Researcher 3D Concrete Printing

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 TwinCrete3D project is an acceleration project funded by the Industrial Research Fund of Ghent University (IOF-UGent). The focus of this acceleration project is on valorisation with spin-off finality with great potential in terms of commercial return and socio-economic impact.The TwinCrete3D project will be carried out at the Department of Structural Engineering and Building Materials at Ghent University.

Within this project, we are seeking a full-time (postdoctoral) researcher who will play a key role in the further development and optimization of the Twin-Pipe Pumping (TPP) technology, a protected, extrusion-based 3D printing technology developed at Ghent University which allows for an increased printing speed and design freedom for 3D printed concrete elements without crack formation. The (postdoctoral) researcher will closely collaborate with an entrepreneur in residence within the same project and together they will pave the way towards valorization of the TPP technology.

The (postdoctoral) researcher will build on existing expertise and preliminary results within the research group and will focus on advancing the scientific foundations of the proposed technology. The (postdoctoral) researcher will be involved in setting up the TPP technology at a more industrial level, will focus on making the technology and mix design more robust (influence of environmental conditions, influence variations in mix design, sensitivity crack formation,…) and will make the technology fit for combination with large scale aggregates.

The appointment is foreseen for a fixed duration of 12 months, starting at the earliest on 1/03/2026 (or as soon as a suitable candidate is available). The position is offered as a full-time research appointment at Ghent University, in accordance with the university’s regulations.

The selected candidate will benefit from the strong interdisciplinary research environment at Ghent University and its international partner institutions. Ghent University staff members enjoy a range of benefits, including access to extensive training and professional development opportunities, flexible working conditions, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and other social benefits.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You have experience with concrete 3D printing, mix design, print path definition and robotics. Preference is given to candidates with expertise at product level, bridging 3D concrete printing material aspects, additive manufacturing process, and structural or architectural performance of 3D‑printed concrete elements.

• You have an independent and well-organized working style
• You have well-developed social skills directed towards working in an interdisciplinary team
• You have excellent Dutch and/or English language skills
• You hold a thesis-based doctorate or master with relevant expertise related to 3D concrete printing.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration of 12 months.
• Your contract will start on 1/03/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or 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
• 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).
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results,…

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. Kim Van Tittelboom (Kim.VanTittelboom@UGent.be, +32(0)9/264 55 40). 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.