The lab of Prof. Nicolai consists of a team of young, dynamic and enthusiastic researchers that investigate processes and technology for improving the quality of fruit and vegetables after harvest. We offer a stimulating international work environment for those interested in scientific research on the verge of fundamental and applied science, with high relevance to making the world more sustainable. KU Leuven is a world-class university, ranked 46th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026.
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Project
Kiwifruit soften during ripening as pectin in the cell wall middle lamella is progressively degraded, weakening the adhesion between cells. This PhD project aims to build a multiscale computational model linking molecular-level pectin breakdown to whole-fruit texture loss in kiwifruit. At the core of the project is an object-oriented individual-based model in which pectin-degrading enzymes act on simulated pectin chains, cutting and simplifying the polymer backbone over time. Enzyme production itself will be modelled from gene transcript data, connecting gene expression to enzymatic activity and, in turn, to polymer-scale degradation. The resulting changes in pectin structure will be translated into evolving cell-cell adhesion parameters within an existing discrete element model of fruit tissue. The model will be confronted with a rich experimental dataset, including pectin fraction analysis, chain length measurements by size exclusion chromatography, enzyme activity assays, dynamic X-ray CT, and micromechanical compression testing, in collaboration with the New Zealand Bioeconomy Science Institute.
Profile
You will quickly develop skills and expertise through a unique combination of computational modelling and plant biology. Therefore, as an ideal candidate you have a diploma in bioscience engineering, computer science, physics, or related fields, with a good understanding of cell wall biochemistry and/or a basis in computational or quantitative biology. You are eager to learn and search new knowledge in these areas and quickly acquire skills to work with available methods, models and software independently. You have already programmed yourself code in Matlab, Python or similar and have a keen interest in working with advanced software for individual-based, discrete element, or mechanistic kinetic modelling. You speak English fluently, and integrate easily in our international postharvest group at KU Leuven, where we offer the required support and expertise to guide you successfully through your PhD. As with previous successful PhD students, you aim at high impact publications in journals such as New Phytologist, Plant Physiology, Postharvest Biology and Technology or more general top journals.
Offer
We offer you a 4-year PhD position at the Arenberg Doctoral School. Your project is supervised by prof. Bart Nicolaï, dr. Maarten Hertog and prof. Bart Smeets, and you will be supported in all aspects in order to successfully obtain a PhD degree with a high level scientific training. This project is carried out in close collaboration with the New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science, and includes short-term scientific exchanges with their researchers, offering you the opportunity to work with leading international experts on kiwifruit biology and to broaden your scientific network and experience abroad. You will also be given opportunities to participate in national and international scientific meetings. Leuven is a small city with metropolic flair in the heart of Europe close to Brussels, and with a rich historic background of science and technology. With more than 40 000 students it provides a vibrant environment for both research and living.
Interested?
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Bart Nicolai, mail: [email protected], Dr. Maarten Hertog, mail: [email protected], or Prof. dr. ir. Bart Smeets, mail: [email protected]
KU 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.
