Doctoral scholarship holder, Sustainable design, more specifically “design for Nature”

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

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 Department of Product Development in the Faculty of Design Sciences is looking for a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Sustainable design, more specifically “design for Nature”.

Project description

Bioinspiration (including biomimetics and biomimicry) develops novel materials, devices, and applications inspired by biological structures and strategies. The Nature4Nature project brings biologists, engineers, designers and manufacturers together to deliver early-stage researchers (ESRs) teaching in a learning environment that connects the inspiration, integration and implementation aspects of the bioinspiration process to undertake the conceptual, methodological and practical challenges. To do so, the project will collectively focus on biological filtration mechanisms to explore, test and design high-throughput, clog-resisting filtration systems, which could ultimately alleviate the current problems facing aquatic environments. This specific doctoral project will advance our knowledge on in vivo functioning of two promising model systems for bioinspired filtration: (1) cross-step filtration of paddlefish, and (2) tongue-and bill-powered filtration of dabbling ducks. More information on this PhD project and related vacancies can be found on Nature4Nature’s doctoral candidate vacancies webpage.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of “Design for Nature: using bioinspired design to support society towards more sustainability”. The PhD is part of the EU-funded Nature4Nature project that brings biologists, engineers, designers and manufacturers together to deliver early-stage researchers teaching in a learning environment that connects the inspiration, integration and implementation aspects of the bioinspiration process to undertake the conceptual, methodological and practical challenges.
• 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 Nature4Nature network.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Industrial design engineering, Behaviour design, product development or comparable fields from engineering or social sciences.
• Your teaching competences 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.
• Interest in biomimicry, bioinspiration and sustainability are indispensable
• Applicants should have a strong affinity for research. Expertise with social science research methods is considered as a plus.
• Applicants may be of any nationality but must comply with both the Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule* and Eligibility Criteria*
• Applicants must be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English to a level that is sufficient for the completion of a PhD 
• All qualified applicants, including minorities and woman, are encouraged to apply 

* HORIZON MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Belgium) for more than 12 months in the past 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status are not taken into account. 

* HORIZON MSCA eligibility criteria: Applicants may not hold a doctoral degree or equivalent at the start date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.  

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another one-year period. In line with University of Antwerp regulations and following a positive evaluation by the doctoral committee, the host institution may provide additional funding for a maximum of 12 months to complete a 4-year doctoral degree.
• The planned start date is September 1st, 2023.
• Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with the MSCA WP 2021-2022. The gross monthly amount at UAntwerpen corresponds to the amount for doctoral scholarship holders. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international research events.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at University of Antwerp City Campus 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 January 31^st, 2023  (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.
• 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 send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. Els Du Bois, els.dubois@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.