- Apply before 03/07/2026 (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: 3 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 computational study of single-site catalysts in amorphous silica-based materials. The scientific aim is to investigate the structure and stability of isolated active sites in amorphous silica materials, in close collaboration with the experimental team working on the development of new catalysts.
This is a short-term position at an employment rate of 60%, where the selected candidate will be expected to assess suitable computational approaches, perform DFT calculations, and help define modelling strategies that can support the interpretation of experimental results and guide future work.
Specific tasks include:
- Perform DFT calculations to study the structure and stability of single-sites in amorphous silica;
- Compare different local environments and identifying structural factors that influence site stability;
- Work in close collaboration with experimental team members to connect computational results with catalyst synthesis and characterization;
- Explore possible strategies for extending the modelling approach, including the use of machine-learning interatomic potentials for SiO2.nH2O systems;
- Test and evaluate computational methods and MLP models with experimental data;
- 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
You hold a PhD diploma in chemical engineering, or other related field.
We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in first-principles modelling of catalytic materials. The ideal candidate has experience in applying DFT methods to understand the structure, stability and reactivity of active sites in complex materials, and is able to connect computational results with experimental observations.
Required expertise and skills:
- Knowledge of DFT and its application to catalytic and materials systems;
- Experience with computational modelling of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, supported metal sites, single-site catalysts, or related materials;
- Experience in building and analyzing atomistic models of complex systems, such as clusters, and periodic slab models;
- Experience with electronic structure codes such as VASP, Gaussian, ORCA, or related software;
- Experience in interpreting computational results in terms of structure, stability, and possible catalytic relevance;
- Ability to work independently in a research project where computational strategy may need to be adapted during the project;
- Experience with high-performance computing environments, Linux-based workflows, scripting or workflow automation;
- Good communication skills, including the ability to explain computational results to experimental teams;
- Living in Belgium or ready to stay in Belgium during the research
- Willingness to work in close collaboration with an experimental team and other members of the research group.
The following expertise is considered an advantage but is not mandatory:
- Experience or interest in machine-learning interatomic potentials for complex systems.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 3 months from 15/09/2026-14/12/2026 at an employment rate of 60%.
- Your contract will start on 15/09/2026 at the earliest.
- 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].
