Phd in linked data and personal data vaults

 


Phd in linked data and personal data vaults as enablers for a new digital platform ecosystems - analysis from a techno-economic perspective

imec is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The combination of our widely acclaimed leadership in microchip technology and profound software and ICT expertise is what makes us unique. By leveraging our world-class infrastructure and local and global ecosystem of partners across a multitude of industries, we create groundbreaking innovation in application domains such as healthcare, smart cities and mobility, logistics and manufacturing, and energy.
As a trusted partner for companies, start-ups and universities we bring together close to 4000 brilliant minds from over 97 nationalities. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium and also has distributed R&D groups at a number of Flemish universities, in the Netherlands, Taiwan, USA, China, and offices in India and Japan. All of these particular traits make imec to be a top-class employer.
Ghent University – imec IDLab Research group
The Internet Technology & Data Science Lab (IDLab) is an imec research group at Ghent University and the University of Antwerp. IDLab focuses its research on internet technologies and data science. Bringing together more than 300 internet experts, we develop technologies outperforming current solutions for communication subsystems, high speed and low power networking, distributed computing and multimedia processing, machine learning, artificial intelligence and web semantics. IDLab has a unique research infrastructure used in numerous national and international collaborations.
IDLab collaborates with many universities and research centers worldwide and jointly develops advanced technologies with industry (R&D centers from international companies, Flanders’ top innovating large companies and SMEs, as well as numerous ambitious start-ups).
The IDLab techno-economics team where this vacancy is offered http://technoeconomics.idlab.ugent.be/ consists of engineers and economists who are supporting decision makers by translating technological innovation into business opportunities and challenges in different application domains like smart cities, smart mobility and smart energy. The group is supporting companies and policy makers in their decisions by combining insights in technical possibilities with the expected economic costs and benefits.
The evolving ICT domain
Digital platforms are constantly gaining importance. Collecting multi-modal mobility data on a cloud-based platform, for example, can enable a multitude of traffic management solutions. Public as well as private actors can offer solutions that improve the city mobility, create an added value for the citizens and stimulate the local economy. Or consider a platform that allows optimal use of energy in a specific residential area by matching the demand curve of residents, retailers and electric cars to each other and to the (renewable) energy generation. Several governmental services get automated via digital platforms as well. In nearly all of these digital platform services, access to personal user data is important.
Thanks to the use of technological innovations that enable the implementation of a personal data vault for every citizen or entity (a so-called data pod), novel data ecosystems can be defined. Think of a data pod as a virtual drive to which you as an individual or organization hold the keys. Your data pod can then store and safeguard every single piece of data that you produce as well as every single piece of data that other companies and organizations produce about you.
Personal data is only one aspect of digital platform ecosystems, for example, the Flemish government is allocating resources to the construction of a Flemish Dataspace. The dataspace includes data from various business and public domains. The main objective is interoperability within and over different domains through the use of open standards for linking organizations. Examples are standards for cultural heritage or real estate.
In order to evaluate the feasibility of digital platform ecosystems in general and the market potential of personal data vault based ecosystems in particular, some interdisciplinary research questions remain to be answered. A first research objective is to understand the relationship between technical requirements and the value creating potential in a digital ecosystem based on linked open data or personal data vaults, in order to ensure that further technical developments go in the direction that indeed leads to market potential for this technology. Next, we want to understand how to engage all relevant stakeholders like application and service providers in this ecosystem. A second research objective is therefore to understand how openness and interoperability of data within this Flemish Dataspace can support innovation and value creation for specific domains and use cases.
In order to face the different research challenges in this interdiscplinary domain, we are looking for a researcher who is able to combine technical and economic insights.

Job description
The job

  • Under the supervision of a professor and a postdoc researcher in the team, you will prepare a PhD dissertation over a duration of about 4 years.
  • You perform cutting-edge research in the domain of techno-economic evaluation of digital platforms.
  • You publish and present results both at international conferences and in scientific journals.
  • You validate your research by considering concrete use cases and discussing with public and private actors in the field.
  • You tightly collaborate with IDLab colleagues within the techno-economics teams, as well as in other teams where appropriate.
  • You will be involved in different research projects related to your PhD topic, in the framework of national and European funded research cooperations, and collaborate with research partners from industry.
  • You will assist the research group with limited educational tasks.

