Postdoctoral 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 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

The Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences at Ghent University invites applications for a full-time, two-year postdoctoral research position in the ethics of animal welfare and/or the welfare of (potential) artificial minds, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Bouke de Vries.

A substantial part of the research should focus on possible moral responsibilities to reduce or help prevent loneliness in social animals and/or — if artificial forms of consciousness are or become possible — in artificial minds. The position is part of the ERC project The Ethics of Loneliness and Sociability (101040374) and will ideally commence on 1 April 2026.

The selected candidate will have an excellent publication record and a strong research interest in animal ethics, artificial minds, and/or loneliness. In addition to publishing on these topics in academic journals, the candidate is expected to provide feedback on the work of other project members and to contribute to the project in other ways, for example by helping to organise research events.

Applicants are asked to submit a one-page cover letter and a curriculum vitae (CV) no later than 31 January 2026.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• You have a strong publication record appropriate to your career stage
• You have an affinity with — and preferably demonstrable research experience in — the topics listed above.
• You are a team player.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a fixed-term contract for the period of two years.
• Your contract will start on 1/03/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by PD1 to PD4.  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
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your 1-page application letter in pdf format

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. Dr. Bouke de Vries (bouke.devries@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.