Scientist in Biology

Department of Biology, University of Antwerp / Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB)
Full-time (100%)

About the Institutions

University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic European university offering innovative education to over 20,000 students and conducting groundbreaking research. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 countries, we are one of the largest and most international employers in the region. The Global Change Ecology (GCE) consortium connects innovative research on environmental issues with societal solutions.

Royal Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB)
BIRA-IASB is a federal scientific institution in Brussels specializing in aeronomy. It conducts research on atmospheric constituents, including greenhouse gases (GHGs), using spectrometric observations, remote sensing, and numerical models. From 2024, the institute will expand its work on inverse models for greenhouse gases.

Collaboration
This position is part of the European research infrastructure ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System). UAntwerp – GCE leads the ecosystem component, while BIRA-IASB contributes to the atmospheric component and TCCON (Total Carbon Column Observing Network).

About the FED-tWIN BE-MVS Research Profile

Belgium has committed to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Paris Agreement. The current GHG inventory relies on bottom-up calculations. The top-down approach combines atmospheric observations with inverse modeling to improve monitoring accuracy.

The objective of the BE-MVS research profile is to develop a national Monitoring and Verification System (MVS) to:

1. Quantify GHG concentrations over Belgium at subregional scale

2. Identify and quantify major GHG sources and sinks

3. Distinguish between anthropogenic and biogenic sources

4. Monitor atmospheric GHG trends and evaluate mitigation strategies

5. Guide sectoral and point-source GHG reduction efforts

This research integrates atmospheric and ecosystem science for a multidisciplinary approach to national MRV for GHG emissions.

Position Overview

You will hold appointments at both institutions:

• University of Antwerp: 10% Independent Academic Staff (ZAP) + 40% Postdoctoral Researcher (BAP)

• BIRA-IASB: 50% Postdoctoral Researcher / Team Leader (SW2)

Responsibilities – University of Antwerp

ZAP (10%) – Teaching, Research & Service

• Deliver high-quality teaching on climate change and related topics

• Teach course components in Bachelor Biology and Master programs (Global Change Biology, Environmental Sciences, Sustainable Development, Energy and Climate)

• Develop student-centered, competency-based course materials

• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses

BAP (40%) – Research

• Assist in ongoing research, particularly the ICOS project

• Contribute to project proposals and attract external funding

• Supervise PhD students and team members

• Support internal and external academic service activities

Responsibilities – BIRA-IASB (50%)

• Conduct research in ICOS-BE and VERBE projects

• Contribute to project coordination and funding applications

• Supervise PhD students and team members

• Represent the research group and support coordination of scientific service activities

Candidate Profile

• PhD in sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics) or applied sciences (engineering physics, bio-engineering)

• PhD obtained within the last 12 years (extensions for parental leave, illness, or family care)

• At least 5 years of research experience in relevant scientific fields

• Strong publication record in Earth, atmospheric, or ecosystem sciences

• Knowledge of global Earth observation systems, including remote sensing and in-situ GHG monitoring

• Expertise or willingness to develop inverse modeling skills for GHG flux estimation

• Proficient in Python, with working knowledge of Fortran, C, MATLAB in UNIX and Windows

• Teaching competencies aligned with University of Antwerp educational vision

• Experience in national/international research projects, including project management responsibilities

• Willingness to learn Dutch (CEFR B2), with C1 proficiency required when teaching

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational skills, quality, integrity, creativity, and collaboration

What We Offer

University of Antwerp

• 10% ZAP appointment (3 years, extendable upon positive evaluation)

• 40% BAP postdoctoral appointment (permanent contract)

• Salary according to Senior Academic Staff (ZAP) and Contract Research Staff (BAP) scales, pro-rated

• Work primarily at Campus Drie Eiken

• Benefits: eco-vouchers, internet compensation, bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement

BIRA-IASB

• 50% Team Leader appointment (SW2) with permanent contract

• Salary according to federal regulations

• Access to international network, training, teleworking, and health benefits

• Green working environment, commuting reimbursement

Start Date: Preferably 1 February 2026

How to Apply

Deadline: 5 January 2026 (before midnight Brussels time)

Apply via the University of Antwerp online application platform:

• Complete the online application form

• Attach the following documents:

  1. Motivation letter

  2. Completed ZAP application appendix

  3. Academic CV

Contacts:

• For application questions: jobs@uantwerpen.be

• For position-related questions:

  • Dr. Martine De Mazière: martine.demaziere@aeronomie.be

  • Prof. Ivan Janssens: ivan.janssens@uantwerpen.be

Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Antwerp is committed to HR Excellence in Research, a sustainable, family-friendly organization promoting diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or age.

In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com