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

The Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology is a dynamic and innovative research group dedicated to advancing the development and manufacturing of solid dosage forms. Our work bridges fundamental science and industrial application, with a
strong focus on improving drug delivery systems and manufacturing efficiency in the pharmaceutical sector.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic PhD candidate to
join our team.
Research Focus
The successful candidate will contribute to cutting-edge research in one of the following areas:

• Continuous Manufacturing 
  Development and optimization of continuous production processes to enhance efficiency, scalability, and product quality in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
• Amorphous Solid Dispersions 
  Investigation of formulation strategies to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, with a particular emphasis on the post-processing of amorphous solid dispersions and its impact on product
  performance and stability.
• Personalized Medicines 
  Exploration of innovative approaches to tailor drug products to individual patient needs, including flexible and on-demand manufacturing technologies, e.g. 3D-printing
  As a PhD researcher, you will:
• Design and conduct experimental studies within your research domain 
• Analyze and interpret scientific data 
• Contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at 
  conferences
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners 
• Support teaching and mentoring activities within the department

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Holds (or is close to obtaining) a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field 
• Has a strong interest in pharmaceutical formulation and process technology 
• Demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific curiosity 
• Is able to work both independently and as part of a team 
• Has good communication skills in English (written and spoken)

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 01/09/2026 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?

For additional information about the position and tp apply, please contact the project supervisors: 

• Prof. Valérie Vanhoorne — valerie.vanhoorne@ugent.be 
• Prof. Chris Vervaet — chris.vervaet@ugent.be