Postdoctoral researcher magnetic soil exploration - Omgeving (29645)

→Apply before 02/03/2026(DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
→Department:BW20 - Omgeving
→Occupancy rate:100%
→Number of positions:1
→Type of employment:Contract of limited duration
→Term ofassignment:
→Wage scale:WM1 to WM4 (master degree or doctoral degree)
→Required diploma:Master or PhD

JOB DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher with a PhD degree in applied geophysics (or similar field) to develop, optimize and deploy magnetometer instrumentation for high-resolution near surface characterization. Main emphasis is on ordnance detection and the integration of magnetometry instruments into multi-sensor platforms. In this position you will be embedded into Ghent University’s Department of Environment, which has long-standing research experience in high-resolution near surface geophysics. You will work within an interdisciplinary research project, alongside engineers and data scientists, and design geophysics-based solutions for challenges in ordnance detection and magnetic soil surveys more generally.

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 80 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

• optimize magnetometry hardware setups (vector; total field) for use in manual, mobile (terrestrial + airborne) multi-sensor survey configurations;
• perform field experiments to test noise levels and instrument sensitivities in practical field conditions;
• deploy practical and theoretical (synthetic) frameworks for optimizing sensor setups and data collection approaches;
• collect magnetic survey data on test fields and pre-process the obtained datasets;
• provide processed, annotated magnetic field data as a basis for testing and developing (semi)automated data interpretation schemes and computer vision approaches;
• report on your findings to project partners and stakeholders, as well as to a wider scientific audience via peer-reviewed publication and presentation.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in applied geophysics or similar field.
• You have experience with (high-resolution) magnetometer surveys using fluxgate and optically pumped types of systems.
• You have used such systems in field conditions for near-surface applications requiring low noise levels, high sensitivity, and high-resolution data collection such as ordnance (landmine) detection, archaeological applications or pollutant studies;
• You have demonstrable experience with geophysical (magnetic) forward modelling.
• You have good practical knowledge of scientific programming (python)
• Experience with soil or environmental magnetism is considered an advantage;
• You have published at least two scientific research papers in peer-reviewed journals, listed on Web of Science;
• You have a proficiency in English;
• You are a national of a country of the European Union, or of a country of the European Free Trade Association, or of a country that is a member of NATO.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for 1 year, 100% FTE (adjustable to a period of maximum 2 years under a 50% FTE contract).
• Your contract will start on 1/05/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1(for which it is required that you hold a doctorate). 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?

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

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format, including the name and contact information of two professional references.
• 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.
• Optional: in the field “other documents”: one reference letter

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. Philippe De Smedt ([emailprotected]). 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].