→ Apply before 29/10/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA14 - Bouwkundige Constructies en Bouwmaterialen
→ Occupancy rate:45%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→ Term of assignment: 10 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 8,000 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
- 1. Research on Super Absorbent Polymers compositions and chloride binding capacity
- Investigate the effects of SAPs with varying compositions, in mixes with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs).
- Validate optimal behaviors of modified SAPs in reinforced concrete and, where necessary, recommend improvements to increase the durability properties.
- 2. Experimental SAP Analysis in Concrete Applications
- Examine the behavior of experimental SAPs in mortar and concrete mixtures, focusing on compressive strength, internal curing and autogenous shrinkage mitigation capacity.
- Determine the effect of SAPs on freeze-thaw resistance.
- Quantify self-sealing and self-healing of cracks.
- 3. Additional Property Characterization
- Assess corrosion rates in uncracked versus cracked and self-healed SAP containing reinforced concrete beams, and in traditional beams with SAP containing repair mortar on top, with electrochemical monitoring techniques (e.g. measuring corrosion current and potential).
- Benchmark the novel SAPs against commercial corrosion inhibitors.
- 4. Supervision and Mentorship
- Provide guidance and mentorship to master’s and PhD students throughout their research projects, fostering academic growth and ensuring high-quality research outcomes.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a thesis-based doctorate in Materials Science or Civil Engineering (within the last 3 years).
- Strong motivation to drive independent research, from experiment design through to publication.
- Effective collaboration skills, with the ability to engage with multidisciplinary teams, coordinate with both internal and external partners, and contribute as a team player.
- Experience working with analytical techniques such as titration, X-ray diffraction, and isothermal calorimetry.
- Hands-on experience and a strong commitment to experimental work and instrumentation.
- Fluency in English.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a 45% PostDoctoral researcher contract of definite duration for the period from 01/12/2024 – 30/09/2025.
- Your contract will start on 1/12/2024 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 (in Dutch).
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 an overview of your study results (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. Nele De Belie(Nele.DeBelie@UGent.be, +32(0)9/ 264 55 35). 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 or +32 9 264 34 36