Summary
The Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) research group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is offering a fully funded, full-time PhD scholarship under the FWO-SBO-funded research project MOSAIC (Multimodal Optical Sensing and AI for Crop & Food Safety). The position focuses on developing handheld, all-in-one spectroscopic sensing platforms utilizing freeform optics and machine learning for non-destructive, real-time agrifood analysis.
PhD Position in Multimodal Sensor Design for Agrifood at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB)
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Grant Researcher (Doctoraatsbursaal)
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Position in Multimodal Sensor Design for Agrifood |
| Host Institution | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Engineering / Applied Physics and Photonics |
| Research Group | Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) |
| Funded Project | MOSAIC (Multimodal Optical Sensing and AI for Crop & Food Safety) |
| Employment Type | Full-time PhD Scholarship |
| Contract Duration | 12 months (Renewable up to 48 months / 4 years) |
| Planned Start Date | 01/12/2026 |
| Work Location | Elsene (Ixelles), Brussels, Belgium |
| Application Deadline | 20/09/2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Applied Physics, Photonics, Optical Engineering, Sensor Design, Spectroscopy, and Agrifood Safety.
- Core Topics:
- Multimodal optical spectroscopy (UV-VIS-NIR reflection, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy).
- Optical system miniaturization and beam shaping using freeform optics.
- Smart illumination and advanced machine learning for multimodal spectroscopic data processing.
Location
Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Academic Degree: Master’s degree in Physics, Photonics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, or a related scientific/engineering discipline.
- Technical & Research Skills:
- Knowledge of optical spectroscopy and optical design (strong asset).
- Experience with optical laboratory setups, lasers, spectrometers, and fiber optics.
- Programming proficiency (e.g., Python, MATLAB); simulation tools like ANSYS Zemax OpticStudio are considered a strong plus.
- Language & Soft Skills:
- Proficiency in written and spoken English (CEFR level C1 or equivalent).
- Strong communication, collaborative mindset, and ability to conduct independent research.
- Administrative Criteria:
- Must not have held an assistant mandate paid from operating resources exceeding 12 months in total.
- EEA and non-EEA nationals must meet Belgian residence and work permit requirements.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- Salary / Grant: Full-time doctoral scholarship linked to official Belgian government grant scales.
- Contract Term: Initial 1-year contract, extendable up to a total of 4 years subject to positive evaluation.
- Additional Benefits:
- 35 days of annual leave plus closure days between Christmas/New Year and 3 extra holiday days.
- Free hospitalization insurance.
- 100% public transport reimbursement for daily commutes or bike allowances.
- Telework allowance (€50/month) or internet fee (€20/month).
- Access to university sports facilities, discounted campus restaurants, childcare facilities, and training programs.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the VUB official careers portal (jobs.vub.be):
- Prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Motivation Letter
- Copy of Diplomas / Transcripts (not required for VUB alumni)
- Submit your application online through the application portal before the deadline.
- Selection Process: Initial file evaluation followed by a job interview for shortlisted candidates.
For informal inquiries regarding the research role, contact Lien Smeesters at lien.smeesters@vub.be or +32 474 07 26 26.
Last Date for Apply
September 20, 2026 (20/09/2026)
