Summary
The University of Antwerp’s Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering is seeking a full-time PhD candidate to work at the intersection of machine learning, computational chemistry, and polymer engineering. The project focuses on developing a quantum-to-plant predictive model for polyurethane recyclability and separation energy to advance circular material design.
Doctoral Scholarship Holder: Machine Learning for Circular Polyurethane Design, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Overview & Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Position / Title | Doctoral scholarship holder machine learning for circular polyurethane design |
| Job ID | 4502 |
| Institution | University of Antwerp (Faculty of Applied Engineering) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (100%), Temporary (1 year, renewable up to 4 years) |
| Start Date | November 1, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 (midnight Brussels time) |
Designation
- Doctoral Scholarship Holder / PhD Researcher
Research Area
- Machine Learning & Chemical Engineering: Developing quantum-to-plant models linking molecular structure (SMILES, fingerprints, graph representations) to reaction kinetics, molecular dynamics, depolymerization thermodynamics, and techno-economic separation costs.
Location
- Campus Groenenborger, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerpen, Belgium.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Degree: Master’s degree in (bio)chemistry, (bio)chemical engineering, material/polymer sciences, or (bio)cheminformatics (or obtained by the appointment date).
- Academic Record: Proven evidence of excellent study results.
- Skills/Experience (Advantageous):
- Programming proficiency (Python or C++).
- Machine learning / deep learning experience.
- Knowledge of computational chemistry and polymer chemistry.
- Language: Good knowledge of English (both spoken and written).
Job Description
- Prepare and defend a PhD thesis focused on predicting polyurethane recyclability and separation energy.
- Develop machine learning models connecting molecular descriptors to reaction rate constants and depolymerization thermodynamics.
- Collaborate closely with quantum chemists, reaction engineers, molecular dynamics specialists, and experimentalists.
- Draft and execute a research plan in consultation with supervisor(s) and present findings at scientific conferences.
- Assist with a limited range of support tasks in teaching or research management within the faculty.
How to Apply
- Visit the University of Antwerp’s online job portal.
- Complete the online application form for Job ID 4502.
- Attach the required documents:
- Motivation letter
- Academic CV (including a complete transcript of records)
Note on Selection Timeline:
- Selection tests: September 8, 2026
- Interviews: September 15–16, 2026
Last Date to Apply
- August 31, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time)
