Doctoral scholarship holder product development

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 (100%) Doctoral scholarship holder in the field of product development.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Product Development. You will research Circular Product Design (CPD) of smart electronic products, focusing on improving repairability and upgradability through modularity. You will employ a Research through Design approach to develop a DRUM method (Design for Repairability, Upgradability via Modularity), combining technical design principles with circular economy strategies. This research will involve creating a comprehensive product data plan, using computational design tools, and conducting case studies to test and validate the method. The goal is to advance sustainable design practices, reduce e-waste, and support circular business models, aligning with emerging EU legislation and sustainability frameworks.
• 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 department of Product Development.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in industrial sciences, product development or equivalent, or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• 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.
• Since the research involves stakeholder interaction with Flemish companies, knowledge of Dutch or willingness to learn Dutch is a plus.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is 1 January 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• 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 Campus Paardenmarkt 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 Monday November 4, 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • your portfolio
• 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.
• 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 Jelle Saldien (jelle.saldien@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.