How the structural design of protein-rich food systems affects their in vitro protein digestive functionality

The Laboratory of Food Technology is one of the seven research groups of the Centre for Food and Microbial Technology, Department Microbial and Molecular systems, and is located at the Campus Arenberg in Leuven. The research mission of the Laboratory of Food Technology is to understand and quantify process-structure-function relations of food systems during processing, preservation and storage by optimal exploitation of the endogenous potential of fruit- ,vegetable- and legume-derived systems, both for developed and for developing countries. They do this on a daily basis through a joint effort of 25 co-workers and 15 MSc. students.Within LFT, Prof. Tara Grauwet leads a research team (2 post-docs; 7 PhD students; 8 MSc students) that has studied until now majorly process-structure-health relations of food systems. In other words, the research includes in silico and in vitro digestion and bio-accessibility studies to understand how food structure can be steered to influence/optimize nutrient bio-accessibility and digestion of foods. For this, the lab acquired an international reputation for using static to semi-dynamic models to simulate digestion in vitro, and developing a solid analytical platform to quantify digestion on a molecular level. 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:ProjectThe Laboratory of Food Technology (LFT) is looking for a PhD candidate to work on nutritional approaches beyond individual foods for populations with specific nutritional needs.In vitro digestion studies are particularly useful for investigating the impact of processing and linked food microstructures on macronutrient (e.g., protein, starch) digestion properties. However, these models, typically built based on in vivo conditions measured in healthy adults, do not accurately represent the digestion conditions of people with distinct physiological conditions, such as people with obesity, elderly, infants. However, these people are often at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies (e.g., protein deficiency), and require adapted nutrition.In this PhD project, adapted in vitro digestion models will be used to develop and evaluate nutritional approaches for these specific population groups. Model foods up to more realistic systems beyond individual foods will be designed and evaluated to gain insight into interaction effects affecting protein and starch digestion kinetics. The results of this PhD work will contribute to the development of adapted nutritional approaches for these populations. The healthy adult condition will be studied as a reference.Your Work Will Focus OnDesign of different nutritional approaches for targeted population groups, beyond single foodsUse of processing and formulation to impact nutritional functionalityAnalysis of food composition and structural characteristicsEvaluation of in vitro macronutrient digestion kineticsStudy of interaction effects in complex food systemsStatistical analysisYour Responsibilities Will BeYou will design and characterize plant-based food solutions using various ingredients and techniques.You will study the in vitro digestion behavior using static and semi-dynamic digestion simulation tools suited for heathy adults as well as distinct population groups.You will perform statistical analysis on the data obtained.You will supervise bachelor and master students.You will report your data to your supervisors, other researchers, as well as at (international) conferences. Profile We are looking for a PhD candidate which 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 colloidal chemistry.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.Having experience in performing in vitro digestion studies is a plus. Offer We OfferAn 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.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? The start date is foreseen for February, 1th, 2026.Applications (in English) Should IncludeCV (contact details, education, work experience, prizes/awards, language skills, etc,...)Official academic transcript of BSc. and MSc. studiesMotivational letter describing research career goals, skills and experienceFull contact details of two reference personsYou can apply for this job no later than December 12, 2025 via the online application toolKU 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.beSolliciteer voor deze functie