Professor of Food Biophysics

The Katholieke Universiteit Leuven invites applications for a full-time tenure track academic position in food biophysics at the Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems. We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual (m/f) with an excellent research record in the application of physical methods to foods, who is able to teach courses in the various programs related to food technology.

DUTIES INCLUDE:
Research: The candidate is expected to develop a fundamental, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research program in food biophysics, with a scientific output that adheres to the highest international standards. Elements of the research program will include to apply spectroscopic, microscopic, thermal or rheological methods to the characterization of foods, to use these tools for researching the structure of food molecules and materials at different organization levels, to follow the evolution of this structure as a function of food processing parameters, and to develop new food processing principles for improved profiles in terms of consumer needs, based on insights starting at the molecular level.

A successful candidate will support and further expand national and international research collaborations of the department. The candidate is expected to work in concertation with the chairs in food chemistry, food biochemistry, food microbiology and food processing and engineering already in place at the Centre for Food and Microbial Technology of the department. She/he is particularly expected to offer and develop a complementary expertise, leading to joint research proposals and synergies with the other academic staff members of the Centre for Food and Microbial Technology and the department at large. The research program should be embedded in a natural way in the Leuven Food Science and Nutrition Research Centre (LFoRCe). A vision on potential interactions with other centres at the department (Centre for Surface Chemistry and Catalysis, Centre for Microbial and Plant Genetics) is expected as well.

Teaching: Accepted applicants will take on teaching responsibilities in the ongoing programs in food technology (master bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: levensmiddelentechnologie and master of food technology), focusing on the biophysical dimension of food technology, and/or in other faculties. They are expected to meet the reigning K.U.Leuven standards regarding academic program level and orientation and to adhere to the K.U.Leuven’s concept of education. A commitment to quality of education as a whole is naturally understood.

Services: We expect an enthusiastic effort in the various committees and working parties in the Department M2S and in the Faculty of Bio-Engineering Sciences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or doctoral degree in bio-engineering, engineering, sciences, or any other field that prepares equally well for the research program. This PhD should have been obtained no longer than 7 years before the start of the appointment (1 March 2012).

Qualified candidates are expected to have an excellent research record and very good teaching and training skills, in order to contribute to the research output of the department and to the quality of its educational program. The high quality of the candidate's research should be evidenced by publications in international peer-reviewed journals. International research experience is highly appreciated.

At K.U.Leuven the main language of instruction is Dutch. Successful applicants who are not proficient in Dutch, will be provided language training in order to be able to also instruct in the Dutch language within three years time.

Near-native proficiency in the English language is expected of all applicants.

Apply to: dirk.devos@biw.kuleuven.be