Principal research fellow construction technology

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 Architecture programme in the Faculty of Design Sciences has the following full-time vacancy: principal research fellow in the field of construction technology.

The vacancy seeks to establish the focus on sustainable construction comprising new materials, construction processes and architectural design strategies in teaching and research. The position forms a central interface between technical and design education and requires a good understanding of architectural design processes and the need for technical knowledge within architecture.

Position

As a principal research fellow, you will be part of the Academic Assistant Staff (Dutch: Assisterend Academisch Personeel, AAP). You will spend at least 50% of your working time on academic research. In addition, you will actively contribute to education and service activities.

Research

• You will carry out high-quality academic research on construction-related topics. The focus may lie in developing alternative building materials, components and construction methods for circular building processes, the interplay of construction materials within the building, construction waste-based components and/or design for disassembly, each of which plays a role within the architect's design and building practice.
• You will develop new research projects according to the strategic plan of the department.
• You will report on the results of your research and produce academic publications.
• You will assist in the coordination of ongoing research projects and the activities of the research group.
• You will contribute to attracting national and international research funding.
• You will supervise PhD students in the preparation of their PhD theses.

Education

• You will provide support with teaching and also teach high-quality academic classes yourself. You will help develop, teach and assist in the basic construction course in the architecture bachelor program and a specialised course in the architecture master program.
• You will contribute to developing teaching materials, teaching methods and collaboration for construction-related courses in the bachelor and master programs.
• You will supervise students' Master dissertations.
• Your teaching role will evolve along with the study programmes.

Services

• You will play an active role in the academic and societal service provision of the faculty.
• You will also assist in student recruitment and alumni activities and serve on boards and committees, among other activities.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in a construction-related area within architecture or engineering, 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. Relevant teaching experience in the field of construction and/or materials would be an advantage.
• If you do not speak Dutch, the administrative language of the university, you should be willing to obtain a CEFR B2 level of proficiency in Dutch. As soon as you take on teaching duties as a programme component coordinator, you should be able to demonstrate a CEFR C1 level of proficiency in the language of instruction. The University of Antwerp supports international staff members through an integration trajectory and offers tailor-made language coaching in compliance with Flanders’ statutory language regulations.
• You are able to carry out your work and achieve your objectives with a high degree of independence.
• You are motivated to work actively on your further professional development. In this, you can make use of a wide range of training courses and professionalisation opportunities.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer an appointment as a principal research fellow for a period of three years. Following a positive evaluation, the appointment can be renewed once.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow (Academic Assistant Staff, AAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is 1 September 2023 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at city campus of the University of Antwerp in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Click here to find out more about working at the University of Antwerp and the related benefits.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 17 April 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, your academic CV and three of your most important publications.
• 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. Please make a note of the following date: 8 June 2023 in the afternoon (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 dr. Mario Rinke via mario.rinke@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.