Research expert

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 act as a research expert in the field of electric drives. You have strong scientific expertise in this field and are familiar with the academic state-of-the-art and the industrial sector in this field.

Based on this expertise, you will be actively involved in both the design and implementation of scientific projects, together with the project supervisors and in close consultation with industry and Flanders Make. Furthermore, you will support the Energy & Systems (EnSy) laboratory in the field of electric drives by assisting in the development of research projects. You will be the first point of contact for project implementation. You will coordinate scientific progress: you will encourage the researchers involved in the project or you will execute parts of the research yourself. In-depth technical expertise in the field is essential for this. You will also coordinate project reporting and discuss progress with stakeholders. A problem-solving and inspiring approach to guiding researchers, and independence in conducting sustainable scientific research yourself, are key to the successful completion of projects.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a PhD in engineering or industrial sciences, preferably in electrical engineering, electromechanics, mechatronics, or electrical power engineering.
• You have an affinity for both academia and the business sector and can achieve high-quality project results independently and as part of a team, while respecting deadlines.
• You have strong technical knowledge, expertise, and experience in the field of electric drives, with a focus on electrical machines, power electronics, and/or control of electric drives.
• You have excellent communication skills (Dutch and English).
• You enjoy challenging scientific research in a multidisciplinary and international context.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 24 months.
• Your contract will start on 1/4/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale 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 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 Prof. Peter Sergeant (peter.sergeant@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.