Doctoral fellow - Department of Geology
Ghent University is offering a full-time doctoral fellow position in the Department of Geology (WE13) for an interdisciplinary PhD project at the intersection of Earth science, physics, bio-science, and geomicrobiology.
The project investigates how biofilms behave in porous Earth materials such as rocks and sediments. Biofilms strongly influence groundwater flow, pollutant transport and remediation, soil health, stone weathering, and the fouling of underground gas or hydrogen storage systems. A key scientific challenge is that biofilm growth and fluid flow are tightly coupled, yet the underlying physical mechanisms remain poorly understood because of the opacity and structural variability of real geo-materials and microbial communities.
As the doctoral researcher, you will develop innovative experimental platforms for tunable artificial biofilms in 2D and 3D porous media. Using cutting-edge optical and X-ray imaging methods together with controlled variation of material and flow conditions, you will map the hydromechanical behaviour of biofilms and build a physical framework for describing their evolution. The work is hosted within the PProGRess research team at Ghent University and is supervised by Prof. Tom Bultreys and Prof. Veerle Cnudde.
The position is open to motivated applicants with a Master’s degree, preferably in geology, physics, bio-engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. Relevant experience can also be considered. Useful but non-essential experience includes wet lab work with hydrogels or complex fluids, micro-CT, microfluidics, rheometry, or other advanced imaging approaches. A basic understanding of fluid mechanics and interest in soft matter physics and rheology are highly relevant.
The appointment starts at the earliest on 01/10/2026 and is initially for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a total of 48 months after positive evaluation. The fellowship is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances and is treated as tax-free under the doctoral fellowship regulations. Additional staff benefits include training opportunities, holiday leave, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.
Applications must be submitted online through the Google Forms link. Email applications will not be accepted. The final deadline is 15 August 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Brussels), although applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is recommended.