Job profile

Job requirements

  • Holder of a Master degree in Computer Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, IEOR or Commercial Engineering.
  • Strong interest in economic evaluation of technological projects.
  • Strong analytical skills for designing and implementing abstract models.
  • Experience with object-oriented programming and web-based development is a plus.
  • You work independently, have a strong feeling of responsibility and are able to commit to timing and milestones set forward by different research projects.
  • You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
  • A good knowledge of English (oral and written) is a must. Any knowledge of Dutch (oral) is a plus.

Our offer
We offer a challenging, stimulating, young and pleasant research environment where you can contribute to solving real-life problems for technological innovations with a clear societal as well as economic value. The work is done in close collaboration with ICT and telecom industry players in Flanders and Europe. The UGent doctoral school program offers possibilities for following a range of courses or trainings of your interest. We foresee a competitive remuneration and the possibility to obtain a PhD degree in Engineering.

How to apply

How to apply?
This PhD position is available immediately and is open until the vacancy is filled. The position is not open for post-docs.
Apply asap by sending an email to prof. Sofie Verbrugge. Your application should include

  • your resume (curriculum vitae)
  • motivation letter (indicating both your technical and economic background/interest as well as any specific research skills)
  • a copy of your diploma and diploma supplement (with overview of all courses followed)

More information
Sofie Verbrugge – sofie.verbrugge@ugent.be

PhD in Department of Interdisciplinary Study of Law, Private Law and Business Law

 


The Center for the Foundations and Methods in Private Law (CFMP) is looking for a full-time PhD student for a research project starting in the fall of 2022 (starting date to be agreed).


YOUR TASKS

  • At least 90% of your assignment will be spent on academic research in preparation of a doctoral dissertation. This dissertation can be written either in English or Dutch.
  • You will write a doctoral dissertation about either ‘Rethinking Legal Ignorance: Accessibility of the Law in the 21st Century’ or a self-chosen topic. That topic is open, but should be linked /related to at least one of the following areas: legal theory (jurisprudence) and/or methods of academic legal research. Larger fields in which the topic can potentially be situated (but is by no means required to do so) are e.g. ‘Methods and applications of analytically deconstructive research’, ‘Critically assessing traditional doctrinal legal scholarship’, ‘Private law in context’, ‘Future-proof private law’ or ‘Beyond the public law/private law divide’.
  • You will publish and present research results on a national and international level, and contribute to building an international network.
  • You will be part of a team of researchers and will contribute to the well-functioning of the research group and the department.

Job profile

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Law (or will obtain that degree in the summer of 2022).
  • You have team spirit and a strong ability to work in a group. In addition, you have good communicative skills.
  • You are perseverant and dedicated. You are motivated to take an active part in the development of new legal knowledge.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

  • We offer you a PhD position (PhD Dehousse bursary) for 4 years (1 year + renewable for 3 years).
  • The starting date of your position can be discussed. A typical starting date is November 1, 2022.
  • You will have a net monthly income of approximately €2000, depending on your personal situation and family status.

How to apply

INTERESTED?


Your application can be sent to Frederik.peeraer@ugent.be before the application deadline (see above). Late applications will not be considered.

Your application must include the following documents:

  • Your CV in PDF format
  • Your ideas for a research proposal (max. 5 pages, references not included in those 5 pages, standard margins and typeface), written in Dutch or English, in PDF format. If ‘Rethinking Legal Ignorance: Accessibility of the Law in the 21st Century’ is your topic of preference, the document should contain at least: (1) state of the art; (2) research questions; (3) proposed research methods. If you propose a self-chosen topic, the document should contain at least the same three elements, and explain the link between your topic and the areas of legal theory (jurisprudence) and/or methods of academic legal research.
  • Your motivation letter in PDF format
  • 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.
  • An overview of your study results.
  • A writing sample (such as a bachelor’s or master’s thesis or published article).

The Selection Committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you and give you more information about the next steps in the selection procedure. We would like to ask you to take the following dates into account in your agenda: 18 August (before noon) and 25 August (before noon).
In the context of an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. Students who will obtain their master’s degree in the summer of 2022 are warmly encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION


Any questions? Please contact Frederik.peeraer@ugent.be

PhD in Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology

 

On July 1st 2021, a EU funded research project called DECIDE with 19 partners in 11 countries will start started for a period of five years. About 9 PhD students and several postdoctoral researchers will be are hired by the partner organizations In the DECIDE project.

The DECIDE project will develop aims at developing data-driven decision support tools, which present (i) robust and early signals of disease emergence and options for diagnostic confirmation; and (ii) options for controlling the disease along with their implications in terms of disease spread, economic burden and animal welfare.

