Ghent University invites applications for a full-time doctoral fellow position in the Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management, as part of the REINFUSE research project (Digital Tools foR onlinE valorIsatioN oF USed Equipment). This multidisciplinary project, in collaboration with KU Leuven and 10 industrial partners, aims to advance product identification and valorization for second-hand industrial equipment, contributing to sustainability and competitiveness in the Flemish industry.

The PhD researcher will focus on maximizing value recovery and reuse of used equipment, employing both product-based and market-based valorization approaches. The product-based approach involves defining bundles of components or complementary items that make technical or functional sense to market, and estimating appropriate prices using machine learning and data analytics techniques. The market-based approach leverages combinatorial auctions to determine bundle compositions and pricing, utilizing operations research and efficient algorithm development to facilitate the bidding process. Collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher is expected for the market-based research component.

The position is based in the Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) at Ghent University, under the supervision of Prof. Dries Goossens and Prof. Dries Benoit. The successful candidate will enroll in a full-time PhD program for up to four years, contingent on annual positive evaluations, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.

Applicants must hold or be about to complete a Master’s degree in a relevant field (business engineering, industrial engineering, mathematics, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence). Strong academic performance, interest in scientific research and optimization, software development skills, and proficiency in English are required. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset due to regular contact with industrial partners. Candidates should demonstrate strong social and independent working skills, ethical responsibility, and clear scientific communication abilities. Affinity with sports is a plus.

The fellowship offers a correct and beneficial salary according to official university scales, with the grant being tax-free and determined by family status and seniority. Staff benefits include extensive training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and more. The contract starts on September 1, 2026, with an initial 12-month period extendable up to 48 months.

To apply, send your detailed CV, motivation letter, and a copy of your degree with study results to [email protected] by March 1, 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Dries Goossens or Prof. Dries Benoit. Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds, maintaining an equal opportunities and diversity policy.

For more details and to apply online, visit the application link provided.