Doctoral scholarship holder sustainable structures and durable concrete repair

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of durable concrete repair and service life extension. This doctoral research addresses the current wave of concrete restoration for 1970s infrastructure and buildings. To minimize demolition waste and material consumption, ‘precision repair’ is key: intervening only where strictly necessary. In this prospective research project, you will investigate the transformative potential of Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) as a revolutionary diagnostic tool. The core objective is to integrate non-contact HSI technology with subsurface physical measurements, including Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), moisture and permeability sensing, ultrasonic testing and potential mapping. By means of innovative algorithms you will develop a Smart Zoning framework to accurately segment concrete structures into distinct risk profiles. You will evaluate how Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems can be optimized using non-contact data to transition from periodic inspections to a predictive maintenance strategy. This approach facilitates the evidence-based deployment of various restoration strategies—such as patch repair, conventional restoration, and cathodic protection (ICCP)—alongside the selection of optimized repair mortars. Your work will involve modelling the complex correlations between intensive contact-based measurements, rapid surface scans, and the actual material state (composition, environmental boundary conditions, and contamination levels). Simultaneously, you will quantify the ecological and economic benefits of 'Precision Repair' and smart zoning through comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA).
• You contribute to attracting internal and external funding.
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You actively participate in symposia and conferences, both nationally and internationally.
• You communicate your research results clearly and take the initiative in consulting with the industry, specifically the concrete (repair) sector and all relevant stakeholders.
• You undertake a limited set of teaching and research support tasks for the Faculty of Applied Engineering or assist in supervising Bachelor's or Master's theses.
• Your research is situated within the activities of the research group EMIB (Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings), specifically in the domains of Circular Concrete Structures and Sustainability Assessment.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in Industrial Sciences, Applied or Civil Engineering or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• 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.
• You are quality-oriented, ethical, creative, and a true team player.
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• You have a strong affinity for concrete technology, specifically damage diagnostics, condition assessment and the durable repair of existing concrete structures.
• Affinity with data processing and programming (e.g., Python or Matlab), as well as innovative sensor technology, is considered a significant asset.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed once for another two-year period.
• The planned start date is 1st of September 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 7 May 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. Please note that the selection interviews will take place on 18 May.
• 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 Prof. Bart Craeye (bart.craeye@uantwerpen.be).