Postdoctoral Position in Biochemical Engineering

Regime: Full-time

Let’s Shape the Future – University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a motivated full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of electrocatalytic conversions for the nitrogen value chain to strengthen the research team ELCAT (Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis). In this context, you will develop novel catalysts to evaluate their performance for the formation and interconversion of R-N, R=N, and R≡N bonds of amines, imins, amides, nitriles, and inorganic salts.

The overall focus of the ELCAT group is on electrochemical processes for power-to-x-to-power purposes. The team aims to improve the controllability, flexibility and energy efficiency of the reactions through electrocatalyst and electrochemical-cell design. The research at ELCAT is divided into three main topics: electrocatalysis, electrosynthesis and electrochemical reactor engineering.

For more information about the current projects, current PhD projects and publications, take a look at:
www.elcat.be

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of electrochemical conversion of nitrogen and nitrogen compounds. In this context, you compete for externally funded research grants. Both oxidative and reductive electrosynthesis of products for the nitrogen value chain are aimed at the production of basic and fine chemicals. To achieve this, you will develop redox mediators as catalysts, screen reaction conditions and analyze electrolysis products. As a PhD student in ELCAT, you will also support some of the general research tasks for the proper day-to-day operation of the research group.

• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project and present your results at international conferences.

• You will also assist in a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the research group and the Faculty of Applied Engineering.

Profile

• You have obtained a master's degree in chemistry / chemical engineering / applied and/or industrial engineering chemistry / materials science / other related field or equivalent, or you will have obtained the diploma by the time you start work.

• You can demonstrate excellent study results.

• You are proactive and have the right mindset for scientific research.

• You are enthusiastic and highly motivated.

• You can work safely in research laboratories, especially with chemicals.

• Experience in conducting experiments with electrochemical systems is a plus.

• You have a good knowledge of English in speaking and writing.

• You have a good basic knowledge of Dutch or are willing to learn Dutch quickly. In your application, you demonstrate that you are capable of doing so.

• You are strong in planning and organizing and can work independently.

• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.

• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What We Offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.

• The planned start date is April 1, 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.

• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.

• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.

• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

• You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken (Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.

• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to Apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 19 January 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:

  • a motivation letter

  • your academic CV

  • a short summary of your master's thesis project

• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the (online) interviews will be organized in the first week of February 2026.

• Applications in English are possible.

• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Dominik Halter (Dominik.Halter@uantwerp.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.