Postdoctoral Position in Chemical 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 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 research group A-PECS (Antwerp engineering, photoelectrochemistry and sensing) of the Faculty of Science at the University of Antwerp is seeking post-doctoral candidates willing to write research proposals that tackle the topic of “Microfluidics for sustainable photo(electro)catalysis and sensing”

Position

In 2024, the new research group A-PECS was founded on the expertise of four PIs working on engineering, photo(electro)chemistry and sensing. In order to accomplish more performant reactors and sensors, a driving force towards miniaturization is noticed. This provides a challenging opportunity for a post-doctoral candidate to develop a new research line on microfluidics, synergistically with the A-PECS PIs. The major challenge is to translate generic concepts of microfluidic devices into specific applications within the fields of excellence of A-PECS.  Important examples for which microfluidics can have a groundbreaking impact in our group, include, but are not limited to: (plasmon) nanoparticle synthesis, photo(electro)catalytic conversions, sensors for air pollution, phenols, drugs and point-of-care diagnostics, as well as Multiphysics modelling of the device characteristics.

External and internal post-doc researchers who are eligible to submit an FWO or MSCA post-doc application are invited to apply. The top ranked candidate with the best profile acquires a preparatory post-doctoral research mandate to develop and submit a competitive research proposal to FWO (Flemish Science Foundation) or MSCA (Horizon Europe Marie Curie fellowships), with the University of Antwerp as host institution.

A preparatory full-time or part-time mandate of at least 6 months (up to a maximum of 12 months, depending on your profile) will be provided.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Engineering (chemical, biosience, civil, or applied), or equivalent, with demonstrated expertise in microfluidics (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English (min. B2 level or equivalent)
• You comply with the FWO Post Doc and/or Marie Sklodowska-Curie Post-doc eligibility criteria
• You have experience with microfluidics and at least one of the research themes of the A-PECS research group: photocatalysis, photo-electrocatalysis, Multiphysics modelling, or sensing.
• Experience with cad-design and 3D printing is an asset.

What we offer

• The planned start date is 1 June 2025, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Appointments are made in one of the following categories, depending on your profile:
• Postdoctoral scholarship holder: 
  • Note: in order to be eligible in this statute, you must have spent at least 12 months of the three years prior to the start date as a postdoctoral scholarship holder abroad and did not work or study in Belgium during these 12 months. Short-term stays (e.g. holidays, participation in conferences, preparation for this stay as a postdoctoral scholarship holder) will not be taken into account.
  • We offer a full-time appointment for a period of 12 months
  • Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Postdoctoral researcher (contractual)You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • We offer a full-time appointment for a period of 6 months
  • Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• 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 20 March 2025 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:  
• A strong motivation letter, confirming your eligibility for FWO postdoc and/or MSCA
• Your detailed academic CV, including honors, grades, skills, publications,…
• Two reference persons
• A weblink to a short video introducing yourself
• 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 following date in your calendar: 1 April 2025 for the selection interview.
• 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 Sammy.verbruggen@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.