PhD in Photonics: Listening to Groundwater with Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) in Belgium

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in photonics, focusing on the innovative use of distributed fiber optic sensing to monitor groundwater fluxes. This research is embedded within the Brussels Photonics (B-PHOT) research group, part of the Department of Applied Physics and Photonics, and is supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) through the project "Can we Listen to Groundwater?". The project aims to address uncertainties in numerical groundwater flow models by developing and deploying (quasi-)distributed optical fiber sensors, including distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technologies, to measure groundwater fluxes in both shallow unconsolidated aquifers and fractured rock environments.

The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team of around 70 researchers, technical experts, and administrative staff, working in close collaboration with the Department of Water and Climate (HYDR). The research will involve sensor development, laboratory and field experiments, modeling, and uncertainty assessment, with the goal of integrating local and distributed measurements to improve environmental monitoring and climate resilience. The candidate will be supervised by Prof. Francis Berghmans, with co-supervision from Dr. Sidney Goossens and Dr. Sergei Mikhailov, ensuring strong interdisciplinary support and synergy between photonics and hydro-environmental applications.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Candidates with demonstrable knowledge of photonics, fiber-optics, sensing, and signal processing are preferred, and programming skills (Matlab, Python, or similar) as well as experience with optical sensor equipment are advantageous. Proficiency in English (CEFR C1 or equivalent) is required, and candidates should be prepared to travel for conferences or research stays. The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, extendable up to 48 months based on performance, with a grant linked to government scales and a comprehensive benefits package including telework allowance, hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement, campus meal discounts, sports facilities, nursery discounts, and access to training courses.

The main office will be at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Etterbeek), with regular work at the Photonics Innovation Center in Pajottegem. VUB is committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender balance, providing a stimulating and supportive research environment. The application deadline is 22 February 2026. Interested candidates should apply online via jobs.vub.be, submitting a CV, motivation letter, and diploma (not required for VUB alumni). The selection process includes an initial review and a job interview. For further information about the research group, visit B-PHOT, and for questions about the position, contact Dr. Sidney Goossens at [email protected].

This PhD opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about photonics, environmental science, and interdisciplinary research, offering the chance to contribute to cutting-edge sensor development and climate action at a leading European university.