Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded doctoral opportunity at Wageningen University & Research for students passionate about cutting-edge microbial science. This PhD project focuses on decoding one-carbon metabolism in synthetic acetogenic cocultures, combining systems microbiology, microbial physiology, and sustainable biotechnology to address real-world bio-based challenges.
This fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities who hold an MSc degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline. Ideal candidates will have a solid foundation in microbial physiology, a strong interest in bioreactor-based experimentation, and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Prior experience with anaerobic cultivation methods or omics technologies will be considered a strong advantage.
Benefits of Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026
- Fully funded PhD position with competitive monthly salary
- Gross salary starting at €3,059 per month, increasing to €3,881 per month in the final year
- 8.3% year-end bonus
- Excellent pension scheme
- Partially paid parental leave
- Flexible working hours and strong work-life balance culture
- Access to on-campus sports facilities at a reduced fee
- Tailored PhD training and course program
- International, inclusive, and highly collaborative research environment
- Visa and relocation support for international candidates
- Possible tax benefits for eligible international staff
Eligibility Criteria for the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Systems Biology, or related life science disciplines offered by Wageningen University & Research.
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a successfully completed MSc degree in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, or a closely related field
- Demonstrate solid knowledge of microbial physiology and modern omics techniques
- Experience with anaerobic cultivation, bioreactors, and/or omics analyses is an advantage
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong interest in international collaboration and systems microbiology
- Proficiency in English at C1 level (internationally recognized certificate may be required).
Required Documents
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
How to Apply for the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026?
- Visit the official Wageningen University PhD vacancy page
- Read the project details and eligibility requirements carefully
- Prepare your CV and motivation letter
- Align your motivation letter with the fellowship research topic
- Submit your application through the WUR online system
- Review your application before final submission
- Apply before the official deadline
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 is fully funded PhD at Wageningen investigates acetogenic bacteria in syngas conditions using cultivation and omics to uncover metabolic resilience. Applicants need a relevant MSc, strong analytical skills and C1 English. Benefits include salary, training, collaboration and international research exposure.
What is the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026?
The Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 is a funded doctoral research opportunity focused on how acetogenic bacteria and defined cocultures adapt to syngas conditions using cultivation, perturbation experiments, and multi-omics to unravel metabolic interactions.
Who is eligible to apply for the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026?
Candidates need a completed MSc in Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry or Biotechnology. You should know microbial physiology and omics, ideally with anaerobic cultivation experience. Affinity for bioreactors and strong analytical and interpersonal skills are valued for success.
What will you do in the PhD research project?
You’ll perform chemostat-based cultivation of gas-fermenting acetogens under steady and perturbed conditions, design controlled experiments, apply omics approaches, establish synthetic cocultures and collaborate with systems biologists to link data to resilience and metabolic models.
What research methods are central to Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026?
Core methods include chemostat cultivation of acetogens, controlled perturbation experiments, multi-omics analysis of microbial responses and establishing synthetic cocultures. Data help develop and integrate experimental insights into metabolic and resilience models with international collaborators.
What are key responsibilities of the candidate?
You’ll carry out cultivation and perturbation experiments, apply omics tools, characterize cocultures, work with modelling teams, publish findings, present at conferences and help supervise students. Collaborative work spans within the RECIPE research program and with European partners.
What qualities are expected from applicants?
The ideal candidate is curious, motivated and thrives in independent and team research. You should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, be organized, enjoy collaboration and embrace interdisciplinary science with excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
What does the fellowship offer in terms of employment benefits?
Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 provides a fully funded PhD with tailored training, excellent employment conditions including parental leave, flexible hours, sports facilities access, pension scheme, year-end bonus and opportunities for growth within a supportive international research environment.
Where is the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 based and in what research group?
Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026 is based in Wageningen at the Microbiology chair within the Microbial Physiology group led by Prof. Dr. Diana Machado de Sousa. You’ll join a collaborative environment focused on anaerobic microbial physiology and resilience under syngas fermentation conditions.
What language requirements must applicants meet?
Applicants must demonstrate command of English at C1 level. In some cases you may need to submit an internationally recognized proficiency certificate. Strong English skills are necessary for research communication, publications and collaboration in the research consortium.
What is the application deadline for the Decoding One Carbon Acetogenic Cocultures PhD Fellowship 2026?
You can apply by submitting a CV and motivation letter through the online system before the deadline in early January 2026. Only applications through the official process will be considered, and interviews are planned shortly after the closing date.
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