Post-doctoral assistant, Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University is recruiting a post-doctoral assistant in the Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture in Ghent, Belgium. The appointment is a temporary AAP position at 100% workload, with one opening. The role is research-intensive, with at least 70% of the assignment dedicated to academic research, alongside teaching and supervision duties at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

The research focus is the development of high-quality, sustainable fiber materials. The position places particular emphasis on solvent-based fiber production processes, especially electrospinning and wet spinning, for the creation of innovative fiber materials. The successful candidate will contribute to several parallel research projects and will work across the full chain from innovative polymers and chemistry through fiber production to characterization of final material properties.

In addition to research, the post-doctoral assistant will support teaching in Dutch and English, guide Bachelor’s students with exercises, projects and work placements, support Master’s dissertation work, and counsel doctoral students. This makes the role suitable for a researcher who also enjoys academic mentoring and student interaction.

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in Materials Engineering, Textile Engineering, or an equivalent doctoral degree by the start of the appointment. The university also looks for prior research experience in innovative fiber materials, with electrospinning and wet spinning seen as an advantage. A strong multidisciplinary profile, evidence of promising doctoral research, relevant peer-reviewed publications, and excellent Dutch and English communication skills are required. Candidates should already be living in Belgium or be prepared to stay there during the research period.

The appointment starts no earlier than 1 November 2026 and runs for 3 years, with the possibility of a second 3-year appointment subject to favourable evaluation. Salary is set according to AAP5. Ghent University also highlights its broader employee benefits, including training opportunities, paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, and ecocheques.

Applications must be submitted online through the university’s e-recruitment system by 2026-09-08. Candidates should upload a merged PDF containing their CV and publication overview, a cover letter, and a diploma transcript if available. If the degree was awarded outside the EU, a NARIC certificate or proof of application for equivalence is required. For questions about the vacancy, candidates may contact Prof. Karen De Clerck by email.