Doctoral fellow

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

Our interdisciplinary research team is looking for a motivated doctoral candidate to join us in the development of a novel total elbow arthroplasty implant. Working alongside surgeons and engineers, your research will focus on building an in-vitro testing setup to investigate the biomechanics of the elbow joint and the effects of arthroplasty implants on joint forces and kinematics.

Your work will span the full research cycle: designing and fabricating a physical test rig, further developing our digital elbow model, setting up and executing studies (cadaveric, EMG, and FEA), and actively contributing to the implant design being developed by the group.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Technical skills:

• Strong interest in biomechanical modelling of the elbow joint, using both physical and digital approaches 
• Solid programming skills (Matlab and/or Python preferred) 
• Experience with mechanical design using CAD software (Siemens NX or SolidWorks preferred) 
• Experience programming logic controllers, with a basic knowledge of electronics and sensors 

Research profile: 

• Highly motivated to conduct scientific research and capable of independently developing and executing a research project 
• Distinguished yourself as a promising researcher in your master's thesis 
• Familiar with research methods, or willing to develop these skills 
• Proficient in analysing scientific literature and experienced in academic writing 
• Enthusiastic about disseminating research through international publications and conference presentations 

Language: 

•  Proficient in English or Dutch

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which- after positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months  with the earliest start date of 1 September 2026.

The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales

As a Ghent University staff member, you will enjoy a wide range of benefits, including extensive training and education opportunities, 36 days of paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, and more. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits: https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/considering

INTERESTED?

Send your motivation letter and a detailed CV to Prof. A. Van Tongel (alexander.vantongel@ugent.be) and Dr. J. Herregodts (jan.herregodts@ugent.be). Please combine all documents into a single PDF and submit no later than 1 July 2026. 
Following an initial screening, interviews will be held throughout July.
For questions about the project content, please contact Prof. A. Van Tongel at alexander.vantongel@ugent.be.