PhD Position in Heritage Sciences

University of Antwerp

Department: Heritage
Employment Regime: Full-time
Position Type: Doctoral Scholarship (PhD)
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Duration: 36 months (possible extension up to 48 months)
Application Deadline: 28 May 2025 (23:59 Brussels time)

Host Institution

University of Antwerp
Faculty of Design Sciences
Research Group: Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)
Built Heritage Lab

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, international, and research-intensive European university with more than 20,000 students and 6,000 staff members from over 100 countries. Through innovative education, high-impact research, and societal engagement, the university actively contributes to shaping a sustainable future.

Research Context

This PhD position is embedded in the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network CHARM
(Conservation of Heritage Architecture, buildings and sites by Resilient Methods: hydro-climate factors).

The CHARM network focuses on sustainable conservation strategies for architectural heritage under changing climatic conditions and offers structured international training and mobility.

PhD Topic

Nature-Based Solutions for Heritage Buildings: Green Facades

The doctoral research will investigate the role of vegetation-based façade systems in protecting and regulating the microclimate and hygrothermal performance of heritage buildings.

Research objectives include:

  1. Assessing the impact of deciduous and evergreen plant species on façade microclimate and hygrothermal behaviour under varying seasonal and climatic conditions (laboratory and on-site).

  2. Evaluating the influence of plant density (leaf area index) on moisture conditions and sheltering effects under wind-driven rain exposure.

  3. Optimising ground-based vertical greening systems and support structures as protective and regulating layers.

  4. Analysing water management mechanisms within vegetated façades to develop a decision-support tool for preventive conservation.

  5. Performing a heritage impact assessment addressing visual impact, biodiversity enhancement, and health and well-being of residents.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct original doctoral research and prepare a PhD thesis in heritage sciences.

  • Participate in the international CHARM doctoral network and training activities.

  • Complete the Antwerp Doctoral School training programme.

  • Undertake a 4-month international research stay at NTNU (Norway) at the end of year 2.

  • Publish peer-reviewed scientific articles and present results at international conferences.

  • Perform a limited number of teaching and research support tasks within ARCHES.

  • Collaborate with and receive co-supervision from the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA).

Candidate Profile

  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, or an equivalent discipline (completed by start date).

  • No doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

  • Excellent academic results.

  • Strong skills in data processing and analysis (e.g. RStudio) and willingness to further develop them.

  • Demonstrated interest in built heritage, sustainability, and nature-based solutions.

  • Teaching and research competences aligned with the University of Antwerp’s educational and research policies.

  • High standards of quality, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.

  • Good command of English; C1 level or higher is an asset.

  • Open, constructive communicator and team-oriented researcher.

MSCA Mobility Rule (mandatory):
Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding recruitment (excluding holidays, compulsory national service, or refugee procedures).

What We Offer

  • Fully funded MSCA Doctoral Scholarship with competitive remuneration.

  • Employment for 36 months, with possible extension up to 12 months upon positive evaluation.

  • Funding for technical training, transferable skills development, and international research events.

  • Additional benefits including ecocheques, internet allowance, and commuting reimbursement.

  • Access to a broad doctoral training portfolio through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

  • Primary workplace at Campus Mutsaard – City Campus UAntwerpen, offering a stimulating and international research environment.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp’s online application platform by 28 May 2025 and must include:

  1. Motivation letter

  2. Appendix confirming compliance with MSCA mobility rules (mandatory)

  3. Academic CV

Incomplete or ambiguous mobility statements will result in rejection.

Following an anonymous pre-selection, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

Contact

Scientific enquiries:
Prof. Tim De Kock – tim.dekock@uantwerpen.be

Application process enquiries:
jobs@uantwerpen.be

The University of Antwerp is an equal-opportunity employer and holder of the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. Diversity and inclusion are core values, and applications from candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged.

Apply