Apply before 31/08/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
- Department: EA15 - Civiele Techniek
- Occupancy rate:100%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of unlimited duration with clause
- Term of assignment:
- 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.
Ghent University is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher or research engineer to join a newly funded research infrastructure project focused on the development and scientific use of a miniature thermo-hydro-mechanical (THM) triaxial device for in situ 4D X-ray CT imaging of soil and other porous materials.
The project will enable direct observation of microstructural changes, phase transitions, fluid redistribution, cracking, and degradation processes under controlled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical conditions. The first applications will focus on geomaterials, frozen soils, and other climate-sensitive porous materials, while the platform will also be relevant to rocks, concrete, wood, asphalt binders, and related material systems.
The position is mainly hosted at the UGent Geotechnical Institute and will be closely connected to the Centre for X-ray Tomography at Ghent University (UGCT). It will be a shared collaborative position with RWTH Aachen University, where the selected candidate will benefit from the expertise of Prof. Florian Fusseis and his group in CT-compatible deformation rigs and operando 4D imaging.
YOUR TASKS
- At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.
- Main responsibilities:
- Support the design, adaptation, calibration, and validation of a CT-compatible miniature THM triaxial device.
- Develop and optimize experimental protocols for coupled thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical testing.
- Perform in situ and operando 3D/4D X-ray CT experiments on porous materials, with an initial focus on geomaterials and frozen soils at UGCT and synchrotron facilities.
- Develop image processing workflows for segmentation, registration, quantitative analysis, visualization, and interpretation of 3D/4D CT datasets.
- Link CT-derived microstructural information to mechanical and hydraulic behavior.
- Collaborate closely with UGGI, UGCT, RWTH Aachen University, and the broader international consortium.
- Prepare scientific publications, technical reports, user documentation, and experimental protocols.
- Support knowledge transfer and training of PhD students and researchers who will use the infrastructure.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Required profile:
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate in geotechnical engineering and civil engineering (obtained max. 6 years ago. This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma).
- Strong expertise in X-ray CT imaging, preferably including in situ 4D imaging.
- Proven experience with image processing and quantitative analysis of 3D datasets.
- Good programming or scripting skills, for example in Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/Fiji, Avizo, Dragonfly, or similar tools.
- A strong experimental background and willingness to work hands-on with advanced laboratory equipment.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Desirable experience:
- Triaxial testing, soil mechanics, rock mechanics, or porous media testing.
- Frozen soils, freeze-thaw processes, permafrost, or temperature-controlled testing.
- CT-compatible mechanical devices, in situ loading stages, or custom experimental rigs.
- Segmentation of multi-phase materials, including ice-water-soil or pore-solid-fluid systems.
- Digital volume correlation, pore-network analysis, crack analysis, or microstructural quantification.
- Synchrotron imaging experiments.
- CAD, mechanical design, instrumentation, or sensor integration.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of indefinite duration with a maximum term of 2 years with extended research stays and training opportunities at RWTH Aachen University.
- A central role in the development of a unique research infrastructure for 4D imaging of coupled THM processes.
- Access to the advanced CT facilities of UGCT and the experimental geotechnical facilities of UGGI.
- Close collaboration with international experts in 4D imaging, geomechanics, porous materials, and experimental rig development.
- A dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with strong potential for high-impact publications and future career development.
- 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.
- If the candidate meets the eligibility criteria for an appointment as a postdoctoral fellow, a tax-free fellowship will be offered.
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…
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. Mahya Roustaei Hossein Abadi ([email protected]). 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].
