Apply until 01/09/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)
- Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
- Department BW26 - Data analysis and mathematical modelling
- AAP temporary appointment - 100%
- Number of openings: 1
- Reference number: 202607/BW26/AS/012
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, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.
YOUR TASKS
- At least 50% of your appointment will be dedicated to pursuing a PhD in Bioscience Engineering: Mathematical Modelling. You will join the BIOSTAT research group (www.biostat.ugent.be) and contribute to its research in computational statistics. BIOSTAT develops state-of-the-art statistical methods for environmental decision-making, addressing some of today’s most pressing societal challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our research combines advanced spatio-temporal modelling, Bayesian inference, hierarchical modelling, and recent developments in computatlonal methods to gain insights from complex environmental data.
A potential research direction for this PhD project is the development of statistical methods for efficient sampling design and data collection. While modern sensing technologies have led to an unprecedented abundance of data, data quantity does not necessarily translate into data quality. Sources such as citizen science, remote sensing, and satellite observations often suffer from missing values, sampling bias, or differ in spatial resolution from the process of interest. At BIOSTAT, we develop statistical methods that enable the efficient collection of high-quality data, which are typically more costly or labor-intensive to obtain. Depending on the project's evolution and the candidate’s interests, the research may further extend to environmental applications involving rare and extreme events, where the limited availability of informative observations poses unique statistical challenges.
- You will be involved in the teaching activities (digital learning platform, supervising PC practicals, student counseling and cooperation during the exams) at bachelor’s and master’s level within the learning line of mathematics, such as the courses Statistical Data Processing and Probability Theory and Statistics
- You will assist in the internal and external services of the department
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold one of the following degrees: Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Statistical Data Analysis, Master of Science in Physics, Master of Science in Bioinformatics, or a related master’s degree. The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment
- For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted
- You are interested in academic and/or project-based research and services
- Any teaching experience or participation in extra training, conferences, etc. is recommended
- You have excellent teaching and communication skills in Dutch and English
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a two-year appointment, which may be renewed twice for two years, on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation. Attention: If you have been previously appointed as a junior assistant or doctoral fellow at a university within the Flemish Community, this appointment will be deducted from the maximum term of appointment, which is six years at the most according to the Codex of Higher Education
- Your appointment will start on 1 November 2026 at the earliest
- Your remuneration will be determined according to salary scale AAP3. 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 paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe 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 sent 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), together with a transcript of records for both the bachelor and master programme.
- 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 ‘Certificate of equivalence’: only for diplomas awarded outside the European Union a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted (if already in your possession, if not, you need to be able to provide proof that you have applied for a certificate of equivalence at the start of your appointment). The certificate can be requested via www.naricvlaanderen.be/en. For diplomas awarded in the UK before January 31st of 2020, a certificate of equivalence is not required
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. Stijn Luca (
[email protected]).
Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected].
