Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Engineering (LCA) for Manure
The University of Antwerp is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher to join the SUSTAIN Research Group, focusing on sustainability engineering and life cycle assessment (LCA) for manure management. This position is embedded within the Bioscience Engineering Department, which is renowned for its interdisciplinary research at the interface of food, water, and nutrients, and is a core member of several innovation and valorization platforms including BioCLEAR, Enviromics, BlueApp, CAPTURE, and the MELiSSA programme of the European Space Agency.
The successful candidate will work in the environmental systems analysis and engineering cluster led by Professors Marc Spiller and Siegfried Vlaeminck. The research will center on quantitative environmental sustainability assessments of novel manure management solutions, with a primary focus on treatment and processing, and consideration of collection, storage, logistics, and land application. Resource recovery technologies, especially for pig manure (with potential expansion to cattle and poultry), will be a key area of exploration. The role involves applying life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, conducting mass and energy balances, and potentially engaging in material flow analysis (MFA). Costing and method development at the MFA/LCA interface may also be included, such as identifying marginal suppliers for consequential LCA modeling.
The position offers the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed manuscripts, prepare research progress reports, and participate in national and international conferences, project meetings, and workshops. The postdoctoral researcher will also contribute to research support tasks, including proposal writing for funding acquisition, and may tutor and co-supervise BSc, MSc, and PhD students.
Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field such as sustainability engineering, environmental systems analysis, industrial ecology, systems engineering, environmental engineering or technology, environmental science(s), agronomy, agricultural engineering or technology, bioscience engineering, (bio)chemical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Required qualifications include demonstrable experience in LCA using software like SimaPro, OpenLCA, or Activity Browser, and co-authorship of quantitative sustainability assessment papers. Programming skills (especially Brightway 2 and Python), knowledge of process technology and emissions from liquid waste streams, and experience with MFA, sustainable livestock husbandry, and resource recovery for manure or wastewater are desirable. Candidates should have first-author publications in Web of Science-indexed journals, excellent English communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, time management, creativity, independence, and alignment with the university’s research ethics.
The position is funded by a postdoctoral scholarship for one year, with the possibility of renewal until the end of 2028 or later, depending on research funding availability. The net monthly scholarship is approximately 3000 EUR, with 40 days of annual leave, a week of collective closure during Christmas and New Year, and commuting benefits such as a bicycle allowance or full public transport reimbursement. The working environment at the Groenenborgercampus is safe, green, and flexible, fostering creativity, self-realization, and independent thinking. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all employees.
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Antwerp’s job application platform by 26 January 2026, including a compulsory letter of motivation. Email applications are not accepted. The selection process includes two rounds of interviews scheduled for 4 and 11 February 2026. For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For job-related inquiries, contact Professors Marc Spiller ([email protected]) and Siegfried Vlaeminck ([email protected]).
This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in sustainability engineering, develop new skills, and build a broad network of industrial and scientific partners while addressing urgent societal challenges in environmental management and resource recovery.
