Postdoctoral Fellow in Electromechanical Engineering

Ghent University

Last application date
30 April 2026 (23:59)

Department
TW08 – Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering

Degree
Master of Science in Electromechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Wind Engineering, or a similar discipline

Occupancy rate
100%

Vacancy type
Research staff

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest and most exciting employers in the region and offers excellent career opportunities.

With 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research across a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for both staff and students.

This position is embedded in the Fluid Mechanics team of the Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering, within the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. The team specializes in numerical simulation of fluid–structure interaction (FSI), with a focus on fluid mechanics. Research activities include coupling computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to structural solvers and control systems for detailed machine simulations.

The team develops quasi-Newton coupling algorithms for partitioned FSI simulations and addresses challenging problems related to the energy transition and industrial applications. Research is often carried out in collaboration with other Ghent University research groups or external partners. Applications include (airborne) wind energy, tube bundle vibrations, multiphase-flow-induced vibrations, air jet weaving with supersonic flow, elastohydrodynamic lubrication in narrow gaps, blood flow in arteries and the heart, and related phenomena.

Your Tasks

• You will be appointed as a doctoral candidate (DC4) within the European Doctoral Network COMBINE. A total of 17 PhD positions are available across 14 European academic and industrial institutions (see the common Euraxess job offer).
• You will conduct doctoral research leading to a PhD dissertation entitled “Multi-fidelity aero-servo-elastic models for airborne wind energy”, focusing on fluid–structure interaction combined with control strategies for high-altitude wind energy systems.
• You will assist in teaching activities within the department, particularly in fluid mechanics, fluid machines, and numerical simulation.
• You will contribute to the internal and external services of the department.
• You will participate in the training activities organized within the COMBINE Doctoral Network.
• You will complete secondments of up to six months at academic and industrial partner institutions.

What We Are Looking For

Applicants must:

• Hold a Master of Science degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Computational Engineering, Wind Engineering, or a related discipline. The degree requirement must be fulfilled at the start of the appointment.
• Have conducted prior research in numerical modelling of wind, for example as part of a master’s thesis.
• Preferably have experience with CFD tools using URANS turbulence models, hybrid or scale-resolving turbulence models, and Chimera techniques for overlapping domains.
• Demonstrate interest in academic and/or project-based research and services.
• Have excellent teaching and communication skills.

Additional assets include teaching experience, participation in training activities, conferences, or similar academic engagements.

Applicants must also satisfy the EU Mobility Rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months during the three years immediately preceding the recruitment date. Short stays such as holidays, compulsory national service, or time spent in refugee procedures are not taken into account.

What We Can Offer You

• A full-time doctoral fellowship, initially for 12 months and extendable up to a maximum of 48 months following positive evaluation.
• An envisaged start date of 1 September 2026 at the earliest.
• A fellowship amount corresponding to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The exact amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. Eligible doctoral grants are exempt from personal income tax.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including 36 days of annual leave (for a full-time position), additional fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.

Interested?

Please send your CV, motivation letter, and copy of your diploma (if already available) to:

annick.decoster@ugent.be

Late applications will not be accepted.

Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy and encourages all qualified candidates to apply.

For further information about this vacancy, please contact:

Prof. Joris Degroote
joris.degroote@ugent.be