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

For the REINFUSE research project (Digital Tools foR onlinE valorIsatioN oF USed Equipment), we are hiring a full-time PhD researcher. This multidisciplinary project includes a consortium of researchers of Ghent University and KU Leuven, studying product identification and valorization for second-hand industrial equipment, contributing to both sustainability and competitiveness of the Flemish industry. This is a 4-year project, funded by Flanders Make, and in collaboration with 10 industrial partners.
The PhD researcher will work primarily on issues of maximizing the value recovery and reuse of used equipment, covering both product-based and market-based valorization approaches. The product-based approach defines what bundles of components and/or complementary items make technical or functional sense to market (bundling), and estimates an appropriate price (pricing/revenue management). This is done through machine learning and data analytics techniques, making use of historical and product attribute data. Market-based valuation lets the market determine both the bundle compositions and price through a combinatorial auction, revealing demand-driven value. This part focuses on operations research as main tool, where efficient algorithms need to be developed to determine the winners of the auction, as well as intermediate feedback that can be communicated to the bidders, to facilitate the bidding process. The market-based research will be done in collaboration with a post-doc researcher.
The successful candidate will enrol in a fulltime PhD position for a maximum of four years (upon yearly positive evaluations) in the Department of Business Informatics and Operations Management (Faculty of Economics and Business Administration) of Ghent University, under supervision of prof. Dries Goossens and prof. Dries Benoit. The successful completion of the PhD project will lead to obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD), which is the ultimate goal.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

For this position, we are looking for someone with the following characteristics and assets:

• You hold a Master’s degree (MA or MSc), or are about to complete one in 2026, in a relevant field of study (e.g., business engineering, industrial engineering, mathematics, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence). Good study results throughout the entire educational trajectory are an important asset.
• A strong interest in scientific research in general, and optimization in particular, combined with a flexible and creative mindset. Affinity with sports is a welcome plus.
• Strong software development skills.
• Clear scientific and communicative skills (e.g., critical thinking, scientific writing, presentation skills, project management, methodological skills).
• A profound knowledge of the English language is a prerequisite, as the successful candidate will have to present during international conferences and publish in international scientific journals.
• Knowledge of Dutch is an asset as regular contacts with industrial partners in Flanders will be required.
• Strong social skills that enable to work in team (in the REINFUSE multidisciplinary project consortium as well as in the research group at Ghent University), combined with the necessary skills to work independently (yet with guidance and mentoring) on subprojects.
• A responsible personality who values ethics, both in social contacts as well in relation to scientific research.

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 September 1, 2026 (targeted starting date)
• An interesting and diverse job.
• A correct and beneficial salary (conform the official university scales). 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
• The possibility to contribute to a societally very relevant and large research project on valorization of used equipment. Given the many personal contacts with people in both the academic and industrial world, a large personal network can be formed or extended.
• Numerous opportunities for personal growth, illustrated by e.g., conference participation, “doctoral schools” courses on transferable skills, participation in educational initiatives, and publication opportunities.
• A social, tolerant, and constructive working environment that offers many and diverse opportunities for personal development.
• 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?

Interested? Please apply before March 1st 2026, by means of sending an email to dries.goossens@ugent.be, including your (detailed) cv, a motivation letter, a copy of your degree with detailed study results.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

More information: Prof. Dries Goossens (dries.goossens@ugent.be), Prof. Dries Benoit (dries.benoit@ugent.be)