Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Biochemical and Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of environmental biotechnology, wastewater engineering and resource recovery

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of wastewater engineering. In view of the much needed transition of conventional wastewater treatment systems to advanced water resource recovery facilities, this project develops the innovative concept of High-Rate Granular Sludge or HiGS. HiGS aims at various complementary resource recovery routes: 1) energy recovery via anaerobic digestion of the sludge operated at low sludge retention times, 2) nutrient recovery via the enhanced biological phosphorus removal process which is key to granulation, and 3) recovery of valuable gel-forming biopolymers that define the structure of the aerobic granules.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the BioWAVE research group.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in the fields of Bioscience Engineering, Applied Engineering or Environmental Engineering (or similar) or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is January 1^st 2025 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including September 5^th 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • a letter of reference from a previous/current supervisor or employer
  • a brief description (1 page max, approx. 400 words) about what would be, in your opinion, the main challenge in the development of the HiGS concept, and how you would approach that.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following dates in your calendar: September 12^th and 13^th (selection interviews).
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Jan Dries, associate professor, via jan.dries2@uantwerpen.be.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.