Postdoctoral researchers (25771) - Green Chemistry and Technology

   →  Apply before 17/04/2023 (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 
 

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 8,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

Our research group at UGent consists of 30 enthusiastic researchers led by Prof. Erik Meers. We are currently actively involved in 15 running European and national projects, several of which as the lead partner. For a fluent organisation of the group’s activities, the team relies on a management structure consisting of research line managers (postdoctoral researchers with a focus on management). In order to support the growing activities we enjoy in the frame of circular economy research, we are looking to expand our team with additional postdoctoral researchers. The appointment will be initially focused on performing tasks within starting and/or running European projects, with a possibility of either attracting funds for continued research activities or moving towards management responsibilities.

YOUR TASKS

We are looking for two dynamic postdoctoral researchers to support our growing team and management group on Bioresource Recovery. The new postdocs will be responsible for: (i) performing tasks within ongoing European projects (more detailed descriptions below); (ii) supervising (joint) PhD students; and (iii) writing national/European projects. Depending on the performance and interest of the candidates, additional managerial tasks are possible, such as the development of your own research line and the coordination, as project manager, of projects linked to this research line. 
For both profiles - research or manager – an active and independent approach is needed. Moreover, hands-on experience in EU projects is appreciated.
Specifically connected to European projects, the new postdocs will take a proactive approach in the running project H2020-BIONANOPOLYS (https://www.bionanopolys.eu/) and/or in the recently-approved project Horizon Europe SOILUTIONS (Enabling underused bio-waste feedstocks into safe and effective market-ready soil improvers). The following (non-exhaustive) activities are foreseen in the mentioned projects: (i) risk and safety assessment for the use of waste and phytoremediation biomass for the production of bionanomaterials; (ii) life cycle assessment of resource recovery value chains; (iii) market potential of bio-based soil improvers; (iv) field and greenhouse tests of novel bio-based soil improvers; (v) stakeholder mapping and engagement. Previous experience in these topics is appreciated, but the team is ready to provide training and assistance for the development of the needed skills.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

•    You have a relevant PhD degree in biobased sciences and/or bio-engineering
•    You are interested in and motivated by Bioresource Recovery in the broad sense and biobased value chains related to residues & wastes from agri-food activities
•    You are an independent and proactive worker
•    You are an engaged team member
•    You have mastered the English language, both in writing skills and oral presentations
•    You have the required communicative skills to interact independently with the scientific, business and farming communities
•    Over the last 3 years, you have been living outside of Belgium for at least 2 years
•    Background in phytoremediation, soil processes and/or life cycle assessment is a plus

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

•    We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from  2 years.
•     Your contract will start on 01/05/2023 at the earliest.
•    Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
•    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, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).
•    Possibility to further develop your academic output, in alignment with the projects you manage & support
•    Embedding in a research group of young dynamic applied experts, consisting out of >30 motivated people
•    Integration in a strong and sociable team of young highly skilled professionals
•    Involvement in European projects with research partners throughout Europe
•    An innovative hot-topic research scope with clear practical applications
•    The possibility to develop a broad network
•    Stimulation of self-improvement by encouraging participation in courses, workshops and conferences
 

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.
(A) Professional résumé (CV), including a list of publications
(B) Motivation letter, highlighting (European) project experience
(C) Confirmation of 2 years of residence and professional activity outside of Belgium within the last 3 years
(D) Documentation regarding your PhD and relevant activities thereafter
(E) Contact information of 2 references (preference is given for the immediate former employer and PhD promotors)

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in the first half of April with foreseen to start at the earliest convenience thereafter (based on candidate availability, but as soon as possible from our perspective).

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. E. Meers  (Erik.Meers@UGent.be, +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 our FAQ or contact helpdesk (dpo@ugent.be - tel. 09/264 98 98)