DECIDE will focuses on respiratory and gastro-intestinal syndromes in the three most important terrestrial livestock species (pigs, poultry, cattle) and on growth reduction and mortality in salmonids. For each of these, we will (i) identify the stakeholder needs; (ii) determine the burden of disease and costs of control measures; (iii) develop data sharing frameworks based on federated data access and meta-information sharing; (iv) build multivariate and multi-level models for creating an early warning system. Together, all of this will form the decision support tools to be integrated in existing farm management systems wherever possible and to be evaluated in several pilot implementations in farms across Europe.

The results of DECIDE will lead to improved decisions on disease control to increase animal health and welfare and protect human health and the food chain in Europe and beyond.

At Utrecht University and Ghent University we have vacancies for host four PhD students that are keen to work on the interface of data science, veterinary science and economics in an international setting. Close collaboration is foreseen with partners in the DECIDE project that identify the stakeholder needs (ETHZ, CH) and build multivariate and multi-level models for creating an early warning system (UCPH, DK). For all four positions, the selected candidates are should be team players that are able to collaborate interdisciplinary and have a very good spoken and written ability in English.

Below is the description of the first PhD project and of the requirements for a suitable candidate for this project.

PhD 1. Development of data sharing frameworks based on federated data access and meta-information sharing (UGent/UU)

The main objective of this PhD project is

  •  to explore the different approaches for data access and data usage to support animal health by combining existing and new data and data streams.

The PhD candidate will be the main responsible (in collaboration with the main supervisor).

  • to develop a common ontology that allows data from different sources to be interpreted consistently through-out the entire project.
  • to develop and test alternative approaches for data access and define best practices for sustainable data access (data-to-the-code vs code-to-the-data, federated querying, federated learning)

Job profile

  • The candidate has experience with ontology design
  • The candidate has an affinity with the livestock production systems
  • The candidate has experience with or is able to learn (statistical) programming and/or coding.
  • Proficiency in English, both written and oral is required.
  • Good communication skills are essential for this interdisciplinary and international collaboration project.
  • The candidate can work both on her/his own, but also enjoys interaction with an interdisciplinary team and international colleagues

The student will hold a PhD position at Ghent University in strong collaboration with Utrecht University.

More information about this position can be obtained from Ass. Prof. Dr. Miel Hostens (m.m.hostens@uu.nl or miel.hostens@ugent.be).

https://www.ugent.be/bw/asae/en/research/lanupro/projects/decide offers an overview of the project and of the 4 PhD profiles.

How to apply

Please submit your application by email to Miel Hostens (miel.hostens@ugent.be) before 1 August 2022.

Applications must be submitted in English and should include a copy of your CV, your academic transcripts and a separate motivation letter (max. 1 page) describing your research interests, skills and motivation to apply for the position.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

From the submitted applications, a shortlist of candidates will be selected and will be invited for an interview. The interviews of the candidates from the shortlist will take place in August.

Postdoctoral position in Department of Applied Physics

 

The research unit Nuclear Fusion (infusion) of the department of Applied Physics at Ghent University is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in the field of fusion data science. Candidates preferably have a background in fusion plasma physics or fusion technology, as well as experience or a strong interest in data science applications for fusion. The research will be situated in the area of integrated data analysis (sensor fusion) for fusion diagnostics, aimed in particular at real-time applications in DEMO (see below for further details).

We offer the following:
• A postdoctoral research position for 1 year, extendable to a total of 3 years.
• An exciting research environment at the intersection of theory and application in the multi-disciplinary research domain of fusion data science.
• The possibility to participate in international conferences and collaborations.

The tentative starting date is September 1, 2022.

Background and research topics:
The research on controlled nuclear fusion is a large-scale international endeavor aimed at developing fusion power as a clean and limitless source of energy. Fusion is a very interdisciplinary field, involving the rich physics of magnetized plasmas, as well as the technology of fusion devices. The permeation in fusion of the methods of Bayesian probability and machine learning is a relatively new development, resulting in a multitude of possible applications and challenges.

The research unit Nuclear Fusion at Ghent University is active in the development and application of modern data science methods in the context of nuclear fusion science and technology. The research spans a broad range of applications of Bayesian inference, machine learning and information theory in fusion R&D. Prospective applicants are invited to consult the website http://nuclearfusion.ugent.be for an overview of current research topics.

The research unit not only focuses on applications of existing data science techniques in fusion, but also develops new methods by building on the foundations of Bayesian probability, information theory and the mathematical field of information geometry. In addition, by incorporating physical constraints into our techniques, we aim to narrow the gap between first principles theoretical or modeling approaches of plasma phenomena and purely data-driven techniques.

