Ghent University invites applications for a PhD position in the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials, focusing on physics-based surrogate modelling for fire safety applications. The position is part of the ERC-funded project “AFireTest,” which aims to revolutionize fire testing by developing adaptive fire testing methods that maximize information gain and account for material behavior, assessment goals, and environmental costs. The Fire Safety Science and Engineering research cluster at Ghent University is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge research in fire safety.

The successful candidate will work on integrating physical principles into machine learning models to ensure physical consistency in fire engineering applications. The research will emphasize the adaptation of physics-informed surrogate modelling for fire risk assessment in single buildings and building portfolios, potentially leading to breakthroughs in the use of machine learning for fire safety engineering.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in computer science engineering, fire safety engineering, structural engineering, or a related technical discipline. Experience with fire safety science and engineering, machine learning, and probabilistic risk evaluation is required, or candidates should demonstrate the capability to learn these areas. The position offers a full-time doctoral fellowship for up to 48 months, starting with an initial 12-month contract extendable upon positive evaluation. The fellowship amount is based on Ghent University salary scales, is tax-free, and includes comprehensive staff benefits such as training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

To apply, candidates must submit a full CV, transcript of records (in English if necessary), motivation letter, two recommendation letters, two references, and a language certificate or IELTS score by January 15, 2026. Applications should be sent to [email protected]. Late applications will not be considered. Ghent University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, maintaining an equal opportunities and diversity policy.

For more information about the project, see the EU announcement and listen to the Fire Science Show podcast. For further details about the position, contact Professor Ruben Vancoile at [email protected].