics.
Planned Secondments
In total, 3 months will be spent at NIZO Food Research BV in Netherlands (microbial interactions in cheese (model) systems) and 6 months at the KULeuven in Belgium (for optimising the data driven approaches and developing multiscale models).
Enrolment in Doctoral degree
L-Università ta' Malta (UM) (https://www.um.edu.mt/)
Requirements
Required Education Level
Second Class Honours (Upper Division) (or a comparable degree qualification), ideally in one or more of the following areas: Food microbiology, mycology, molecular microbiology, cheese process, (bio)process modelling, molecular modelling, and should also be in possession of at least ‘Pass with Merit’ (>70%) post-graduate degree (MSc or equivalent) qualification in the same or relevant area.
Skills / Qualifications
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Microbial or/and chemistry analytical techniques
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Programming in different langauges, .e.g, Matlab,Python, R
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Networking and good communications skills (writing and presentation skills)
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Willingness to travel abroad for the purpose of research, training and dissemination.
Specific Requirements
For the eligibility please check: Eligibility Criteria
Required Languages
English: B2, good oral and written communication skills in English are compulsory
Supervisors Team
The lead supervisor is Associate Professor V. Valdramidis. He is leading a strong group in the area of food safety and processing at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Universtiy of Malta. He is also a supervisor of 6 PhD (2 in progress), 2 of which in food industry sector, 14 Masters (2 in progress), 3 Post-Doc. Co-supervisors are Associate Professor R. Gatt (UM) – Associate Professor at Faculty of Science of the University of Malta whose research interest are on nanosystems, materials science and molecular modelling and Prof. J.Van Impe - the founding partner of the KU Leuven Center-of-Excellence OPTEC (Optimization in Engineering), BioTeC (Chemical and Biochemical Process Technology and Control) research group. Currently he is coordinating the European Master of Science in Food Science, Technology and Business (BIFTEC).
Host Institution description
Lying at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean, UM has been, over its 400-year history, the hub for international academic exchange on the island. UM is the leading higher education institution in Malta and its structures are in line with the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education area.
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At UM we carry out academic research and provide a vibrant higher education setting in the arts, sciences and the humanities as required for Malta’s economic, social and cultural development. Our courses are designed to produce highly-qualified professionals in multiple disciplines. Our alumni community is growing exponentially: well over 3,500 students graduate in various disciplines annually.
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We are committed to high standards of research and teaching and every member of staff at UM plays an important role and contributes to an outstanding student experience.
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Today UM is composed of fourteen faculties, a number of interdisciplinary institutes and centres, three schools and a junior college. Besides the main campus, situated at Msida, there are three other campuses: Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Gozo.
The language of instruction is English.
For more info please visit: https://www.um.edu.mt/about
Selection process
a. scrutiny of qualifications and experience claimed and supported by testimonials and/or certificates (copies to be included with the application);
b. shortlisting; and
c. an interview and / or extended interview.