Post-doctoral assistant Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering (29309)

→ Apply until 25/11/2025(DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)
→Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department EA08 - Department of Electrical Energy, Metals, Mechanical Constructions and Systems
→AAP temporary appointment - 100%
→ Number of openings: 1
→ Reference number: 202511/EA08/DA/026

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.

YOUR TASKS

• At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research at Laboratory Soete (https://www.ugent.be/ea/emsme/en/research/soete). This includes the following tasks:
o conduct high-quality research in the field of dynamics and fatigue of mechanical components and structures (with application to offshore energy), with a focus on the development of (open source) tools and algorithms for numerical simulations;
o supervise PhD students conducting research in the field of this vacancy;
o take responsibility for project coordination, dissemination and scientific valorization of research results;
o actively contribute to the acquisition of funding for fundamental and applied research in the field of this vacancy.
• You will furthermore support the educational activities of Laboratory Soete. This includes the following tasks:
o developing Python based exercises and projects for the bachelor course ‘Dynamics of Rigid Bodies’ (in Dutch) and the master course ‘Fatigue and Fracture of Metals’ (in English);
o providing lectures on topics related to the field of this vacancy;
o supervising master students who are carrying out a thesis in the field of this vacancy.
• You can, to a limited extent, contribute to industrial service projects that require numerical simulations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a doctoral degree (Doctor of (Electro)Mechanical Engineering or Doctor of Civil Engineering or equivalent).
The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment.
For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted.
• You have carried out high-quality scientific research in the field of the vacancy, as evidenced by publications in scientific journals and conference contributions.
• You have experience with the development and use of numerical simulation tools and algorithms in the field of the vacancy. Knowledge of and experience with finite element software and Python is required.
• You have demonstrable experience in supervising master or PhD students, as well as in academic education.
• You have the required communication skills, flexibility and critical mind to collaborate with researchers of various nationalities.
• As you will be contributing to Dutch-language education, you are required to demonstrate your proficiency in the Dutch language through a language certificate according to ERK minimum level B2

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a temporary appointment of 3 years. A second appointment of up to 3 years can follow, subject to a favourable evaluation of the first term.
Even if you have already been appointed earlier (whether or not at another university and whether or not in the same field of discipline) in a first term of up to three years, you can apply.
The second appointment does not have to be immediately connected to a first term.
• Your appointment will start on 1 February 2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined according to salary scale AAP5. 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 paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not sent through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘Cv’: your cv and an overview of your relevant scientific publications (merged into one pdf file).
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format.
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field ‘Certificate of equivalence’: only for diplomas awarded outside the European Union a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted (if already in your possession, if not, you need to be able to provide proof that you have applied for a certificate of equivalence at the start of your appointment). The certificate can be requested via www.naricvlaanderen.be/en.
For diplomas awarded in the UK before January 31st of 2020, a certificate of equivalence is not required.

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

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

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Luc Dupré ([emailprotected], +32 9 2643424).

Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read theFAQ or contact us via [emailprotected].