Apply before 31/08/2025 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
- Department: BW24 - Groene Chemie en Technologie
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 2 jaar
- Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
- Required diploma:PhD
Ghent University (Belgium) is internationally one of the leading institutes in resource recovery and renewable resources. It is home to the BioRefine Cluster Europe (www.biorefine.eu), a network of international research and development projects with a dedicated focus on guiding innovation towards applied market implementation.
Our research group at UGent consists of 40 enthusiastic researchers led by Prof. Erik Meers. We are currently actively involved in 15 running European projects, several of which as the lead partner. For a fluent organisation of the management and execution of the research, the team relies on a management structure consisting of postdocs (research line managers) and other supporting functions. In order to support the growing activities we enjoy in the frame of circular economy research, we are looking to expand our R&D management structure.
Our research group at UGent consists of 40 enthusiastic researchers led by Prof. Erik Meers. We are currently actively involved in 15 running European projects, several of which as the lead partner. For a fluent organisation of the management and execution of the research, the team relies on a management structure consisting of postdocs (research line managers) and other supporting functions. In order to support the growing activities we enjoy in the frame of circular economy research, we are looking to expand our R&D management structure.
YOUR TASKS
We are looking for a dynamic and motivated postdoctoral researcher with modeling expertise, particularly in Mass Flow Analysis (MFA) and/or Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), to join our growing team in the field of Bioresource Recovery. The new postdoc will be responsible for working in and supporting the modelling assessment research line, including the following tasks: (i) supporting projects in this research line using dynamic approaches such as MFA and LCA; (ii) supervising (joint) PhD students to develop their thesis on systematic assessment and model development.
Specifically, the new postdoc will take a proactive approach to conduct project tasks and assist in project management of the running projects NPower and ReNu2Cycle. In the NPower project (https://www.npower.es/en/), UGent is a lead partner responsible for the development of an N&P budgeting model using MFA approach, and the scientific coordination of activities in regional cluster Belgium. The new postdoc will focus on developing and validating the model to (i) compute N/P inputs and outputs to air, water, and soil, (ii) quantify the imbalance in N/P flows, (iii) determine the ecological limits of the Murcia region in Spain, and (iv) develop a uniform database suitable for straightforward extrapolation using data from other European regions. In ReNu2Cycle project (https://renu2cycle.nweurope.eu/), UGent is a lead partner responsible to conduct MFA on N, P and K budgets for six European regions. Moreover, UGent will take a lead to develop LCA and associated inventory for recycling derived fertilisers (RDFs) such as struvite, ammonium sulphate, etc. The new postdoc will focus on i) processing regional N, P, K budget data, ii) determine nutrient recovery potential for six EU regions, and (iii) perform LCA for at least 3 RDFs which would then be compared against the mineral fertilisers.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are seeking candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD degree in Bioscience Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise (e.g. a good track record) in MFA and/or LCA.
- Proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, or equivalent software.
- Highly motivated for cutting-edge research in bioresource recovery and biobased value chains, particularly related to agri-food residues and waste streams.
- Excellent proficiency in English (written and spoken).
- Proven project management skills, experience as a work package leader in international (EU) consortia is a plus.
- Strong time management, independence, and responsibility for the managing and execution of your project in a well-structured, thorough way.
- Well-developed communication skills and ability to interact effectively with researchers, policy-makers, businesses, and farmers.
- Experience in grant writing and/or teaching is considered an asset.
- This position is specifically intended for international postdoctoral researchers from outside Belgium, who are eager to contribute to and collaborate within a global academic and stakeholder network.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- A contract of limited duration (2 years), preferably starting before 01/10/2025, possible for negotiation. Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
- A dynamic and collaborative research environment within a top-tier university, with access to a wide international network through ongoing EU-funded projects.
- 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.
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’: your CV (including a list of publications) and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application/motivation letter (highlighting expertise and research experience in MFA and LCA) in pdf format
- In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). 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 reference letter, examples of your most represent publication for this job.
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.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in the course of September with foreseen to start at the earliest convenience thereafter (based on candidate availability, but as soon as possible from our perspective).
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in the course of September with foreseen to start at the earliest convenience thereafter (based on candidate availability, but as soon as possible from our perspective).
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. E. Meers ([email protected], +32(0)478 78 60 98). 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] or +32 9 264 34 36
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