The research area that the candidate is expected to work in is related to integrated data analysis (IDA) and uncertainty quantification for the European fusion demonstration power plant DEMO. IDA uses the methods of Bayesian probability to combine measurements from multiple diagnostics for deriving the probability distribution of plasma quantities, compatible with all data and additional constraints. This will be crucial for DEMO, since space limitations and exposure to radiation will pose severe constraints on the number and type of diagnostics that can be deployed. The research will break ground in bringing this expertise for the first time to the design activities of the European DEMO machine. This comes with a number of specific challenges due to real-time requirements, the need for uncertainty quantification at both the side of the diagnostics and actuators, as well as integration into the control system of the device. The research will build on earlier and ongoing work regarding IDA at present fusion devices and at ITER, developing and/or implementing forward models (synthetic diagnostics) for key diagnostics and validating the models with data from prior or new experiments. This will require good insight into the principles, operation and sources of uncertainty of the respective diagnostics. In addition, appropriate approximations and specialized techniques will need to be introduced to allow real-time inference. Finally, close collaboration will be needed with the teams responsible for developing plasma control solutions for DEMO.

Job profile

The field of fusion data science is situated at the interface between several research disciplines, involving plasma physics, fusion technology, probability theory, machine learning and information theory. We are therefore looking for a highly motivated candidate who is prepared to take on a challenge in this exciting research domain with links to many other areas in science and industry. Ideally, the candidate has a background in fusion plasma physics or in fusion technology (e.g. diagnostics), as well as experience or strong interest in Bayesian probability or machine learning. Candidates with another specialization in physics (preferred), engineering, mathematics, computer science or electrical engineering are also welcome to apply, but need to be strongly motivated to deepen their knowledge about fusion science and technology.

Creativity and a good sense of initiative are highly desired in this position. Furthermore, candidates are expected to collaborate within the European and international fusion community.

This may involve travel abroad to some of the international fusion laboratories that the research unit collaborates with.

How to apply

Please submit your application by email to Prof. Dr. Geert Verdoolaege (geert.verdoolaege@ugent.be) by July 31, 2022, 23:59 CEST. The application must consist of the following files:
• Your CV, named as “CV_[full_name]”
• Motivation letter, named as “Motivation_[full_name]”
• Diploma and all transcripts of records (BSc and MSc), named as “Diploma_transcripts_[full_name]”
Only complete application files will be considered. Please contact geert.verdoolaege@ugent.be in case of questions.

PhD in Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering

 


Thermo-Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication (TEHL) is a specific lubrication regime that typically occurs in classic machine components such as rolling element bearings, gears, cam-follower systems, etc., and is therefore very relevant in many machine applications. TEHL is characterized by thin lubricant films (50 nm-1 m) in which the hydrodynamic pressure can reach values up to GPa range (1-4 GPa), inducing elastic deformation of the opposing contact surfaces in the order of the film thickness. At such high pressures, the lubricant becomes compressible and behaves in a highly non-Newtonian way by local solidification and shear-thinning.

Accurate computational simulation of TEHL by means of continuum models requires therefore an accurate description of the lubricant’s compressibility and the rheology (i.e. piezo-viscosity and shear thinning) as well as the thermal properties (specific heat, conductivity), wall slip and cavitation. Today, however, the thermomechanical properties of only a handful of “academic” lubricant oils have been measured experimentally and documented in the literature, due to the technical challenges of performing experiments at extreme pressures and shear rates. Hence, typically data is limited to 1.5GPa.

In the past decades Molecular Dynamics (MD) has emerged as a more sophisticated computational approach to study interfacial phenomena and thin film rheology. Such an MD approach offers the advantage of obtaining an accurate estimate of the lubricant’s thermo-mechanical properties, by directly simulating the lubricant’s molecular structure subject to different conditions of pressure, temperature, shear, etc.. Despite the increase in popularity of MD, the accuracy and reliability of these calculations are not always guaranteed and highly depend on the accuracy and reliability of the force fields that describe the inter-and intra-molecular forces. Typically, available force fields are applied in the literature, without being designed or “calibrated” for the lubricant molecule under investigation.

Your Tasks

The research assignment involves the development of a framework for accurate and reliable calculation of thermomechanical properties of an industrially relevant monomolecular lubricant based on Non-Equilibrium MD (NEMD), using tailored force fields, with minimal empiricism. This involves DFT-D modeling, Force Field Modelling using Machine learning, and NEMD simulations.

