Postdoctoral Researcher in 4D X-ray CT Imaging and THM Testing of Porous Materials Ghent University in Belgium

Ghent University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher in 4D X-ray CT Imaging and THM Testing of Porous Materials for a newly funded research infrastructure project in the Department of Civil Engineering. The project focuses on the development and scientific use of a miniature thermo hydro-mechanical (THM) triaxial device for in situ 4D X-ray CT imaging of porous materials. The successful candidate will work on observing microstructural change, phase transitions, fluid redistribution, cracking, and degradation under controlled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical conditions.

The initial application areas include geomaterials, frozen soils, and other climate-sensitive porous materials, but the platform is also relevant to rocks, concrete, wood, asphalt binders, and related systems. The position is mainly hosted at the UGent Geotechnical Institute and is closely connected to the Centre for X-ray Tomography at Ghent University (UGCT). It is a collaborative position with RWTH Aachen University, where the candidate will benefit from expertise in CT-compatible deformation rigs and operando 4D imaging.

The role is suited to a highly motivated researcher or research engineer with a strong experimental background. Required expertise includes triaxial testing, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, porous media testing, frozen soils, freeze-thaw processes, permafrost, temperature-controlled testing, CT-compatible mechanical devices, in situ loading stages, custom experimental rigs, segmentation of multi-phase materials, digital volume correlation, pore-network analysis, crack analysis, microstructural quantification, synchrotron imaging experiments, CAD, mechanical design, instrumentation, and sensor integration.

Applicants should hold a PhD or equivalent in geotechnical engineering, civil engineering, geosciences, or a closely related field. Strong experience with X-ray CT imaging, preferably in situ 4D imaging, is expected, as well as proven skills in image processing and quantitative analysis of 3D datasets. Programming or scripting skills in Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/Fiji, Avizo, Dragonfly, or similar tools are desirable. Excellent written and spoken English is required.

The position is advertised by Ghent University in Belgium. The contract is described as indefinite duration with a maximum term of 2 years and extended research stays. The application deadline is 7 September 2026 at 12:00 (Europe/Brussels). Interested candidates should apply through the official Ghent University vacancy page and consult the detailed job description for full instructions.