PhD Position in Circular Design and Business Models for Sustainability of Next Generation Heat Pumps Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University invites applications for a full-time PhD position in the Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN) group, focusing on Circular Design and Business Models for Sustainability of next generation heat pumps. This research is part of the Ghent University – Daikin partnership, aiming to address knowledge gaps in circular design and business models for heat pumps. The project seeks to identify optimal Circular Economy (CE) strategies, select appropriate sustainability indicators, and develop innovative scenarios for circular business strategies that achieve targeted sustainability and circularity goals.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with STEN colleagues and Daikin experts, with opportunities for teleworking. The research will contribute to international peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations. The position is based in the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Department BW24 - Groene Chemie en Technologie, and offers a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of four years. Remuneration follows salary scale WM1, and staff benefits include training opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

Applicants must hold a master's degree in environmental engineering, bioscience engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, environmental technology, sustainable energy, product design or equivalent. Students graduating in 2025-2026 are eligible to apply, provided degree requirements are met at the start of appointment. Essential qualifications include a solid understanding of sustainability principles, circular economy concepts, and their application in product design, as well as experience with LCA software (SimaPro, openLCA, GaBi), circularity indicators, and value chain scenario development. Candidates should demonstrate strong technical interest, organisational and managerial skills, motivation, and proficiency in English (written and oral) in an academic context. Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research, good writing, and presentation skills are required.

The application deadline is 19 June 2026. Interested candidates must apply online via the Ghent University e-recruitment system. Required documents include a CV and academic transcript (merged as one PDF), cover letter, diploma transcript, and contact details of 1 or 2 reference persons. Applications sent by email will not be accepted. For further information about the vacancy, contact Prof. Jo Dewulf ([email protected]). Ghent University encourages applications from all backgrounds as part of its equal opportunities and diversity policy.

This PhD position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy technologies and circular economy strategies, working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment at one of Belgium's leading universities.