Job profile

  1. You hold a Master's degree in Mechanical, Physical, or Chemical engineering.
  2. You have a strong motivation for conducting scientific research at a high level.
  3. You possess good analytical and technical skills.
  4. You are interested in Advanced Scientific Computing.
  5. Experience with programming in C++, and Python is necessary.
  6. You have good knowledge and experience with Molecular Dynamics (LAMMPS).
  7. You take responsibility for the development of your project in a well-structured, thorough way, and you’re able to solve problems independently. You display creativity in solving problems, generating ideas, or finding new ways of working.
  8. You have an open personality and are willing to contribute to the team and participate in didactic projects.
  9. You have excellent communication skills in English, both orally and written. Knowledge of Dutch is certainly an asset.

How to apply

To apply, please complete the application form at the following link before August 1st 2022:

Apply: https://forms.gle/1y1zisvqhkpZNeNd9

Your application will be taken into consideration on condition that all fields in the application form are completed properly.

PhD in Department of Biology

 


The Laboratory of Protistology and Aquatic Ecology (Ghent University) and Comparative Network Biology group (VIB) invite applications for a fully-funded PhD studentship for 1 year and extended with another 3 years (after positive evaluation) to study diatom speciation and adaptation.

Our understanding the processes underlying speciation and the genetic/phenotypic diversity of diatoms and other microalgae remains very limited, yet it is of crucial importance to predict their response to global change. The successful applicant will employ a combination of field, laboratory and population-genomic approaches to quantify gene flow in diatom metapopulations, to study local adaptation and to reconstruct the impact of past and ongoing gene flow on the evolution of their pan-genome. We offer an intellectually stimulating and international research environment, high-quality training to develop hard and soft skills, opportunities to participate in sampling campaigns and international scientific conferences, and a competitive salary including a bicycle commuting reimbursement. Ghent University is among the top global universities according to several international rankings.

The PhD project includes:

  • Further elaboration of a global collection of isolates of the benthic diatom species complex Seminavis robusta,
  • Quantifying the levels of introgression and pan-genomic differentiation based on genome resequencing of global isolates,
  • Developing and applying assays to quantify local adaptation and the strength of intrinsic reproductive barriers,
  • Characterizing divergence in the pheromone signaling cascade,
  • Writing scientific publications and presenting research at international conferences,
  • Supervising bachelor and MSc students during projects and practical courses.

Job profile

  • You hold a Master’s degree in Sciences: Biology, Bio-informatics, Bioscience Engineering, Oceanography or equivalent diploma. Holders of a PhD degree cannot apply.
  • You obtained excellent grades in your bachelor and MSc degree (i.e., you belong to the top 10% of your cohort).
  • You have a keen interest in both wetlab experiments as well as population genomics.
  • Practical expertise in aquatic microbial ecology and/or NGS data analysis/bio-informatics is strongly recommended.
  • You have excellent programming skills in Python or another scripting language and hands-on experience with R.
  • You have good communication and writing skills and have an excellent knowledge of written and spoken English.
  • You are self-critical, you work with rigor and attention for detail, and you work accurately.
  • You combine being a team player with a strong sense of autonomy and responsibility.
  • You are willing to participate in sampling campaigns and apply for additional funding when eligible.

What we offer you

  • A PhD scholarship of 1 year which can be extended with another three years after positive evaluation.
  • Your appointment will start by 01/09/2022 at the earliest.
  • You will receive a PhD scholarship according to the general conditions at Ghent University. The tax free scholarship includes full social security coverage. More information about this can be found on the Ghent University website.
  • You will work in a dynamic, international research group. All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as 37 days of paid leave, a wide range of training and education opportunities, bicycle commuting reimbursement, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits can be found on our website.

How to apply

All applications must be received no later than August 1st 2022 at biology-applications@ugent.be with the following documents attached as one file:

  • application letter
  • curriculum vitae
  • a transcript of the required degree
  • names and contact details of at least two reference persons

Attention: Late applications are not accepted. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

For more information about this vacancy please contact Prof. Wim Vyverman (Wim.Vyverman@UGent.be, +32 (0) 9 264 85 01) of Prof. Klaas Vandepoele (klaas.vandepoele@psb.vib-ugent.be, +32 (0)9 3313822).

