→ Apply before 28/08/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA11 - Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→ Term of assignment: 1 jaar
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhD
ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programs grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
YOUR TASKS
- Reactive processing (extrusion) of polymers with a focus on polyesters and bio-based polymers
- Experimental characterization of the polymer structure including: GPC, soluble-insoluble fractions, rheological tests, DSC, TGA, FTIR, mechanical testing.
- Theoretical study of the polymer crystallinity (advanced DSC techniques + crystallization models, e.g. Avrami, application)
- Model development for reactive extrusion of polyesters (MoM, kMC, CFD or similar)
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
Polymeric materials - allowing to realize both commodity and high-tech applications – are widely used in many important industrial sectors, such as construction, information technology and health care, as well as in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry. Designing polymer production processes is not only needed to expand these industries’ application ranges but also to avoid the formation of off-spec material and to make sure that energy resources are optimally used.
The current project is based on the combination of model-based and experimental research for the control of the molecular structure of polymers, in particular, branching and cross-linking, via smart tuning of the reactive extrusion parameters.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- PhD in Materials Engineering Technology or Science
- Scientific experience in:
- Reactive extrusion of polymers, other melt processing techniques, including injection molding;
- Solid knowledge in polymer physics and chemistry with a focus on bio-based/natural polymers, polyesters;
- Hands-on experience in experimental characterization of polymers including GPC, FTIR, rheology, DSC, TGA, mechanical testing, determination of soluble fraction – analysis execution, data processing and interpretation;
- Experience in kinetic modelling: kinetic Monte Carlo or deterministic – Python/MATLAB/Fortran/C
- Sufficient communication skills in English – both oral and written.
- Living in Belgium or ready to stay in Belgium during the research
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 1 year.
- Your contract will start on 1/10/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).
INTERESTED?
Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.
Your application must include the following documents:
- In the field CV: a CV including the contact details of one person we may contact for a reference (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field Cover Letter: a letter of application in pdf format
- In the field Diploma: a copy of the required PhD’s degree (If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages).
- In the field other documents: a 1-2 pages personal piece of scientific writing, demonstrating the applicant’s scientific skills.
Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Mariya Edeleva ([email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
