Postdoctoral Scholarship in Software Engineering

University of Antwerp

Position Summary

  • Department: Department of Computer Science

  • Faculty: Faculty of Sciences

  • Institution: University of Antwerp

  • Employment Type: Full-time (100%)

  • Position Type: Doctoral Scholarship Holder (PhD Researcher)

  • Research Field: Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering

  • Planned Start Date: 1 October 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter)

  • Primary Location: Campus Middelheim

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university.

We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20,000 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 6,000 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.

About the Position

The Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Sciences is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.

The PhD project focuses on the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering, investigating how both disciplines can reinforce one another.

The position is embedded within the research groups:

  • ADREM Data Lab (Artificial Intelligence)

  • AnSyMo (Software Engineering)

Position Responsibilities

Research

PhD Research

  • Actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering.

  • Investigate how Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering can reinforce one another.

  • Support existing research lines within:

    • ADREM Data Lab

    • AnSyMo

Research Funding

  • Apply for a PhD fellowship from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO) during the 2026–2027 academic year.

  • Applications for other internal and external predoctoral funding programmes are encouraged.

Scientific Dissemination

  • Publicly defend your doctoral thesis.

  • Aim to publish research results in scientific venues.

Teaching and Service

  • Participate in a limited range of support tasks related to:

    • Teaching

    • Research management

  • Contribute to activities within the Department of Computer Science.

Profile

Educational Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Computer Science, or completion of the degree before appointment.

Academic Excellence

  • Evidence of excellent study results.

Research Experience

  • Master’s thesis demonstrating experience in:

    • Artificial Intelligence

    • Software Engineering

    • Or both

Language Skills

  • Good command of English, both written and spoken.

Teaching and Research Competencies

  • Teaching competences in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.

  • Research qualities in line with faculty and university research policies.

Personal Attributes

  • Commitment to:

    • Quality

    • Integrity

    • Creativity

    • Cooperation

What We Offer

Appointment

  • Doctoral scholarship for an initial period of one year.

  • Following a positive evaluation, extension is possible up to a maximum of four years.

Professional Development

  • Opportunity to participate in academic activities related to your research.

  • Access to further development through training and education.

Financial Benefits

  • Monthly scholarship according to doctoral scholarship holder scales.

  • Ecocheques.

  • Internet-connectivity allowance.

  • Bicycle allowance.

  • Full reimbursement of public transport commuting costs.

Doctoral Training

As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to:

  • A wide and varied range of doctoral courses.

  • Educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

Working Environment

  • Dynamic and stimulating research environment.

  • Majority of work conducted at Campus Middelheim.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp online job application platform.

Application Deadline

Thursday, 13 August 2026 (midnight Brussels time)

Required Documents

  • Academic CV

  • Copy of your Master’s Thesis

  • List of references who may be contacted regarding your academic qualifications

Selection Procedure

  • Applications will be reviewed as soon as possible after the application deadline.

  • Candidates will be notified once a decision has been made.

  • Eligible candidates will be informed about any subsequent steps in the selection procedure.

Selection Interviews

Likely interview dates:

  • 20 August 2026

  • 21 August 2026

Interviews may be conducted online.

Contact Information

Questions About the Online Application Process

Email: jobs@uantwerpen.be

Academic Contacts

Applicants are encouraged to contact the responsible professors before the application deadline.

Prof. Toon Calders

Email: Toon.Calders@uantwerpen.be

Prof. Serge Demeyer

Email: Serge.Demeyer@uantwerpen.be

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy.

The university is a sustainable and family-friendly organisation that invests in employee growth and development.

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

  • Age

Applications from people with diverse backgrounds and characteristics are strongly encouraged.

Apply