PhD candidate @ HortiCell - Protoplast regeneration

 

PhD candidate @ HortiCell - Protoplast regeneration

We are looking for an enthusiastic early career researcher or diploma student who is passionate about plants and with an interest in advancing agriculture in line with the sustainable development goals. You will isolate protoplasts from several major food crops and learn how to recognize the right stage and cellular type that has the capacity to start to divide and produce new plants. For this you use tissue culture technology and microscopy tools. You record with a good sense for detail how cells behave and what is required to identify and isolate the competent cells. Molecular tools and markers will be used to help with the selection and to understand what processes take place during protoplast regeneration. In a second face of the project, you will develop a new device and define conditions for protoplast regeneration. A parallel project involves a similar study using microspores instead of protoplasts. The job is challenging and exciting and will come with the thrill to be part of a research teams dedicated to achieving the set goals.

About the project:
CRISPR-CAS technology is a fantastic tool to edit and mutate genes and sequences in a targeted manner. Its easy set-up and approach opens the possibility to modify any sequence in any organism that can be transformed. However, it creates a new bottleneck and that is the capacity of the transformed cell to regenerate into a new plant. Although that it can be applied to tissue, ideally, we want to start from a single cell because it ensures the creating a new genotype. At HortiCell we have developed a new concept that aims to improve the regeneration of plant protoplasts. By identifying the cells that have the capacity to regenerate, the process of gene editing in crops can be dramatically improved. With this method, we can generate much faster and many more lines than currently possible, allowing breeders and plant biotechnologists to accelerate their research and genetic engineering programs. In this project, you will work on a new and innovative method to identify and select the protoplasts that are regeneration competent. You will work in a team that is exclusively involved in the development of the new technology using state of the art equipment. The team consists of a team leader, a technician, and several other PhD students with related topics. If successful, the technology will be implemented in a start up company.

Job profile

Profile:

  • You are dedicated to obtaining a PhD degree
  • You can work accurately and like to work in a lab environment with cells, microscopes, and molecular equipment
  • You are keen to learn, open to share results and experience and work with team members to the benefit of all
  • You can work independently with a great sense of responsibility
  • You report on regular meetings for the team and for other stakeholders

We offer:

  • An open ended contract with a biding of 4 years (time for completing a PhD program)
  • Opportunity to follow trainings and workshops
  • Training in advanced cell techniques
  • A stimulating and supportive environment
  • A flat management organization
  • An open minded environment receptive to human diversity

How to apply

Please submit your application by email to horticell@ugent.be before 1 August 2022.
The reviewing starts immediately, applications are welcome until filled.
Applications must be submitted in Englishand should include:

  • A detailed CV
  • A one page motivation letter
  • Your diploma scores and ranking in your cohort
  • If you have working experience, provide 2 references

Incomplete applications will not be considered.


For more information about this vacancy, please contact Danny Geelen (Danny.Geelen@UGent.be, +32 479940252) or Steffen Vanneste (Steffen.Vanneste@UGent.be).

PhD in Virtual Commissioning of Industrial Machines through Bayesian Optimization

 


PhD title: Virtual Commissioning of Industrial Machines through Bayesian Optimization

Our research group works on modelling, control and optimization for Mechatronic systems, Industrial robots and processes. We are part of the department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering of Ghent University (www.ugent.be/ea/emsme/en). Ghent University is a top 100 university worldwide and one of the major universities in Belgium, with more than 44000 students and 15000 staff members. Our campus is situated in Ghent, a lively city at the heart of Europe (visit.gent.be/en/HOME). Our research group is also associated to Flanders Make (www.flandersmake.be/en), a non-profit organization, funding precompetitive research for the betterment of the Flemish manufacturing industry. The candidate will be directly embedded in an international research group, working together as a team and will have the possibility to collaborate with many other people active at Ghent University and within Flanders.
You will work on REXPEK, a Strategic Basic Research project funded by Flanders Make. The project resides in the virtual commissioning paradigm where (near) first-time-right commissioning of machines is pursued by means of model based design approaches. The key idea is to determine optimal machine settings through virtual experiments. For this concept to work, the reality gap between the virtual and physical experiments needs to be minimized. Further, in order to reduce the remaining physical experiments, each attempt must be chosen so to yields as much information as possible. The project takes a unique angle to this problem by taking into account the human as a valuable resource both as a knowledge base, a performance sensor or critique as well as a discriminator between what could be good or bad settings. The project has the overall aim to develop new methodologies to assist operators with machine commissioning and real-time tuning.
Your specific research challenge lies in the development of new Bayesian Optimization (BO) techniques. BO is a black-box optimization strategy that operates on function evaluations alone originally developed to optimize functions that could be evaluated only through physical experimentation. You will pursue BO methods that can exploit a model based prior whilst simultaneously identifying a context probability that cannot be observed directly. In the past years our research group has accumulated critical expertise and laboratory infrastructure to support this PhD.


