Apply before 03/08/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
- Department: BW24 - Groene Chemie en Technologie
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 6 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.
It is home to the BioRefine Cluster Europe (www.biorefine.eu), a network of international research and development projects with a dedicated focus on guiding innovation towards applied market implementation.
As part of the Flanders Industry Innovation Program Moonshot, in the frame of the SUSPLASM project, we are recruiting a junior expert for a postdoc position at Ghent University (Belgium).
YOUR TASKS
Growing environmental concerns and increasingly stringent regulations are driving the need for sustainable treatment of complex waste streams, such as PFAS-contaminated waste streams, and plastic-containing residues. Conventional treatment technologies often fail to simultaneously recover valuable resources, destroy persistent contaminants, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. Within this context, the SUSPLASM project develops an innovative electrified thermal plasma gasification platform that converts these challenging waste streams into valuable products, including renewable syngas and recoverable mineral fractions, while enabling the destruction of hazardous compounds. By coupling advanced waste valorization with renewable energy, SUSPLASM aims to contribute to a circular, low-carbon industry and support the transition towards climate-neutral waste management.
The postdoctoral researcher will lead the sustainability assessment of the SUSPLASM technology by applying prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and complementary techno-economic and circularity assessments. Working closely with experimental researchers, the postdoc will evaluate the environmental performance of thermal plasma gasification for challenging waste streams, identify environmental hotspots and trade-offs, and compare the technology with conventional waste management pathways. The research will support process optimization and scale-up by assessing different feedstocks, operating conditions, and valorization routes for syngas and recovered materials, ultimately providing scientific guidance for the industrial deployment of sustainable plasma-based waste valorization technologies.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You have a PhD in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Assessment, or a related discipline.
- Proven expertise in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), preferably following ISO 14040/14044 standards.
- Experience with LCA software (e.g., SimaPro, openLCA, or GaBi) and databases (e.g., ecoinvent).
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals relevant to sustainability assessment, circular economy, or waste/resource recovery.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Experience with prospective or ex-ante LCA of emerging technologies.
- Knowledge of techno-economic assessment (TEA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and/or circularity assessment.
- Familiarity with waste management, resource recovery, thermochemical conversion (e.g., gasification, pyrolysis, plasma), carbon capture/utilization, or circular economy.
- Experience handling and analyzing experimental process data, including mass and energy balances.
- Programming or data analysis skills (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB) are an asset.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively in a multidisciplinary consortium.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to supervise MSc and PhD students.
- Experience in European collaborative research projects (e.g., Horizon Europe, Interreg, VLAIO) is considered an advantage.
- Project development aimed at attracting resources that can continue the activities under the specific research line.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 6 months (with a potential of extension) at Ghent University, one of Europe's leading research universities, within the Department of Green Chemistry and Technology.
- Your contract will start on 15/08/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4. 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.
- The opportunity to develop cutting-edge sustainability assessment methodologies for next-generation waste valorization technologies.
- A multidisciplinary and international research environment, collaborating with experts in plasma technology, process engineering, environmental assessment, and industrial partners.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities, leading LCA software and databases, and extensive opportunities for scientific collaboration.
- The opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD students, publish in high-impact journals, and present your research at international conferences and/or for industrial stakeholders.
- A stimulating and supportive working environment with ample opportunities for professional development, networking, and career advancement.
- A competitive salary and benefits package in accordance with the regulations of Ghent University.
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 (including a list of publications) and an overview of your study results (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application/motivation letter (highlighting expertise and research experience in LCA) 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, examples of your most represent publication for this job.
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.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in the course of August, with foreseen to start at the earliest convenience thereafter (based on candidate availability, but as soon as possible from our perspective).
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. E. Meers (
[email protected], +32(0)478 78 60 98). 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].
