Postdoctoral Researcher Concrete Technology

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

• You will spend at least 70% of your assignment conducting scientific research on the development of construction applications based on alkali-activated materials (AAM).
• You will provide scientific and concrete technology support within the Interreg project Al2SiBuild for the development of the laboratory testing program (paste, mortar, and concrete), the analysis of results, etc. The Al2SiBuild project aims to map the available raw materials in the France–Flanders–Wallonia region for use in alkali-activated materials (AAM). Ready‑to‑use mixtures are being developed, and demonstration models for construction applications are being developed.
• You will provide the technical and administrative support required for the execution of the Al2SiBuild project (preparing project meetings, drafting minutes, compiling deliverables, communication with project partners, writing scientific publications, etc.).
• You will attend meetings related to the Al2SiBuild project.
• You will be involved in the daily follow‑up of staff members and students working on the Al2SiBuild project at Ghent University.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in Construction or Civil Engineering with a focus on concrete technology (obtained no more than six years ago; the six‑year period is calculated based on the date on the diploma and the start date of the employment contract).
• You have an independent and well‑organized working style, strong social skills suited for working in an interdisciplinary team, and a high level of motivation to succeed in scientific research.
• You possess excellent presentation and scientific writing skills, as well as excellent command of the English language (spoken and written).
• You actively contribute to the development of the testing programs.
• Experience in testing and analyzing alkali‑activated materials (paste, mortar, and concrete) is considered an asset.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a 50% contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 2 years and 10 months.
• Your contract will start on 1/03/2026 at the earliest. The project will run until 31/12/2028.
• A recruitment as a postdoctoral fellow may be possible if the eligibility criteria are met.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1. 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, a 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.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results, list of publications, …

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. Veerle Boel (veerle.boel@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.