PhD Position in Electromechanical Engineering
University of Antwerp
Belgium

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 region's largest, most international, and most innovative employers. 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 that you can help shape. 

The research group InViLab of the Department of Electromechanical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking to fill a full-time (100%) PhD position on Optical Coherence Tomography to assess the structural and mechanical properties of the eardrum and inner ear under the supervision of Professor Sam Van der Jeught (InViLab, University of Antwerp) and Professor Joris Dirckx (BIMEF, University of Antwerp).

Position

• You will actively contribute to the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
• This project aims to develop a cutting-edge diagnostic tool by leveraging advanced Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess the structural and mechanical properties of the eardrum and inner ear. The results will support improved cochlear implant procedures and enhanced diagnostic capabilities in otology.
• Your research will include both theoretical and experimental components. Your research will focus on designing, developing, and optimising an OCT tool tailored for high-resolution middle and inner ear imaging. This includes hardware design, system integration, and validation of the imaging setup in relevant experimental conditions.
• You will benefit from the unique collaboration between the University of Antwerp and the University of Kent (UK), gaining access to complementary expertise and training opportunities in OCT system development.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the research group InViLab.

Profile

• You hold a degree of Master of Industrial Sciences (Industrial Engineer), Master of Engineering (Civil Engineer), Master of Physics, or equivalent, or you obtain the degree at the latest at the time of appointment.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competencies 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 1 year. The scholarship is renewable after positive evaluation, with a 3 times 1-year term.
• The planned start date is as soon as possible but will be adapted to the selected candidate’s availability.
• 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).
• You will receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at the 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 March 4^th 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form, and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter, and your academic CV (including followed courses, honours, previous work, programming skills, publications, internships, experience with applied optics,…).
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or email jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job, please contact Prof. Sam Van der Jeught via sam.vanderjeught@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.