IAESTE Internships

Location

Belgium

Internship type

ON-SITE

Reference number

BE-2026-022-UGE

Students Requirements

General discipline

Biotechnology

Completed Years of Study

4

Fields of Study

Languages

English Excellent (C1, C2)

Required Knowledge and Experience

-

Other Requirements

-

Work Details

Duration

25 - 52 Weeks

Within These Dates

01.01.2027 - 31.07.2027

Holidays

18.07.2027 - 24.07.2027

Work Environment

-

Gross pay

300 EUR / month

Working Hours

40.0 per week / 5.0 per day

Living Lodging

Type of Accommoditation

Trainee with the help of the LC.

Cost of lodging

150 EUR / month

Cost of living

300 EUR / month

Work Offered

Additional Info

Only candidates with EU citizenship (EEA or Swiss) (or dual EU nationality) are eligible, as the internship duration exceeds 90 days under Belgian visa regulations. Unfortunately, applications for shorter durations (up to 90 days) cannot be considered.

Work description

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant was established in 2008 and currently has more than 165 employees.We work in a unique, open innovation pilot and demonstration facility for process development, scaling up and (trial) production of bio-based products and processes, from laboratory to multi-ton scale.We combine a wide and flexible range of modular unit operations with a team of highly qualified and experienced bio-process engineers and technicians to translate laboratory-scale bio-based processes into cost-effective industrial processes. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant wants to be the workplace where all employees can grow and use their full potential. We offer a pleasant atmosphere, value and reward initiative, hard work and commitment.********TOPIC 6 - An industrial fermentation and DSP platform to transform 2G streams into bioplastics, biochemicals, and microbial proteinsAvailable from January 2027Project description:The Flemish CUPRO project is aimed at tackling two major challenges in current society: fossil-based plastics and unsustainable protein production. For this, it focuses on the simultaneous production of bio-based plastics (polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHAs) and single cell protein (SCP) via fermentation of a wide variety of second-generation feedstocks. PHAs are biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters with potential applications in food packaging and medical and pharmaceutical products, whereas SCP is a promising alternative to traditional plant-based proteins in food and feed.In this internship, an multi-stage fermentation process will be developed and linked to a high-efficiency downstream protocol to simultaneously produce high-purity PHA and SCP. Firstly, the robustness of engineered bacteria to convert 2G carbohydrates will be evaluated using a wide range of industry-sourced 2G feedstocks. Then, the impact of fermentation parameters, including pH, temperature, and medium composition, on microbial growth, biopolymer production, and protein content will be investigated.In addition, green solvents will be evaluated for sustainable recovery of PHA. For the most promising extractants, the impact of extraction conditions will be investigated, including extraction time, temperature, and solvent ratio. Pre-treatments aimed at cell disruption of the microbial biomass will also be considered to improve the extraction efficiency and enable simultaneous recovery of high-purity PHA and SCP. Finally, solvent recycling and re-use will be briefly evaluated to enhance the economic and industrial feasibility of the overall process, as well as its sustainability.This research will be conducted at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP), a leading institution known for bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application. BBEPP is equipped with advanced process and analytical tools that will facilitate high-quality research in an industrial environment.

Deadline

26.09.2026