Apply before 12/07/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
- Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
- Department: EA11 - Materialen, Textiel en Chemische Proceskunde
- Occupancy rate:60%
- Number of positions: 1
- Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
- Term of assignment: 4 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.
YOUR TASKS
Mark Saeys’ research group at the Laboratory for Chemical Technology (LCT) is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development of heterogeneous catalytic processes for sustainable chemical production. This is a short-term postdoctoral position at an employment rate of 60%, offering the opportunity to contribute to two complementary research projects: the process modelling and development of CO2 hydrogenation to methyl formate, and the reaction engineering and kinetic analysis of alkylamine synthesis.
Your responsibilities include:
- Reaction optimization of CO2 hydrogenation to methyl formate with a novel heterogeneous catalyst.
- Performing process modelling to assess and optimize CO2 to methyl formate process configurations.
- Conducting a literature review on catalytic alkylamine synthesis, with emphasis on catalysts, reaction mechanisms, side-product formation, and existing kinetic models.
- Designing and conducting catalytic experiments for the synthesis of ethylamine from ethanol and ammonia.
- Generating experimental data for reaction network identification and kinetic model development.
- Analyzing experimental and modelling results and translating them into process design guidelines.
- Communicate results, limitations and recommendations to the research group and collaborators, for future follow-up of the work.
- Contribute to publications and presentations relative to the work developed.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in Chemical Engineering and a strong background in heterogeneous catalysis and reaction engineering.
Required expertise and skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, including catalyst synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and catalytic testing.
- Experience with process-oriented analysis and simulation of catalytic processes, preferably using Aspen Plus or related process simulation tools.
- Strong quantitative, data analysis, and scientific writing skills.
- The ability to work independently, take scientific initiative, and collaborate effectively with academic and industrial partners.
- Excellent communication skills in English – both oral and written as well as mediation skills.
- Living in Belgium or ready to stay in Belgium during the research
The following expertise is considered an advantage but is not mandatory:
- Experience with kinetic modelling, reaction network development, parameter estimation, or microkinetic modelling.
- Experience with scientific programming tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from 01/09/2026-31/12/2026.
- Your contract will start on 1/09/2026 at the earliest at an employment rate of 60%.
- 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. Mark Saeys (
[email protected], +32(0)9/331 17 54). 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].
