Department: Department of Bioscience Engineering
Regime: Full-time

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The Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science is looking for one full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of biobased sustainability engineering.

Position

You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Bioscience Engineering.

• You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
• You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
• You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
• You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.

You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within beyond your own doctoral research.

You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.

You publish scientific articles related to the research project.

You carry out a limited number of teaching, research and service support tasks for the Department of Bioscience Engineering.

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in bioscience engineering, related discipline in engineering and/or science, or a master’s degree in connection to the research lines in the department. Candidates that obtain their master’s degree before the start of the scholarship can also apply.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• You have a strong interest in a research topic linked to at least one of the professors at SUSTAIN– Biobased sustainability engineering:You are a motivated person committed to actively applying for research funding for a doctorate under the supervision of a main supervisor affiliated with the SUSTAIN research group (e.g. FWO PhD fellowship for strategic basic research, FWO PhD fellowship for fundamental research,...).
  • Professors: Siegfried Vlaeminck, Sara Vicca, Roeland Samson, Anastasia Papangelou
  • Research domains: Sustainable microbial technology for water and food, environmental systems analysis, enhanced mineral weathering (CO₂ capture), soil carbon, climate mitigation, urban ecology and nature connectedness, urban green infrastructure, tree ecophysiology, solutions for sustainable cities, urban food
• 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 and the Department of Bioscience Engineering.
• You can communicate fluently in English, both oral and written.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What We Offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year.
• The planned start date is 15 November 2026.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for contract research staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• 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 receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at campus Groenenborger 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 13 August 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 statement that you are willing to actively compete for additional research funding

The absence of any required attachment may result in exclusion from the procedure. Applications via e-mail will not be considered, and applicants should not send e-mails solely to confirm that an online application has been submitted.

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.

The interviews of the preselected candidates will take place on 7 September 2026 (morning, Antwerp time). The selection committee can only meet at this moment, so please mark this date in your calendar if you apply for this position. In-person attendance is preferred, but if this is not possible, an online interview can be arranged.

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. Siegfried Vlaeminck (siegfried.vlaeminck@uantwerpen.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.