"Doctoral scholarship holder in process-structure-property relationships for a new class of biobased acrylic coatings"

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of biobased polymer design. You will develop novel functionalization strategies to obtain performance-enhanced biobased acrylic polymers. For these new polymers you will systematically unravel the relationship between process (synthesis) conditions, macromolecular structure, and material properties.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the iPRACS research group.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work) in (Bio)Chemical Engineering (Technology), Chemistry, or a related field.
• You have distinguished yourself during your studies.
• 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.
• Experience with microkinetic modelling or/and machine learning, especially in the area of polymer design, is valued.
• Experience with modelling macromolecular structures or/and predicting polymer material properties is highly valued.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another period of one year, up until a maximum of four years in total.
• The planned start date is 1 June 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at campus Groenenborger 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 9 April 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Yoshi Marien (yoshi.marien@uantwerpen.be).