Recruitment for Doctoral scholarship holder plant ecophysiology

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of plant ecophysiology. The PhD project investigates how hydrodynamic forcing shapes root development in submerged water plants (macrophytes) at the morphological and physiological level and makes use of plant physiology and biochemistry approaches next to the use of an artificial river, the Mesodrome (www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/ecosphere/research/technology/mesodrome/).
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks in the department of Biology.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Biology or Bioscience Engineering, with interest in plant ecophysiology and -biochemistry.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results and relevant lab skills.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Experience with transcriptome and hormone analysis is an asset.
• You will try to acquire additional external funding, such as e.g. through the Research Foundation Flanders (www.fwo.be).

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
• The planned start date is between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2027, or as soon as possible afterwards.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at the Groenenborger Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 31 August 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
  • a resume of your MSc thesis
  • 2 reference letters
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Jonas Schoelynck (jonas.schoelynck@uantwerpen.be) or prof. Kris Vissenberg (kris.vissenberg@uantwerpen.be), both promotors of your PhD-thesis.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.