Doctoral fellow

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own, with more than 15,000 employees working there every day in education and research, management and administration, technical and social services, etc. For them, Ghent University is a logical choice: it is one of the largest, most exciting and future-oriented employers in the region. Ghent University has 11 faculties and more than 100 departments, which offer high-quality and research-supported courses in each of the scientific disciplines.
ABOUT ILVO
The Institute for Agricultural, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO) is a multidisciplinary research institute of the Flemish government with a focus on supporting sustainable agriculture, horticulture, fisheries and food research. ILVO employs more than 750 staff, about half of whom are researchers. Based on 5 important values of Positive, Proactive, Professional, Collaboration and Exemplary Function, we are steadily building on the development of ILVO as a socially relevant centre of expertise. We work together within an open conversation culture and on the basis of trust in each other.
Your assignment
We are looking for a motivated PhD student (1+3 years appointment) with an attractive salary. As a PhD student, you will spend at least 90% of your time conducting scientific research, other tasks include supporting the Department of Plant and Crops for research, education or services.
The research is part of the Horizon-RIA project FOODTURE, funded by the European government. This project focuses on a correct quantification of the sustainability of our food system. For your research, we want to investigate how we can use drones, equipped with specific sensors for air quality measurements, to measure emissions from agricultural activities and more specifically livestock farms. To do this, we will integrate sensors on our drones, program flights in such a way that we minimize disruption to the air flows, and compare our data with on-site measurements and with the modelled air pollution. The ultimate goal is to develop a new way to quickly and affordably monitor emissions from agriculture and thus improve and (partially) replace model-based estimates.
As a PhD student, you will be supported by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Ghent University and ILVO. You will also work closely with the international partners of the European project.
Your tasks as a PhD student:

• You are involved in the integration of the sensor on the drone.
• You will take the lead in developing the optimal flight planning, and all the preparatory experiments for this.
• You will participate and also take the lead in fieldwork campaigns, mainly in but not limited to Flanders (Belgium).
• You compare the drone measurements with the predicted values based on reference measurements and models, and improve our measurement method based on this.
• You are willing to travel for national or international fieldwork, conferences and project meetings
• You are an integral part of the research group (UAV Research Centre) and help build a positive, motivating working environment.
• You write down your findings in scientific reports and papers.

Job profile

• You have a relevant degree, namely a Master's degree in Bioscience Engineering, Industrial Sciences, Engineering or Chemistry;
• You have at least a basic knowledge of programming and an interest in developing it further;
• You speak and write English fluently and preferably also Dutch, or are willing to learn Dutch in the short term;
• A basic knowledge of air pollution is highly recommended;
• Affinity and interest in sustainable agriculture are highly recommended;
• You can work autonomously;
• You can work well in teams, both within an international context and with people with a diverse background;
• You are highly organized and have an eye for detail. You also have the necessary patience to build and conduct PhD research;
• Previous work experience is recommended although not necessary.
  
  

Our offer

• We offer a full-time appointment as a PhD candidate, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation - is extended to a maximum of 48 months in total.
• Start date preferably from 1 January 2025.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The amount of the individual grant is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A scholarship that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered to be exempt from personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University employees enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and training opportunities, 36 vacation days of vacation leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented with annual fixed bridging days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all employee benefits.

How to apply

You can apply by sending an email to Professor Wouter Maes (wouter.maes@ugent.be) by 10 December at the latest. We do not accept late applications.
You need to attach the following documents to your application:

• 'CV': your CV and an overview of the study results obtained.
  
• 'Motivation letter': your motivation letter in PDF format
  
• 'Diploma': a copy of the required diploma (if already in your possession). If you have a diploma in a language other than Dutch, French, German or English, please add a translation in one of these languages. 

After the application deadline has passed, we will evaluate all candidates and give you feedback. If the result is positive, you will be invited for an interview in December (this can also be done online).
Ghent University has an equal opportunities and diversity policy and therefore encourages everyone to apply.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Wouter Maes (wouter.maes@ugent.be, +32 485508999)