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 doctoral researcher will conduct research within the AQUASAFE project (a European project) on the occurrence, behaviour and control of pesticide residues, metabolites and transformation products in water streams within the vegetable and potato processing industry.
The responsibilities include, among others:

• identifying and monitoring relevant pesticides, metabolites and transformation products in process water, treated water and water intended for reuse; 
• studying their behaviour, degradation, potential accumulation and formation during food processing and water treatment; 
• modelling and performing chemical risk assessments and developing risk-based strategies for safe water reuse; 
• investigating and evaluating water treatment technologies for the removal of micropollutants; 
• conducting laboratory-, pilot- and, where relevant, industrial-scale experiments; 
• processing, modelling and statistically analysing research data and translating the results into practical recommendations and guidelines for the agri-food industry; 
• publishing and presenting research results and actively collaborating with the partners within the AQUASAFE consortium. 

The ultimate objective of the research is to obtain a doctoral degree (PhD). To this end, the candidate will develop a coherent scientific research programme resulting in international scientific publications and a doctoral dissertation. 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a Master’s degree (preferably) in Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Agro- and Biotechnology: Food Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or an equivalent Master’s degree in Bioscience Engineering, Engineering, (Bio-)Industrial Sciences or Applied Biosciences, with a focus on food technology, environmental technology, bioprocess technology and/or chemistry. 
• You have broad knowledge of a range of analytical techniques within a (bio)chemical and microbiological context. 
• You are familiar with commonly used software packages (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams). 
• You have knowledge of modelling and experience using R or Python. 
• You have a good command of Dutch and are also able to communicate fluently in English, French is a plus. Reporting is done in Dutch. 
• You hold a valid category B driving licence. 

Skills and attitudes 

• You are able to work independently as well as effectively within a team. 
• You are well organised and have strong organisational skills. 
• You have strong communication skills and are able to work in a multidisciplinary team.. 
• You show initiative and a strong sense of responsibility. 
• You work accurately and with attention to detail. 
• You have a flexible attitude towards both job content and working hours. 
• You have a proactive working attitude. 
  
  

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 11/01/2026 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 your cv, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to imca.sampers@ugent.be. 
We do not accept late applications.
As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

 
For more information about this vacancy, please contact prof. Imca Sampers (imca.sampers@ugent.be, +32(0)56/32 20 10)