Doctoral fellow - Department of Environment

Last application date Sep 15, 2024 00:00

Department LA20 - Department of Environment

Contract Limited duration

Degree Master’s degree, preferably in Bioscience Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering- Architecture, or Industrial Engineering: Construction or Industrial Design Engineering Technology

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 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 85 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.

We are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow

YOUR JOB

We are hiring a doctoral fellow on the topic of "Circular and zero-waste design and performance of wood-based building materials from local and underutilised wood sources ". You will be part of an international and interdisciplinary consortium, working on a Horizon Europe project “WoodStock” that investigates climate-smart construction methods using underutilised wood resources like locally harvested hardwood, low-quality and post-consumer wood.

As a collaborator on the project, you will research and develop new zero-waste concepts for structural systems and products from local wood sources, with a specific focus on hardwoods and reclaimed wood components. You will investigate how to exploit wood properties related to hardwoods and post-consumer wood to optimally implement these in building materials. To do so, you will review current, historical and innovative practices, co-create and elaborate the zero-waste concepts and assess their performance. The co-creation will happen in the context of the WoodStock Living Labs, where you will collaborate with students and actors from a.o. the wood and construction industry.

You will be part of the UGent-Woodlab (Faculty of Bioscience Engineering) and the UGent Building Physics research groups (Faculty of Engineering and Architecture), who have been collaborating on topics related to wood and bio-based building materials for over 7 years.

YOUR TASKS

• At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation.
• Conduct high-quality scientific research on the topic of circular and zero-waste design and performance of wood-based building materials from local and underutilised wood sources.
• Experimental work: design and performance testing.
• Supporting the organisation and participation in co-creation activities in the WoodStock Living labs.
• You will be involved in education activities.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/11/2024 at the earliest
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. 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, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

Job profile

You hold a Master’s degree (preferably in Bioscience Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering-Architecture, or Industrial Engineering: Construction or Industrial Design Engineering Technology).

You enjoy performing research, including experimental work. You are independent, self-motivated and eager to learn. You are keen to develop new fundamental knowledge and engineer novel solutions for addressing real-world societal challenges, particularly in the sustainable use of wood.

Experience and/or a thesis in the context of timber construction and sustainable building in Europe is highly recommended.

You can communicate fluently (both orally and in writing) in English.

You can plan and execute your tasks independently and efficiently.

You have excellent communication skills.

You function well in a team setting.

Recently graduated students are encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Send your application to Prof. Jan Van den Bulcke (Jan.VandenBulcke@UGent.be), Prof. Joris Van Acker (Joris.VanAcker@UGent.be) and Prof. Nathan Van Den Bossche (Nathan.VanDenBossche@UGent.be). Add ‘WoodStock doctoral fellow job offer’ in the Subject of your e-mail.

Your application must include the following documents:

• Your CV and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
• Your application / motivation letter in pdf format
• 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.

We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Jan Van den Bulcke (Jan.VandenBulcke@UGent.be), Prof. Joris Van Acker (Joris.VanAcker@UGent.be) or Prof. Nathan Van Den Bossche (Nathan.VanDenBossche@UGent.be).

Interviews will be scheduled for selected candidates on 23-25 September.