Stijn Luca

Ghent University is offering a PhD-linked assistant position in the Department BW26, Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling, within the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering. The appointment is a 100% temporary position with one opening, and at least 50% of the role is dedicated to pursuing a PhD in Bioscience Engineering: Mathematical Modelling. The successful candidate will join the BIOSTAT research group, which develops advanced statistical methods for environmental decision-making. The research environment is strongly quantitative and interdisciplinary, combining computational statistics with spatio-temporal modelling, Bayesian inference, hierarchical modelling, and computational methods for complex environmental data. A potential PhD direction is the development of statistical methods for efficient sampling design and data collection, especially in contexts where data quality is more important than raw data abundance. The project is motivated by real-world environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, environmental pollution, and the analysis of rare or extreme events. It draws on data sources such as citizen science, remote sensing, and satellite observations, where missingness, sampling bias, and differing spatial resolution create statistical challenges. Depending on the project’s evolution and the candidate’s interests, the work may extend to other environmental applications involving limited informative observations. Alongside research, the appointment includes teaching and service duties. These include supporting digital learning platforms, supervising practical sessions, student counseling, exam-related support, and teaching activities at bachelor’s and master’s level in mathematics-related courses such as Statistical Data Processing and Probability Theory and Statistics. The role also includes internal and external departmental services. Applicants should hold, by the start of the appointment, a relevant master’s degree such as Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistical Data Analysis, Physics, Bioinformatics, or a related discipline. Candidates with diplomas from outside the EU must provide NARIC equivalence. Teaching experience, extra training, and conference participation are considered an advantage. Strong teaching and communication skills in both Dutch and English are required. The appointment starts no earlier than 1 November 2026 and is initially for two years, with the possibility of two renewals of two years each, subject to positive evaluation and within the maximum allowable term under the Flemish Codex of Higher Education. Ghent University offers salary scale AAP3 and a broad package of staff benefits, including training opportunities, paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, and ecocheques. Applications must be submitted online through the university’s e-recruitment system by 1 September 2026 at 23:59 Brussels time. The application package must include a CV merged with study results, a cover letter, transcripts or diploma documentation, and a certificate of equivalence if applicable.