Doctoral scholarship holder in biobased sustainability engineering University of Antwerp in Belgium

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in biobased sustainability engineering within the Department of Bioscience Engineering, Faculty of Science. The project is embedded in the SUSTAIN research group and is suited to candidates interested in sustainability-oriented bioscience engineering, environmental systems, and biobased solutions for societal challenges.

The doctoral researcher will work toward a PhD thesis, including developing a research plan and methods with the supervisor(s), carrying out research, publishing scientific articles, presenting at conferences, and defending the thesis publicly. The role also includes a limited amount of teaching, research, and service support tasks. The candidate is expected to contribute to ongoing research activities and actively pursue internal or external predoctoral funding during the doctorate.

Research themes mentioned for SUSTAIN include sustainable microbial technology for water and food, environmental systems analysis, enhanced mineral weathering for CO₂ capture, soil carbon, climate mitigation, urban ecology and nature connectedness, urban green infrastructure, tree ecophysiology, solutions for sustainable cities, and urban food. Applicants should therefore have a genuine interest in one of these linked areas and in research connected to one of the listed professors: Siegfried Vlaeminck, Sara Vicca, Roeland Samson, or Anastasia Papangelou.

Eligibility is centered on a master’s degree in bioscience engineering, a related engineering or science discipline, or another master’s degree connected to the department’s research lines. Strong academic performance is required, and candidates who will complete their master’s degree before the start of the scholarship may also apply. The post expects fluency in English, solid research quality, and a working style characterized by integrity, creativity, cooperation, and attention to quality.

The University of Antwerp offers a one-year doctoral scholarship, with remuneration based on the pay scales for contract research staff (BAP). The position is expected to start on 15 November 2026. Additional benefits include access to Antwerp Doctoral School courses and educational credit, ecocheques, internet connectivity allowance, and either a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs. Most work will be carried out at campus Groenenborger in Antwerp.

Applications must be submitted via the University of Antwerp online application platform no later than 13 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time. Required attachments are a motivation letter, an academic CV, and a statement confirming willingness to actively compete for extra research funding. Email applications are not accepted. Shortlisted candidates are scheduled for interviews on 7 September 2026 (morning, Antwerp time).