Introduction
Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC; http://www.ugent.be/globalcampus/en) is an integrated campus of Ghent University, Belgium, and the first European university to be part of the Incheon Global Campus (IGC) in Incheon, South Korea. Ghent University is one of the top 100 universities in the world (ARWU ranking, US News), and in the top 100 for the subjects Biotechnology and Environmental Science (2024 QS subject ranking #46 in global). Ghent University Global Campus is an equal opportunities employer.
Centre for Green Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology (GREAT) is one of the five existing research centers of GUGC. It was established in 2015 with the aim to deliver scientific outcomes that will have a real impact on consolidation of environmental issues, themes, and topics, and to do this under one umbrella to highlight their interconnectedness and interdisciplinary nature. GREAT targets at the practical development of solutions to mitigate pollution in air and aqueous environments via application of advanced functional materials and corresponding process technologies. In the 10 years’ development, GREAT has published >300 SCI papers and received national and international funding support (e.g. NRF, KEITI, NERI, BOF, FWO, Horizon2020, etc.), and built strong collaborations with Korea national and international top universities.
Job Summary
Full-Time PhD Student (Research and Teaching Assistant) in Environmental Technology – Ghent University Global Campus
Department: Centre for Environmental and Energy Research (KR01 – Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University Global Campus, Korea)
Degree: Master in Chemistry and/or Chemical Engineering
Contract: 1 year, followed by 1 year on the strict condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation (based on (1) research proposal for PhD and (2) scientific progress), and followed by 2 times 2 years (again on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation); for a grand total of maximal 6 years.
Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy Type: Assistant Academic Staff (AAP)
Last application date: May 31, 2025 (Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate)
Starting date: October 1, 2025 (negotiable)
Scientific Supervisor: Prof. dr. Jihae Park ([email protected])
Job Position
Ghent University Global Campus (GUGC), located in Incheon, South Korea, invites applications for a full-time PhD Student (Research and Teaching Assistant) position in the BEST Lab, under the Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology, and Molecular Biotechnology. The position will begin on October 1, 2025 (flexible starting date possible).
This position is embedded in the doctoral program of Ghent University in Belgium, and all academic requirements and quality standards are equivalent to those at the home campus. The PhD degree will be conferred by the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium. A co-promoter will be appointed in addition to the main supervisor, Prof. Jihae Park.
GUGC offers employment terms comparable to those in Belgium, including free student accommodation and a yearly travel budget. GUGC is an equal opportunities employer.
The successful candidate will pursue doctoral research for a period of up to six years, subject to annual evaluations. The main research themes will include ecotoxicology and bioresources, focusing on environmental safety, carbon capture, and the application of algae and microalgae in bio-based technologies.
As a Teaching Assistant, the candidate is expected to devote up to 50% of their time to supporting undergraduate teaching activities. These include:
- Assisting with laboratory and tutorial sessions in chemistry (organic/inorganic/green), engineering, and environmental courses (e.g., air and water treatment),
- Supervising student exercises and bachelor projects,
- Contributing to assessment activities (e.g., grading and exam preparation).
Within the first six months of appointment, the candidate must develop and submit a doctoral research proposal, including an extensive literature review, clearly defined objectives, and a detailed research plan. Approval of the proposal by the GUGC Campus Council is required for renewal of the first-year contract.
Job Qualification (Profile of the Candidate)
- Hold, or expect to hold by October 1, 2025, a Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Environmental Science, Biology, Biotechnology, Marine Sciences, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering.
- Possess relevant laboratory experience in one or more of the following areas: ecotoxicology, microalgal cultivation, environmental monitoring, or bioresource utilization. Prior scientific publications are considered an asset.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English, both written and spoken (e.g., a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on the IELTS), with strong academic writing and presentation skills. As English is the working language at GUGC, fluency is essential.
- Exhibit a strong team spirit, a self-motivated and inquisitive attitude, and the ability to work independently and take initiative within a multidisciplinary research environment.
Job Description
- Assist the supervisor(s) in undergraduate education activities at Ghent University Global Campus, including practical sessions and grading in courses related to chemistry (general/organic/green), environmental science, and biotechnology.
- Conduct PhD-level research in the fields of ecotoxicology, CO₂ sequestration, bioresource utilization, or algal-based environmental technologies, focusing on sustainable and nature-based solutions for environmental challenges.
- Develop a detailed doctoral research plan tailored to the candidate’s background and interests. The plan may include national/international fellowship applications, technology development and transfer, and potential collaborative projects with industry or other institutions.
- Complete a doctoral dissertation and disseminate research findings through high-quality publications and conference presentations within the given PhD timeframe.
- Support the supervisor(s) in ongoing and upcoming research projects, and contribute to research-led educational activities, including mentoring of Bachelor’s, Master’s, or high school students where applicable.
Selection Criteria
- Scientific background and knowledge
- Working experiences
Application Documents
- Motivation letter (1-page)
- Full resume (CV), including at least 2 references’ contacts
- Copy of the certificates and transcripts for education
- Transcripts (overview of study results and ranking)
- Others (subjected to the supervisor’s requirement in the later stage)
The documents shall be merged into a single PDF file (< 10MB) and sent to [email protected] (Subject line: GREAT_Application_Surname). Please kindly noted only the selected candidate(s) will be contacted for the next step.
Application Process and Interview
- Interviews (in-person or online) will take place in stages from the first available time.
- Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate.
We reserve the right to hold applications on file for potential future job openings.
For submission of your file and any inquiries, please contact us via e-mail: [email protected]
Selection Process
- CV Screening -> Interview(s) (including oral evaluation and written evaluation) -> Internal committee -> Approval -> Acceptance Notice to the candidate selected.
Compensation & Benefits for the candidate selected.
- Basic Term of the Contract
-1 year-contract term (renewable upon committee’s evaluation, Max. 2 years for Research Associate, Max. 4 years for Research Assistant/PhD candidate) - Salary
-starts from Gross Annual Salary 27,375,000 KRW (Monthly Salary of 2,281,250 KRW, Gross) - Two additional bonuses in June (92% of monthly salary) and December (100% of monthly salary)
- Housing unit or Housing Allowance
- A single dormitory unit operated by Incheon Global Campus (IGC) will be provided for non-Koreans. If the selected candidate has the Korean nationality or if the selected candidate is a permanent resident in Korea, then a housing unit will not be provided. Instead, a monthly Housing Allowance of 725,000 KRW will be provided. - Private Health Insurances
-Marsh private health insurance provided, including basic medical reimbursements - Extensive annual paid leave and holidays
- The selected candidate shall have maximal 35 days paid annual leave per year.
- Additional holiday from Christmas (December 25) to New Year (January 1). - Others: to be discussed
