Ghent University invites applications for a full-time Post-doctoral Assistant position within the Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering (EA11), Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The successful candidate will conduct advanced research combining DFT calculations, kinetic and reactor modelling, and machine learning techniques, alongside academic teaching and supervision duties.
Job Overview
| Position: | Post-doctoral Assistant (AAP appointment) |
| Department: | Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering (EA11) |
| Institution: | Ghent University |
| Location: | Zwijnaarde (Ghent), Belgium |
| Contract Type: | Temporary (3 years, renewable up to an additional 3 years; Full-time equivalent) |
| Earliest Start Date: | 1 March 2027 |
| Application Deadline: | 22 October 2026 at 23:59 (Brussels Time) |
Designation
Post-doctoral Assistant (comprising a 70% AAP academic appointment supplemented by a 30% departmental scientific personnel appointment, offering a 100% full-time position).
Research Area
Chemical Engineering, specifically focusing on:
- First-principles reaction modelling and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations for heterogeneous catalysis.
- Kinetic and reactor modelling of catalyzed chemical reactions in gas and liquid phases.
- Modelling transport phenomena on catalyst and reactor scales.
- Application and development of machine learning techniques for structure-property relationships in catalysis.
Location
Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering (EA11), Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde, Ghent University, Zwijnaarde (Ghent), Belgium.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Degree: Hold a PhD / Doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering (the degree must be obtained before the start date of the appointment).
- NARIC Equivalence: For degrees obtained outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence from NARIC Flanders is required (or proof of application prior to appointment).
- Research Track Record: Demonstrated research excellence and recognized scientific publications in international peer-reviewed academic journals within heterogeneous catalysis, reaction kinetics, transport phenomena, and machine learning.
- Programming & Technical Skills: Profound knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Fortran, and Visual Basic. Hands-on expertise with machine learning libraries and frameworks including scikit-learn, Keras, and TensorFlow.
- Language Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills; proficiency and fluency in both English and Dutch are required.
- Coaching & Mentoring: A keen interest in advising and mentoring students at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral levels.
- Residency: Based in Belgium or willing to relocate to Belgium for the duration of the contract.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Academic Research (at least 70%): Carry out cutting-edge research across multiple parallel projects involving DFT calculations on heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, kinetic modelling in gas/liquid phases, and multi-scale transport phenomena modelling coupled with advanced machine learning.
- Teaching Support: Assist with instructional activities, laboratory courses, and seminars at the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels.
- Student Supervision: Guide and counsel Master’s students in their exercises, internships, and dissertation work, as well as mentor doctoral researchers.
- Scientific Dissemination: Prepare high-impact scientific publications and present research findings at international conferences.
Remuneration and Benefits
- Full-time position structured as a 70% AAP appointment and 30% departmental scientific appointment for an initial term of 3 years, extendable by up to another 3 years upon positive evaluation.
- Competitive salary based on the Flemish university salary scale AAP5.
- 36 days of paid annual leave.
- Comprehensive fringe benefits including bicycle commuting allowance, eco-cheques, public transport reimbursements, and broad internal training options.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Ghent University e-recruitment portal before the deadline. Ensure you upload all required documents (maximum 10 MB per attachment):
- Curriculum Vitae: Detailed CV combined with a full overview of scientific publications (merged into a single PDF).
- Cover Letter: Motivation letter describing your research experience and suitability for the post (PDF format).
- Diploma & Transcripts: Copy of your PhD diploma and transcript. If the diploma is in a language other than Dutch, French, German, or English, provide an official translation.
- NARIC Certificate: For non-EU diplomas, upload the NARIC certificate of equivalence or official proof of submission to NARIC Flanders.
For scientific inquiries regarding this vacancy, please contact Prof. Mark Saeys at mark.saeys@ugent.be or call +32 9 331 17 54.
Last Date to Apply
22 October 2026 at 23:59 (Brussels Time). Late submissions or applications sent via email will not be accepted.
Apply Link
Click Here to Apply Online at Ghent University
