Apply before 08/09/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
- Department: BW25 - Biotechnologie
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 3 maanden
- Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
- Required diploma:PhD
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.
ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
The Centre for Synthetic Biology (CSB) at Ghent University has a long-standing research tradition in applying synthetic biology to industrial biotechnology. Within CSB, the Metabolic Engineering research group (MEMO) combines microbial biotechnology, biomaterials research and interdisciplinary collaborations. The group coordinates and contributes to projects at the interface of biotechnology, design, art and society, including BactoHealing and Fungateria.
YOUR TASKS
As a postdoctoral researcher in bioarts and biomaterials, you will help bring the BactoHealing and Fungateria projects to a successful conclusion and contribute to the development of follow-up research and new resources for this interdisciplinary research line. Your responsibilities include:
- Planning, coordinating and carrying out the remaining research and reporting activities within BactoHealing and Fungateria.
- Further developing, testing and documenting biomaterials and bioart concepts at the interface of biology, biotechnology, fungi and creative practice.
- Consolidating project results and translating them into high-quality scientific, artistic and public-facing outputs, including publications, reports, demonstrators, exhibitions and/or workshops.
- Critically analysing and interpreting research results and helping define the scientific and artistic legacy of the projects.
- Coordinating research activities within MEMO and collaborating closely with technical staff, project partners, artists, designers and researchers from different disciplines.
- Supporting project communication, reporting and dissemination, including contributions to scientific papers and final project deliverables.
- Identifying and developing new opportunities for follow-up research, including funding calls, collaborative proposals, strategic partnerships and other resources that can sustain and expand research in bioarts and biomaterials.
- Contributing to new project concepts and grant applications that build on the knowledge, materials, methods and networks developed through BactoHealing and Fungateria.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate (PhD) in bioscience engineering, biotechnology, (analytical) chemistry, materials science, bioengineering, or a closely related field.
- You have strong knowledge of biomaterials and experience in experimental research involving biological materials.
- You have demonstrable experience or a strong track record at the interface of biology, biotechnology, art and/or design.
- Experience with fungi, mycelium-based materials, microbial materials or related living materials is an asset.
- Experience with bio-Kintsugi/Kintsugi-inspired material practices or with concepts of repair, care and material transformation is an asset.
- Experience in organising exhibitions, workshops, public engagement activities or other forms of research dissemination is an asset.
- You have a strong interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research and are comfortable working across scientific, artistic and societal domains.
- You have excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills and can work effectively with people from different disciplinary and professional backgrounds.
- You are well organised, able to manage priorities and deadlines, and capable of taking ownership of research activities.
- You can communicate research results clearly to scientific, artistic and non-specialist audiences.
- Experience with project development, grant writing, funding acquisition or building research partnerships is an important asset.
- You have a proactive, flexible and solution-oriented attitude.
- You have excellent written and spoken English. Knowledge of Dutch is an asset.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of minimal 3 months.
- Your contract will start on 1/10/2026 at the earliest.
- 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 Prof. Marjan De Mey (
[email protected], +32(0)9/264 60 28). 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 [email protected].
