Postdoctoral researcher (100%) - Microbial Hydroponics

at  KU Leuven

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (100%) - MICROBIAL HYDROPONICS

(ref. BAP-2024-361)
Laatst aangepast: 23/08/24
The Department of Architecture is part of the Science and Technology Group at KU Leuven and coordinates the research on (interior) architecture, urbanism and spatial planning at the Faculty of Architecture (Brussels and Gent) and the Faculty of Engineering (Leuven). The Department enjoys an international reputation and currently counts more than 150 (international) PhD students.
The postdoctoral researcher will be part of the research unit Design and Engineering of Construction and Architecture at the Sint-Lucas Brussels and Ghent campus.
Microbial Hydroponics (Mi-Hy) is a circular Hydroponic-Bioelectrical System (BES) designed for urban agriculture. The objective of Mi-Hy is to integrate Carbon (C) and Nitrogen (N) metabolism in plants to optimize their transformation into animal feed and maximize their valorization. The system combines Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) technology, which generates electricity from biochemical reactions, with hydroponics, a soil-less plant cultivation method.
Mi-Hy utilizes a MFC biofilm as a prosthetic rhizosphere for plant roots, optimizing nitrogen utilization for the synthesis of chlorophyll and amino acids. This eliminates the need for chemical nitrogen sources such as artificial fertilizers and facilitates the conversion of carbon into biomass. The inputs for Mi-Hy are atmospheric CO2, light, and household wastewater, making it a sustainable and resource-efficient system.
Mi-Hy’s innovative design and sustainable approach have the potential to revolutionize urban agriculture by maximizing resource utilization, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and contributing to wastewater treatment and CO2 reduction.
The project aims to provide a productive platform that combines various scientific disciplines and design principles. It extends the frontiers of synthetic biology, hydroponics, environmental engineering, microbial electro-technologies, sustainable architectural design, ICT/informatics, and bio/electrochemistry. By integrating these fields, the project creates a holistic approach where advancements in one aspect of the platform do not hinder progress in another. The architectural and design contribution involves the development of demonstrators using standardized inputs and bioreactor components for scientific testing and installation. These demonstrators serve as physical prototypes that showcase the functionality and feasibility of the system. Additionally, the bioreactor designs will be created as virtual reality (VR) models, enabling the incorporation of data and providing a comprehensive understanding of the system. The project emphasizes the importance of both physical and virtual demonstrators, which will be showcased at workshops, scenario workshops, and outreach events. This approach allows for hands-on interaction with the technology, enabling stakeholders to visualize and experience the potential applications and benefits of the platform. By combining science and design, the project not only pushes the boundaries of the contributing fields but also ensures that global development occurs while addressing potential challenges. The integration of different disciplines and the use of standardized components enable scalable and adaptable solutions for future implementation. Through workshops and outreach events, the project aims to raise awareness and engage with stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange for further advancements in the field.
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We are seeking a highly committed, motivated, and creative research associate/scientific researcher to join our coordinating team in both an administrative and research capacity. This postdoctoral researcher will play a vital role in supporting the coordinator in delivering administrative duties for the prestigious Mi-Hy Pathfinder Challenges project, as well as developing an innovative research project within the project framework.
The successful candidate will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, collaborating with experts from various fields to ensure the successful completion of the Mi-Hy prototype. They will utilize artistic and interdisciplinary research to drive the project forward, contributing to the writing and publication of international standard research papers. Furthermore, they will actively promote awareness of the research and engage with the wider community to foster its uptake.
Fluency in English and outstanding writing skills, encompassing technical, creative, and editing abilities, are essential for this role. The candidate should be capable of organizing project meetings and taking on a leadership role when required. They must also have the ability to work closely with professionals from diverse disciplines, including metabolic engineers, microbiologists, architects, material scientists, ecologists, film-makers, sociologists, gallerists, and computer scientists.
The successful candidate will possess excellent interdisciplinary communication skills, enabling them to produce comprehensive minutes for project meetings and facilitate meaningful discussions. Additionally, they will provide teaching support to the coordinator, assist junior team members, and contribute to the initiation and writing of research applications.
While the project upholds a blended communication policy, the candidate should be prepared to travel to key project meetings and attend formal EU reviews.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated researcher, seeking to deepen their research contributions, and broaden their experience through their contributions to a groundbreaking project with impacts in both scientific and creative sectors.

As postdoctoral researcher researcher you will:

• Keep up to date with current literature and analysis tools in the project area.
• Keep meticulous meeting notes and project reports/reporting activities.
• Be responsible for day-to-day management of the project activities, ensuring seamless coordinating between the 6 partner groups.
• Communicate between the different partners regarding updates of results and data presentation.
• Manage local administrative processes and budget keeping
• Travel for local, national and international meetings.
• Optimize research processes and analysis.
• Develop the necessary research materials, keep them up-to-date and monitor the link with current scientific research.
• Guide junior colleagues and students, give them feedback and evaluate them.
• Assist the PI, as directed, towards the successful completion of the Mi-Hy project.
• Actively engage in interdisciplinary research as directed by the PI.
• Coordinate the research programme’s public relations and outreach.