The candidate will be expected to

  • Perform described research and strive towards successful project execution.
  • Develop machine learning methodologies and software (Python) for probabilistic optimization & identification.
  • Present research at conferences and in journals.
  • Cooperate with researchers active within the research group and outside.
  • Contribute to the teaching related to modelling and optimization.


Our offer:

  • A 4 years period doctoral position.
  • An internationally competitive salary that corresponds to the salary scales for Doctoral Research Fellows as established by the Flemish government.
  • Access to state-of-the-art tools and facilities, a network of Flemish companies active in the manufacturing industry, and the possibility to collaborate with other research groups.
  • The time to apply and improve your knowledge and skills on state-of-the-art machine learning, (probabilistic) modelling, system identification and numerical optimization.
  • Starting date 01/10/2022.

Job profile

We are looking for a team member with a background in (probabilistic) machine learning, numerical optimization methods and experience with system identification concepts. You are quick-witted, have an appetite for the theoretical and are keen on applying and/or improving your programming skills.

  • You hold a M.Sc. in electromechanical engineering or related engineering fields such as control & automation.
  • You have proven experience with numerical optimization methods in machine learning or system design.
  • You have proven experience in Python.
  • You have experience in or understanding of artificial intelligence and (probabilistic) machine learning methods.
  • You have a team player mindset, a strong personality and work in a result-oriented manner.
  • You are creative and willing to work in a multidisciplinary context.
  • You are proficient in oral and written English and have strong communication skills.
  • You are willing to extend your network and able to talk on technical matters.

How to apply

Send your CV, containing 1 or more references and a motivation letter to dr. Tom Lefebvre (Tom.Lefebvre@ugent.be) and dr. Saeideh Khatiry Goharood (Saeideh.KhatiryGoharoodi@UGent.be) including ‘REXPEK OPTIMIZATION PHD’ in the email subject. If you pass the pre-selection, you will receive further instructions on the selection process and will be invited for an online job interview.

PhD position on high-speed IC design for optical I/O

 


Ghent University is one of the most important education and research institutions in the Low Countries, ranked 71 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (http://www.shanghairanking.com/). On a daily basis, over 15,000 staff members and 49,000 students implement its motto "Dare to Think". Ghent University's mission statement is characterized by qualitative education, internationally renowned research and a pluralistic social responsibility.
The IDLab research group is also a core group of imec. Imec is the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium and also has distributed R&D groups at a number of Flemish universities, in the Netherlands, Taiwan, USA, China, and offices in India and Japan.
All of these particular traits make IDLab a top-class research employer.
Description of post: The Design group of the Ghent University-imec IDLab research group is currently looking for several new PhD and post-doc researchers. The Design team is internationally recognized as a leading research group on high-speed and high-frequency integrated circuits for next-generation communications systems. At this moment, the Design group is for example active in nine European projects, one ESA project and in direct research contracts with world-leading industry partners. These collaborations form the perfect basis for high-level and industry-relevant research in an environment with expert peers and top-notch test and measurement equipment. The main research lines focus on wired (fiber-optic, radio-over-fiber), wireless (5G, mmWave) and instrumentation for which custom CMOS or SiGe BiCMOS chips are developed and integrated in system demonstrators.

To strengthen our design team, this vacancy is looking for a strong research profile on analog and mixed-signal circuit design for next generation high-speed driver, receiver and equalizer circuits with very-low power consumption for high-density optical I/O to provide Terabit per second connectivity in GPU-based computing systems. To realize compact, low-power, high-performance optical transceivers extensive co-design of photonic and electronic chips has become a necessity, one of the specialties of the research group. Furthermore, optical switching is envisioned in the optical network to efficiently distribute the workloads among computing units, requiring dedicated burst-mode circuits to handle such data packets efficiently.


Our offer
We offer a fully funded PhD position for full-time research in a highly international, renowned and friendly working environment, with a competitive salary at Ghent University. As a researcher you will publish and present your research results at major international conferences and in scientific journals in order to pursue your PhD degree and you will receive the possibility to follow various advanced training courses in Belgium or abroad.
Typical research projects in the Design group involve multiple researchers with different specialties working as a team. Hence, a good team spirit, a good knowledge of English and effective communication skills (such as presenting and reporting) are of major importance for a successful collaboration.

