Doctoral scholarship holder enhanced weathering for climate change mitigation

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking 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 Department of Bioscience engineering in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Enhanced Weathering for Climate Change Mitigation.

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis on carbon sequestration through enhanced silicate weathering. Enhanced silicate weathering is a promising technique for atmospheric CO2 removal. This project aims to experimentally quantify the CO2 sequestration potential through enhanced silicate weathering and to investigate its impact on plant growth. Additionally, the potential of enhanced weathering as a method for undoing soil degradation will be explored.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will conduct pot experiments to quantify CO₂ sequestration via Enhanced Weathering. .

Profile

• You hold a Master degree in (Bio-) Engineering, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental sciences or related sciences or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You are creative and act with attention to quality, integrity and cooperation.
• You should demonstrate English language proficiency.
• You are a team-player and have a great interest in climate change mitigation, soil science, biogeochemistry and experimentation.

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 between 1 February and 1 June 2024, 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).
• As a member of the research group Biobased Sustainability Engineering (SUSTAIN) and the Global Change Ecology Centre of Excellence, you will work at Campus Groenenborger and Campus Drie Eiken 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 18 November 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: a motivation letter and your CV. We also expect contact details of at least one reference person (for example your (former) thesis supervisor).
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure. Please make a note of the following dates: interviews November 28.
• 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 Sara Vicca (sara.vicca@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.