Hybrid Postdoctoral Researcher for Nitrogen Fluxes Monitoring and Management (Gent, 9000) bei Ghent University

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, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

A postdoctoral position is available in Precision Soil and Crop Engineering Group (Precision Scoring), within the Department of Environment, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering in Ghent University (UGent), Belgium. We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist with a PhD degree to work on NitroScop EC funded project, aiming at providing a comprehensive understanding of soil N flux dynamics. NitroScope will make a combined use of different measurement techniques to reduce uncertainties and biases in N flux monitoring, including proximal sensing, remote sensing, Eddy covariance and in-situ continuous sampling accompanied by traditional laboratory analyses. NitroScope will benefit from the expertise of its partners to implement methodologies most suitable for specific pedo-climatic zones, as a cost-effective and practical way for long-term monitoring and to support various approaches for N flux modeling and analysis. Ghent University (UGent) is the coordination partner of the project, with Prof. Abdul Mouazen named as the project coordinator.

You will be responsible for managing the NitroScope project overall supported by the project coordinator, and executing the tasks assigned to UGent. Regarding the project management, this concerns the follow up on delivery of tasks and deliverables assigned to the project partners. The execution of the technical tasks, however, necessitates leading the engineering research of the Precision Scoring towards the design, optimization and implementation of sensing platforms for the collection of data on soil, crop, water and air to enable precision agriculture decision making for nitrogen monitoring and management. The successful candidate will be responsible for networking, planning and running experiments (e.g., site specific N fertilization, manure application and bio-based fertilization) at 5 Pilots at 5 different European countries. Other tasks include:

• Assisting PhD and MSc students for field measurement, and design and implementation of new measurement or control systems.
• Submission of high quality publications in international scientific journals.
• Link and integrate research of different PhD students in the Group as deemed appropriate.
• Bridge research and promote collaborations between the Precision Scoring Group ( https://www.ugent.be/bw/environment/en/research/presco) and Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management group (SoFer - https://www.ugent.be/bw/environment/en/research/sofer) and other 24 European partners in NitroScope project, benefiting from this opportunity to the candidate to develop his/her international scientific profile.
• Contribute to group activities as requested by your promoter that are within the remit of the role, the grant, and the associated grade. This may include:

1. Supporting the supervision of MSc and PhD students.
2. Contribute to the writing of research proposals to the EC and various national, and international funding schemes.
3. Assist in attracting new partners/members and students to the group.
4. Provide guidance to other staff and students of the Department e.g., advise students on their progress and establish new research ideas. Provide guidance to other staff and students of the Department e.g., advise students on their progress and establish new research ideas.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in Mechatronics Engineering, Robotic Engineering, Biosystems Engineering, Soil Scientist or Mechanical Engineering.

• The candidate should have demonstrable knowledge in the use of basic engineering software and modelling languages, such as, MATLAB Toolbox, LabVIEW, DaisyLab, AutoCAD, C++…..
• Advanced knowledge in sensing technologies and measurement systems.
• Advanced knowledge in machine learning, deep learning and data fusion and modelling tools.
• A proven record in running research projects.
• A track record of publishing high-impact journal articles.
• Working in interdisciplinary environments, good contextual understanding of agricultural systems and the ability to work in the field is desirable.
• Possessing excellent project and time management skills to ensure that milestones and deliverables are achieved to time and to high quality.
• The candidate should have a high level of proficiency in English sufficient to communicate effectively with colleagues and write papers and reports.
• The candidate should be prepared to work in close collaboration with the supervising team as well as the PhD students working within the project, in the group or in the department.
• Good practical problem solver / Ability to find appropriate solutions to academic and technical problems.
• Ability to work as a member of a team within a dynamic research group.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period from of 12 months from 1st October 2025 to 30th of September 2026 (with the possibility of extension)
• Your contract will start on 10/01/2025 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate).  Click here for more information about our salary scales.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.

INTERESTED?

Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system.

Your application must include the following documents:

• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a reference letter, an overview of your study results. 

Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Abdul Mouazen ([email protected]). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

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