Postdoctoral Scholarship in Biology

Employment Type: Full-time Doctoral Scholarship
Location: Groenenborger Campus, Antwerp, Belgium
Duration: 2 years, renewable for an additional 2 years following a positive evaluation
Expected Start Date: Between 1 October 2026 and 1 January 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026

About the Position

The Department of Biology at the University of Antwerp is seeking a full-time doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Plant Ecophysiology.

The PhD project investigates how hydrodynamic forcing shapes root development in submerged aquatic plants (macrophytes) at both morphological and physiological levels. The research combines plant physiology, plant biochemistry, and the use of an artificial river system known as the Mesodrome.

Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct research leading to the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in Plant Ecophysiology.
• Investigate the effects of hydrodynamic forcing on root development in submerged aquatic plants.
• Apply plant physiological and biochemical approaches within the research project.
• Publish scientific articles related to the research findings.

Teaching and Academic Support

• Carry out a limited number of teaching support activities.
• Assist with research support tasks within the Department of Biology.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Biology or Bioscience Engineering.
• Strong interest in plant ecophysiology and plant biochemistry.
• Excellent academic record.
• Relevant laboratory skills and experience.
• Strong research potential.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Ability to work with quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with transcriptome analysis.
• Experience with hormone analysis.
• Interest in applying for additional external funding opportunities such as Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) grants.

What We Offer

• Full-time doctoral scholarship.
• Initial appointment for two years, renewable for a further two years after positive evaluation.
• Competitive doctoral scholarship funding.
• Ecocheques.
• Internet connectivity allowance.
• Bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs.
• Access to training and professional development through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• Dynamic and stimulating research environment at the Groenenborger Campus.

Application Documents

Applicants should submit:

• Motivation letter
• Academic CV
• Summary of MSc thesis
• Two reference letters

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the University of Antwerp’s online application platform no later than 31 August 2026 (midnight Brussels time).

Contact Information

For questions about the position:

Dr. Jonas Schoelynck
jonas.schoelynck@uantwerpen.be

Prof. Kris Vissenberg
kris.vissenberg@uantwerpen.be

For application-related questions:

jobs@uantwerpen.be

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com