Postdoctoral 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.
The MarSens (Marine Optics and Remote Sensing group, https://www.marsens-ugent.be/) investigates the vital link between marine ecosystems and ocean carbon cycling using innovative remote sensing and in situ observation technologies. Our research covers coastal and open ocean environments and spans seasonal to generational timescales, providing unique insights into the ocean-climate connection. Our interdisciplinary approach integrates satellite observation, marine robotics, laboratory and ship-based studies, and modeling work to conduct curiosity- and application-driven research on marine biogeochemistry and ecosystems in a changing environment.

YOUR TASKS

• Conduct research on the ocean carbon cycle, specifically on the carbonate pump, which concerns the production, transport, and dissolution of particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) in the ocean
• You will use the next generation of BioGeoChemical-Argo floats equipped with novel sensors for PIC and POC.
• Participate in oceanographic campaigns (maximum 20-30 days at sea per year)
• Conduct laboratory experiments with optical sensors and marine particles

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a doctoral degree in oceanography or marine science.
• The grant can only be awarded within the framework of international scientific mobility. This is the case if:
  
  • the researcher has resided abroad for at least 24 months out of the 3 years prior to the start date of the postdoctoral fellowship and has not worked or studied in Belgium during that period. However, short-term stays in Belgium are allowed during 24 months, such as holidays, participation in conferences or a short stay to prepare for the period as a postdoctoral researcher
  • the researcher is funded by the Marie- Sklodovska-Curie Action (MSCA) and thus meets the associated mobility conditions.
  • Only for postdoctoral researchers in international mobility
• You are fluent in English: both written and spoken.
• You have experience with:
  
  • Ocean Colour satellite data
  • BioGeoChemical-Argo data streams
• You are proficient in programming languages such as Python and/or R
• Experience in the field and/or the laboratory is a plus
• Knowledge of the carbonate pump is a plus
• A strong on-site presence is essential, and remote work is limited to a maximum of 2 days per week.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full time position as a postdoctoral fellow, with a minimum period of 18 months which can be extended twice taking into account the maximum period of 36 months.
• In deviation the above, an EEA national, who has previously received a postdoctoral grant in the 12 months prior to an MSCA grant, can exceed the maximum term of 36 months under this MSCA grant provided that the entire term does not exceed 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/03/2026 at the earliest, and 01/06/2026 at the latest.
• The grant amount is equal to the net salary of a doctoral assistant (AAP 5) with the same level of education and seniority and based on the same family situation as the doctoral assistant. The supervisor may deviate from this and assign a higher level based on acquired experience, professional career and demonstrated competences. The grant amount will not be revised in the current year except in case of indexation. 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 your cv, a copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to griet.neukermans@ugent.be.

We do not accept late applications.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Griet Neukermans (griet.neukermans@ugent.be, +32(0)9/264 85 16)