Publisher
source

University of Antwerp

Just Landed

PhD in Renewable Chemicals (Organic Synthesis, Catalysis, Green Chemistry) University of Antwerp in Belgium

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Available

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026

Country flag

Country

Belgium

University

University of Antwerp

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

More information can be found here

Keywords

Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Catalysis
Mass Spectrometry
Green Chemistry
Mechanistic Studies
Flow Chemistry
Synthetic Methodology

Suggested positions

About this position

PhD opportunity at the University of Antwerp in renewable chemicals, organic synthesis, catalysis, and green chemistry. The Maes group in the Organic Synthesis (ORSY) research division of the Department of Chemistry is recruiting a PhD researcher to work on new synthetic methodologies that convert renewable feedstock into building blocks for the commodity and specialty chemicals industry.

The project focuses on developing catalytic processes for biorenewable chemistry. A key part of the work is to establish novel synthetic methods in batch and then translate them into a continuous production system (flow chemistry). The position is embedded in the University of Antwerp’s research environment, with ORSY being a partner in the Centre of Excellence CASCH and the Valorization Platform InSusChem.

This opening is especially relevant for candidates interested in organic synthesis, mechanistic studies, process development, and sustainable chemistry. The ideal background is a master’s degree in chemistry or bioscience engineering (option chemistry), together with practical experience in organic synthesis and characterization methods such as analytical separation, mass spectrometry, and preparative purification. Experience with continuous flow chemistry is welcome, though not required.

The position is funded as a PhD scholarship that covers social security, and the university offers an initial 1-year contract that can be extended after positive evaluation. Applicants are also expected to seek competitive external funding, such as an FWO PhD fellowship, to support the doctoral research.

Applications must be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than 30 November 2026 at 19:00 Brussels time. Candidates should include a CV, motivation letter, Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts (or provisional transcripts if the degree is not yet completed), and contact details of at least one previous supervisor. The required email subject is “Application PhD Biorenewables 2027”.

The position is based at the University of Antwerp in Belgium, within a strong chemistry research group working on biorenewables and sustainable molecular synthesis.

Funding details

Available

What's required

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in chemistry or bioscience engineering (option chemistry). The ideal candidate has proven hands-on experience in organic synthesis, analytical separation techniques, mass spectrometry, preparative purification techniques, and structural characterization of organic molecules, with interest in mechanistic studies. Previous experience with continuous flow chemistry is an advantage but not mandatory. The master’s degree should have been obtained or be obtained between 2026-03-01 and 2027-10-31. Master’s students in their final year are encouraged to apply. Good teamwork, communication and writing skills, and excellent English proficiency are required. A commitment to secure competitive external funding (such as an FWO PhD fellowship) to support the doctoral research is expected.

How to apply

Send a detailed CV, motivation letter, Bachelor’s and Master’s transcripts (including provisional transcripts if applicable), and contact details of at least one previous supervisor to [email protected]. Include the subject line “Application PhD Biorenewables 2027”. Apply before 2026-11-30 19:00 (Europe/Brussels).

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?