Postdoctoral research associate (Zwijnaarde, 9052) at Universiteit Gent

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.

ABOUT CMM

The CMM groups about 45 researchers of the faculties of Science and Engineering and Architecture with molecular modeling interests and is unique in the university as it clusters researchers with various backgrounds, from various departments and faculties. The CMM aims to model molecules, materials and processes at the nanoscale by bringing together physicists, chemists, (bio-)engineers and stimulating collaborations across disciplines. This multidisciplinary collaborative mission is the DNA of the CMM and key to achieve scientific excellence in the field of molecular modeling.

The CMM focuses on frontier research in six major areas: chemical kinetics in nanoporous materials, computational material research on the nanoscale, spectroscopy, many-particle physics, model development and bio- and organic chemistry. The six areas define the core-business of the main activities, and research in each of them is performed within the frame of a strong network with partners at Ghent University, in Flanders and at an international level. The research for this postdoctoral position is situated in the research discipline of nanoporous materials with important applications in catalysis and adsorption and will be performed in the research group of prof. Van Speybroeck. To pursue excellence, we will strongly encourage interactions within our multidisciplinary team and our established network of national and international partners. CMM’s research is internationally recognized to perform groundbreaking research in the field of modeling nanoporous materials.

The prospective candidate will join a strongly connected research team and will collaborate with national and international academic partners. He/she will benefit from the experience present in the research group to model chemical transformations at operating conditions.

YOUR TASKS

In the frame of several projects, the CMM is looking for a highly motivated researcher with experience in molecular modeling of industrially relevant processes involving nanoporous materials. You will play a key role in modeling bifunctional catalysts capable of converting non-fossil feedstocks such as CO2 and methanol into hydrocarbons. In this modeling process realistic working conditions will be taken into account. To pursue this goal, you will delve into the field of kinetic and dynamic modeling of all events – reaction, diffusion, adsorption – taking place from the nano- to the mesoscale. In today’s modeling toolset, each of these events is modeled with different methods leading to an inconsistent information. As a result we lack a comprehensive understanding of the catalyst’s dynamic evolution. The goal is to select model systems based on the complex reaction networks involved in the CO2-to-hydrocarbons process, using machine-learned models for a consistent study of the reaction and diffusion processes. The output of these models will be further used in one master kinetic model, which maps the overall evolution of the catalyst.

The successful candidate will be involved in work discussions within the CMM and with our international partners.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate, with provable experience in molecular modeling of nanoporous materials under operational conditions.

• You have in-depth knowledge of reaction networks at play in complex catalytic processes involving bifunctional catalysts that convert CO2 or methanol into hydrocarbons.

• You have proven expertise in modeling reaction and diffusion processes in nanoporous materials.

• You have proven expertise in ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of chemical reactions in complex catalysts.

• Excellent research and scientific writing skills;

• Perseverance and an independent, pro-active working style;

• The willingness to look beyond the borders of his/her own discipline and a strong motivation to work in a multidisciplinary team;

• Experience with quantum mechanical software packages (VASP, CP2K, …), machine learning potentials (SchNet, NequIP, MACE), and coding (Python, C, ...) is an advantage;

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills (written and verbally) in English.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer you a contract of definite duration for the period of 1 year
• Your contract will start on 1/05/2026 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4 (as 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 (in Dutch).

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 an overview of your study results (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.

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. Veronique Van Speybroeck ([email protected], +32 (0)9/264 65 58). Important: do NOT send your application by email, but apply online.

Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via [email protected] or +32 9 264 34 36