Researcher HERPAK Project - Levensmiddelentechnologie, Voedselveiligheid en Gezondheid (28252)

Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the Dutch language area, with more than 44,000 students and 15,000 staff members.

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 HERPAK PROJECT
The HERPAK project aims to evaluate the food safety and quality of reusable packaging for ready-to-eat foods. It is divided into two major parts:
The first part involves research on microbial challenges associated with the use of reusable packaging. This includes investigating the potential development of biofilms and the possible growth of molds on packaging materials. To mitigate these phenomena, the washing process is optimized within HERPAK. For this purpose, the ATP method, currently used as the standard validation method for washing processes, is validated: what is the effect of different types of food, what potential interference occurs with detergent residues, etc.?
The second part of the project focuses on evaluating chemical contamination. This includes examining the effects of consumer misuse, the impact of residual detergents and disinfectants as related to the washing process, and odor transfer from food components to various types of plastic packaging.
Within the Department of Food Technology, Food Safety, and Health, the research is divided between the Laboratory for Food Microbiology and Preservation (FMFP) and the Laboratory for Food Chemistry (nutriFOODchem). The HERPAK project is funded by VLAIO through the spearhead cluster Flanders’FOOD and is carried out in collaboration with Pack4Food VZW.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT
You are responsible for the 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 the experiments in the laboratory. You prepare project meetings, present both internally and externally to companies, and ensure scientific reporting to Pack4Food 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.

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 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 definite duration for a period of max. 2 years.
• The earliest employment date is after closure of the selection procedure.

INTERESTED?
Apply online via e-recruitment only until the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications not delivered via the online application.

You must attach the following documents to your application:

• In the 'CV' field: your CV
• In the 'Motivation letter' field: your motivation letter
• In the 'Diploma' field: a copy of your highest diploma
• In the 'Other documents' field: e-mail address and phone number of three people we can contact as references

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.

MORE INFORMATION
For more information related to this vacancy, please contact An Vermeulen (a.vermeulen@UGent.be).

Please note: do not send your application via e-mail, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be or +32 9 264 34 36

Job details

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Published

2025-01-14

2025-01-31 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-01-31 23:59 (CET)