Post-doctoral researcher

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.

The overall goal of the SUSPLASM project is to design and develop innovative, sustainable, fully electrified, green advanced thermal plasma-based gasification with zero or even negative CO2 footprint for the treatment of challenging waste streams containing complex organic pollutants and (micro)plastics. The main purpose of plasma gasification of complexed organic waste is to produce syngas, a valuable precursor to different renewable chemicals and fuels. This is a radical difference with combustion (incineration) where the main purpose is material decomposition to CO2 and water with no added value foreseen. Although non-plasma gasification technologies also enjoy the advantage of producing syngas, such processes are constrained by the fact that they are unsuitable for removal of recalcitrant organic pollutants or synthetic materials, whereas plasma technology has the benefit of combining both the removal of pollutants and producing valorisable off-gas.The latter can be used as a renewable source of H2 and CO for the synthesis of valuable chemicals and materials, the reduction of iron in steel manufacturing, and the production of fertilizer, combined with the recovery of value-added inorganic substances such as phosphorus (i.e. combined valorisation of waste energy and materials). The potential of thermal plasma technology is groundbreaking and attractive because it contributes to a circular economy model, in which value can be assigned to waste, while at the same time producing syngas and using a technology that perfectly matches clean, renewable energy.

SUSPLASM is a joint initiative of partners from Ghent University, University of Antwerp, and Institute of Plasma Physics, Prague, with the intention to establish a new technology in the field of thermal plasma processing of complex organic waste streams with zero or even negative CO2 footprint and synthesis of valuable chemicals, and the production of syngas to feed the growing demand of the hydrogen chemistry economy. The main objective of this multidisciplinary project is the experimental and computational (through plasma chemistry and reactor modelling) investigation of possible approaches to process complex organic waste streams with the aid of plasma high-temperature gasification for the generation of syngas as a valuable chemical.

YOUR TASKS

RUPT offers post-doctoral position. The position will focus on development of microwave thermal plasma in the content of complex waste utilization and transfer the waste to valuable products. The work consists of:

1. Design of microwave (MW) plasma reactor
2. supervision of the reactor installation
3. investigation of chemical kinetics of MW plasma, coupled with optical emission diagnostics of the plasma properties
4. gas phase analysis of the stable products.

The candidate is employed as a post-doc and will coordinate the work of PhD students and scientific part of the project execution related to MW reactor installation and process diagnostics.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

RUPT is seeking candidates with a PhD in chemical engineering, applied physics, or electrical engineering. Candidates must demonstrate a strong background in plasma physics and the design of plasma (chemical) reactors. Previous experience with microwave (MW) plasma and the design of MW reactors for the gasification of solids is highly desirable.

Applicants are required to possess English language proficiency at level B2, which must be demonstrated by the time of enrolment. Additionally, candidates must have at least three publications in peer-reviewed journals related to the project's scope. These publications must be either published or accepted for publication by the application deadline.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a post-doctoral researcher, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which could be extended- after a positive evaluation to a maximum period of 2 years. 
• Your contract will start on 01/03/2026 at the earliest.
• Work for an interdisciplinary project on cutting edge science; international recognized team; very competitive scholarship; access to state-of-the-art equipment and plasma diagnostics platform at RUPT. The candidate will be able to gain experience in the areas of chemical engineering, waste management by plasma gasification, and plasma technology.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if 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
• 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.

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 Karen.Leus@ugent.be

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

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be.