PhD Student

Job description

The position is offered in the laboratory for Circular Process Technology on the Kortrijk campus under the leadership of Prof. Steven De Meester. The work will take place in a young and dynamic team of approximately 30 researchers who focus on better chemical engineering in the circular economy, with a focus on pretreatment and downstream processing. This is important as it is clear that waste is heterogeneous and mechanical and chemical recycling technologies are often very sensitive to certain contaminants.
For several projects involving the recycling of plastic waste, we are looking for a researcher that aims at obtaining a PhD degree. More specifically, the topic concerns the removal of contaminants such as additives from plastic waste such as packaging waste or textile waste.
You spend at least 90% of your assignment on scientific research in the context of the preparation of a doctoral thesis. In addition, this position will also include some other assignments, such as contacts with companies, services, supervision of master thesis students, etc. A practical mindset with good laboratory skills such as chemical analysis is a plus.

Job profile

• You have a strong drive to solve problems and apply fundamental knowledge in a societal context.
• You are at home in a laboratory environment, but also have at least some affinity to calculations
• You are creative, open-minded and can work independently. You are also pragmatic and driven.
• You are a team player with good social skills.
• You have good communication skills to explain a scientific topic to a layman.
• Good knowledge of English is a requirement, knowledge of Dutch is important

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.
• 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, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

How to apply

Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to steven.demeester@ugent.be.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Steven De Meester