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.

About the Department

The Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics at the Faculty of Sciences is a leading academic unit. It consists of a group of highly qualified lecturers, researchers, and administrative staff. They work closely together to offer high-quality education to students and to carry out groundbreaking research in various areas of applied mathematics, computer science, and statistics. For an overview of the current research groups, visit ugent.be/we/winst/en. The department is located in a green area on Campus Sterre on the outskirts of the vibrant city of Ghent (Belgium). The campus is easily accessible by bike, public transport and car.

PhD position in Applied Mathematics

This PhD position is associated with the Faculty of Sciences and the Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, within the Numerical Mathematics group. The PhD student will be under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Julian Koellermeier and co-supervision of Prof. Dr. Marnix Van Daele.

YOUR TASKS

• Perform research on extended shallow water models for accurate and efficient simulation of free-surface flows. This includes model derivation, model analysis, and development and implementation of numerical methods. For more information, see the department’s research website
• Collaboration with international researchers and presentation of the research to the scientific community at international conferences
• The main outcome of this 4-year position is the production of research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, which together will form the basis of a thesis leading to a PhD degree at Ghent University
• A limited amount of teaching duties for undergraduate and graduate courses of the department in agreement with the skills and interests of the PhD student

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• We are searching for an excellent and motivated candidate holding a master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Computational Engineering, Computer Science (or equivalent)
• A solid background in numerical methods for PDEs and numerical analysis is necessary
• Basic knowledge or interest in fluid dynamics and free-surface flows is required
• Candidates should have experience with scientific programming (e.g., using python, MATLAB, and C++)
• Experience and interest in international collaboration is a plus
• Very good communication and writing skills in English are needed

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• You become member of an active research group focusing on modeling, analysis, and numerical simulation of free-surface flows, currently consisting of the PI, 7 PhD students, and 1 Postdoc.
• 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.
• The intended starting date is decided in agreement with the candidate, but no later than October 2026.
• 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 (https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/welcoming-new-staff/salaryscales)
• 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. (https://www.ugent.be/en/work/talent/considering)

INTERESTED?

Please submit the following documents in one PDF file via email to Julian.Koellermeier@ugent.be with the subject line “PhD position in Applied Mathematics”:
1. Motivation letter
2. Detailed CV
3. Contact information for at least two academic references
4. Transcript or records from your bachelor's and master's degrees
5. Copy of your diploma (if already in your possession)

Applications received before 21 March 2026 will be given full consideration. However, the position will remain open until it is filled.

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

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Dr. Julian Koellermeier, julian.koellermeier@ugent.be