Job profile


Your profile

  • You need to hold a relevant master’s degree e.g., Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering
  • Strong background in the design and realization of analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits using advanced SiGe BiCMOS or CMOS processes
  • Proficiency with design tools such as Cadence, Mentor Graphics, electromagnetic simulators, parasitic extraction and verification tools
  •  Additional experience considered as a plus:
    • Work experience (academic or industrial) or publications
    • Experimental characterization of high-speed, high-frequency components and (sub-) systems
    • Principles of optical Communications, signal processing, optical devices and photonics circuits
  •  Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing
  •  You are a team player with good networking and reporting skills

How to apply


Interested?

Send your application or any questions concerning this vacancy to Prof. Johan Bauwelinck, johan.bauwelinck@ugent.be
Applications should include a CV, a personal motivation letter, and contact information of three reference persons. After screening, selected candidates will be invited for an online interview as a first contact in a multi-stage selection process. Applications remain welcome until the position is filled.

PhD position on RF/analog electronics-photonics circuit co-design

 


Ghent University is one of the most important education and research institutions in the Low Countries, ranked 71 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (http://www.shanghairanking.com/). On a daily basis, over 15,000 staff members and 49,000 students implement its motto "Dare to Think". Ghent University's mission statement is characterized by qualitative education, internationally renowned research and a pluralistic social responsibility.
The IDLab research group is also a core group of imec. Imec is the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Imec is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium and also has distributed R&D groups at a number of Flemish universities, in the Netherlands, Taiwan, USA, China, and offices in India and Japan.
All of these particular traits make IDLab a top-class research employer.

Description of post: The Design group of the Ghent University-imec IDLab research group is currently looking for several new PhD and post-doc researchers. The Design team is internationally recognized as a leading research group on high-speed and high-frequency integrated circuits for next-generation communications systems. At this moment, the Design group is for example active in nine European projects, one ESA project and in direct research contracts with world-leading industry partners. These collaborations form the perfect basis for high-level and industry-relevant research in an environment with expert peers and top-notch test and measurement equipment. The main research lines focus on wired (fiber-optic, radio-over-fiber), wireless (5G, mmWave) and instrumentation for which custom CMOS or SiGe BiCMOS chips are developed and integrated in system demonstrators.

To strengthen our design team, this vacancy is looking for a strong research profile on RF/analog and photonics circuit co-design for next generation high-speed transmitters and receivers. https://www.ugent.be/ea/idlab/en/research/electromagnetics-rf-and-high-speed-circuits-and-systems/fiber-optic-transceivers.htm The integration of photonics and electronics is gaining considerable traction in industry. The GOA large-scale multidisciplinary project “Integration of novel thin films with circuits for telecom, quantum optics and neuromorphic computing” brings together five professors and their teams at Ghent University with a unique complementarity of expertise ranging from material science, fundamental physics, photonic integration, neural networks to electronic design. Together they have access to a very extended research infrastructure, including state-of-the-art tools for the deposition of new materials, the most advanced tools for micro- and nanofabrication of photonic and electronic devices, optical testing equipment for fundamental material properties characterization as well as ultra-high speed device characterization and a very broad range of simulation tools.

Our offer
We offer a fully funded PhD position for full-time research in a highly international, renowned and friendly working environment, with a competitive salary at Ghent University. As a researcher you will publish and present your research results at major international conferences and in scientific journals in order to pursue your PhD degree and you will receive the possibility to follow various advanced training courses in Belgium or abroad.
Typical research projects in the Design group involve multiple researchers with different specialties working as a team. Hence, a good team spirit, a good knowledge of English and effective communication skills (such as presenting and reporting) are of major importance for a successful collaboration.

Job profile


Your profile

  • You need to hold a relevant master’s degree e.g., Master of Science in Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering
  • Strong background in the design and realization of custom integrated circuits using advanced SiGe BiCMOS or CMOS processes; Knowledge of photonics is a plus.
  • Proficiency with design tools such as Cadence, Mentor Graphics, electromagnetic simulators, parasitic extraction and verification tools
  • Additional experience considered as a plus:
    •  Work experience (academic or industrial) or publications
    •  Experimental characterization of high-speed, high-frequency components and (sub-) systems
    •  Principles of optical Communications, signal processing, optical devices and photonics circuits
  • Your English is fluent, both speaking and writing
  • You are a team player with good networking and reporting skills

How to apply


Interested?
Send your application or any questions concerning this vacancy to Prof. Xin (Scott) Yin xin.yin@ugent.be
Applications should include a CV, a personal motivation letter, and contact information of three reference persons. After screening, selected candidates will be invited for an online interview as a first contact in a multi-stage selection process. Applications remain welcome until the position is filled.

Search This Blog

Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia invites applications for vacant (72) Research and Academic Positions

Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia invites applications for vacant (72) Research and Academic Positions