Researcher in Mathematics

University of Antwerp

Department of Mathematics
University of Antwerp

Position Overview

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university with a strong focus on research, education, and societal impact.

The Department of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science is seeking a full-time Senior Academic Staff member (ZAP) in the field of Mathematical Optimization.

Role Structure

You will contribute to the university’s three core missions:

• Education (40%)
• Research (40%)
• Service (20%)

The role also includes organisational and managerial responsibilities.

Education Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality teaching in mathematical optimization for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes in Mathematics
• Contribute to teaching in other university programmes where required
• Expected teaching load: 24 ECTS credits
• Develop student-centred, competence-driven teaching approaches
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses
• Adapt teaching roles in line with programme evolution

Research Responsibilities

• Develop high-quality research in mathematical optimization
• Focus on developing, analysing, and implementing optimization methods for scientific and industrial applications
• Interest in financial and actuarial applications is considered an advantage
• Initiate and coordinate new research directions within Applied Mathematics
• Secure and manage national and international research funding
• Strengthen collaboration across departments, faculties, industry, and external partners
• Publish in high-impact international journals
• Build and maintain an international research network
• Supervise PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers

Service & Outreach

• Participate in academic service roles within the university and externally
• Contribute to student recruitment, committees, boards, and outreach activities
• Engage in science communication and public engagement

Leadership & Organisation

• Take on coordinating responsibilities in education, research, and service
• Contribute to departmental and institutional policy development
• Demonstrate a motivating and coaching leadership style
• Support staff development and team growth

Candidate Profile

• PhD in Mathematics, Mathematical Engineering, Operational Research, or equivalent
• Several years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) experience
• Strong publication record in high-impact applied mathematics journals
• Proven excellence in mathematical optimization research
• International collaboration and conference activity
• Experience securing research funding
• Teaching experience at Bachelor’s and Master’s level in Mathematics or related fields
• Experience supervising students is expected

Language Requirements

• CEFR C1 level in Dutch and/or English required
• Dutch proficiency (B2 within 5 years, C1 within 8 years if non-Dutch-speaking)
• Language support and integration training provided

Additional Advantages

• Experience in industrial collaboration, patents, or spin-offs is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership and organisational skills
• Strong commitment to quality, integrity, creativity, and collaboration

Employment Conditions

• Full-time Senior Academic Staff (ZAP) appointment
• Appointment level (Assistant/Associate/Full Professor) depends on experience
• Possible tenure-track for junior ZAP (5 years leading to permanent appointment)
• Competitive salary according to academic pay scales
• Additional benefits: Work location: Campus Middelheim, Antwerp
  • Ecocheques
  • Internet allowance
  • Bicycle allowance or public transport reimbursement
  • Research starter package (€15,000 + PhD support if applicable)
• Start date: 1 January 2027 or soon after

Application Process

Apply via the online portal by:

• 16 July 2026 (midnight Brussels time)

Required documents:

• Motivation letter
• Completed ZAP job application appendix
• Academic CV

Additional notes:

• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to propose a 4-year PhD research topic
• Selection results will be communicated after evaluation

Contact

• Tim Verdonck (Chair, Department of Mathematics)
  Email: tim.verdonck@uantwerpen.be
• General application support:
  Email: jobs@uantwerpen.be

The University of Antwerp is a family-friendly, inclusive, and sustainable institution committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and international collaboration.

Apply