The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is inviting applications for a Doctoral Fellowship within the Research Group Brussels Photonics Team (B-PHOT). This position is offered as part of the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) project titled “Glass-Care”. The research focuses on developing a standardized, non-invasive measurement protocol for the characterization of historic stained-glass technologies.
Summary
This PhD project aims to create an integrated analytical workflow combining UV-Vis-NIR, p-XRF, and Raman spectroscopy to analyze glass staining, grisaille painting, and enamel coatings in historic windows. The successful candidate will work in an international environment, collaborating with global partners and contributing to the preservation of European cultural heritage.
| Organization | Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) |
| Department | Applied Physics and Photonics (B-PHOT) |
| Position | Doctoral Fellow (PhD Student) |
| Research Area | Photonics, Applied Physics, Cultural Heritage Conservation |
| Location | Elsene (Brussels), Belgium |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable up to 48 months) |
| Application Deadline | January 31, 2027 |
Designation
Doctoral Fellow / PhD Researcher
Research Area
The research is situated at the intersection of Photonics and Cultural Heritage. Specifically, it involves the development of an all-in-one measurement setup for on-site analysis of uncorroded historic glass, focusing on spectroscopic data processing and the establishment of calibration protocols between non-invasive and invasive methods.
Location
Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus, Elsene, Belgium.
Eligibility/Qualification
To be considered for this fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Degree: Must hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Photonics, Electronics, and Information Technology), (Applied) Physics, or an equivalent degree obtained before the recruitment date.
- MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately preceding the recruitment date.
- Research Status: Must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Skills: Excellent communication in English (written and spoken), ability to work independently and in teams, and experience with spectroscopic analysis or optical data processing.
Scholarship Description
The fellowship offers a comprehensive package including:
- A full-time PhD scholarship for up to 48 months.
- First 36 Months (MSCA): Includes a Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance, and (if applicable) a Family Allowance in line with Marie Sklodowska-Curie guidelines.
- Fourth Year: Funded by the VUB Research Council according to Flemish PhD salary scales.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and international training events, summer schools, and workshops.
- 35 days of annual leave and other university benefits.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply online through the VUB job portal. The following documents must be uploaded:
- Motivation Letter: Explaining interest in the Glass-Care project and this specific position (max 400 words).
- Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Transcripts and Diplomas: Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Glass-Care Questionnaire: Completed form available from the project website.
- Project Proposal: Aligned with the research objectives of the Glass-Care network.
- Referees: Contact information for two relevant academic or professional referees.
For specific questions regarding the job content, contact Prof. Wendy Meulebroeck at Wendy.Meulebroeck@vub.be.
Last Date for Apply
January 31, 2027
Apply Link
Official VUB Application Portal
