Doctoral scholarship holder Photocatalytic asphalt pavements

 Department: Construction

Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The research group EMIB (Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings) of the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of photocatalytic asphalt pavements.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis entitled “IMproved Photocatalytic Activity of asphalt pavements with modified TiO2 Nano Technology”. The main objective of this thesis is to study the major challenges towards a solar-active photocatalytic asphalt mixture which is both efficient and durable. This includes implementing the latest developments regarding modified TiO2 nanoparticles and studying important aspects as dispersion and immobilization, for both binder modification as spray coating application. With your research you will contribute to "Make Asphalt Smart"! During your research you will cooperate with the DuEL research group (UAntwerp) and the Highways research group (UMinho, Portugal).
• You communicate about your research by publishing in A1 journals and giving presentations at (inter)national conferences.
• You are willing to go abroad for an extended period (3-6 months) for a research exchange, e.g. Portugal (UMinho), or another partner from our/your international network.
• You take on limited tasks of educational support within the Department of construction, such as supervising scientific projects, bachelor's thesis and master's thesis, all related to your own doctoral research or broader expertise.
• You take on limited tasks of research support within the research group and the laboratory, such as actively participating in LEAN sessions, helping in the organization of our annual symposium, following up one or more improvement actions and carrying out tasks as an equipment manager (training master's students, keeping the working procedure up-to-date, providing information for the website, ...).

Profile

• You hold a Master of Science degree, preferably in Construction, Civil, Chemistry or Bio-Engineering (either Industrial Engineering or Engineering Sciences), or equivalent, or you will have obtained it before November 1^st, 2022.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (minimum distinction and preferably great distinction).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• Your knowledge of English is good, both in written and oral communication (if available, you can provide proof by adding one of the following items to the attachments: an IELTS or TOEFL test result, or a previously written English paper).
• You have carried out a master's thesis or previous research related to the research topic, either focusing on a road construction aspect, or focused on the use of TiO2 for photocatalytic degradation of pollutants.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another two years.
• The planned start date is November 1^st, 2022 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
• You will receive ecocheques, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at campus Groenenborger (Wilrijk) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including August 8^th 2022 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: the requested diplomas, a motivation letter, your academic CV, the completed appendix for BAP, a one page summary of your master’s thesis (in English), and optionally proof of your English proficiency.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. In the week of August 22^nd, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Please make a note of the following dates in case you are selected for the second stage interview: 06 September 2022 for US, Canadian and South-American candidates, and 08 September 2022 for all other candidates.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Cedric Vuye (cedric.vuye@uantwerpen.be).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

Apply