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

• Design, develop and characterize flexible/stretchable and textile-integrated sensing systems for wearable health applications. 
• Investigate novel pressure sensor architectures based on flexible materials, printed electronics and thermoformed structures. 
• Develop integration technologies for embedding sensors and electronics into textiles and wearable systems. 
• Design and evaluate electrical and mechanical interconnection technologies between sensors, electronics and conductive textile structures. 
• Perform laboratory characterization of sensor performance, including sensitivity, accuracy, stability, durability and environmental robustness. 
• Investigate the effect of mechanical deformation, humidity, sweat, washing and long-term use on sensor and system performance. 
• Evaluate comfort and user acceptance of the developed sensor architectures and integration technologies. 
• Develop demonstrators combining sensors, electronics and smart textile platforms for healthcare monitoring applications. 
• Work closely with industrial and academic partners on prototype development, testing and validation. 
• Prepare technical reports, contribute to scientific publications and present research results at international conferences.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• CMST (imec associated lab at Ghent University) is seeking a motivated PhD researcher to join our team working on next-generation smart textiles and wearable electronics. 
• You will contribute to the development of flexible sensing technologies and wearable systems that seamlessly integrate electronics into garments and textile structures. 
• The research will focus on novel pressure sensing technologies, sensor integration, electronic packaging and smart textile platforms for healthcare monitoring applications. The work combines materials science, flexible electronics, sensor technology, wearable systems and applied healthcare research. 
• Holds a Master's degree in Electronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Physics Engineering, Microsystems Engineering, Materials Engineering or a related field. 

Requirements: 

• Strong interest in wearable electronics, smart textiles and sensor technologies. 
• Experience with electronics design, sensor development, materials characterization or experimental research. 
• Experience with PCB design, embedded electronics, measurement systems or laboratory characterization techniques. 
• Experience with flexible electronics, wearable systems, printed electronics, packaging technologies or smart textiles is considered a strong asset. 
• Experience with data analysis, signal processing or programming is a plus. 
• Comfortable working in laboratory and cleanroom environments. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary research team. 
• Excellent communication skills in English. 

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 a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months. 
• Your contract will start on 01/12/2026 at the earliest. 
• 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.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Send an e-mail to cmst_applications@ugent.be and Include in your heading the number and title of this vacancy.
Include your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter