Postdoctoral Fellow in Animal Sciences (Ghent University)

Department LA22 – Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology Ghent University Position Overview Ghent University is recruiting a full-time Doctoral Fellow (PhD position) focused on the fate and ecotoxicity of bio-based plant-defense elicitors within the BioBoost project. Occupancy rate: 100% Vacancy type: Research staff Application deadline: 21 June 2026, 23:59 Earliest start date: 1 September 2026 About Ghent University Ghent University is a large, internationally oriented research university with: 15,000+ employees 11 faculties 85+ departments Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and societal impact Research Project Context (BioBoost) This PhD is part of the BioBoost project, a collaborative research initiative involving Ghent University and KU Leuven. The project investigates how bio-based plant-defense elicitors can enhance plant resistance against pests and diseases. Your Tasks You will: Conduct research on environmental fate and ecotoxicity of bio-based compounds Perform laboratory experiments, including:Perform ecological risk assessments based on generated data Biodegradation and photodegradation tests Chemical analysis of transformation products Ecotoxicity testing with aquatic and benthic organisms Coordinate day-to-day collaborative work with PhD students and researchers in the consortium Present progress in consortium meetings Publish results in peer-reviewed journals Present at scientific conferences Contribute up to 10% teaching duties, including: Environmental Risk Assessment Emerging Topics in Environmental Risk Assessment What We Are Looking For Master’s degree (preferably) in:Strong academic performance (at least “very good” grades) Bio-engineering Chemistry Environmental Science / Environmental Technology Ecotoxicology Related disciplines Experience in:Very good command of English (spoken and written) Analytical chemistry Environmental fate studies Ecotoxicology (strong advantage) Ability to work independently and in a team What We Offer Full-time doctoral fellowship (12-month initial contract, extendable up to 48 months after evaluation) Start date: from 1 September 2026 Net fellowship equivalent to AAP salary (tax-free under conditions) Benefits: 36 days annual leave + bridge days Bicycle allowance Eco vouchers Training and professional development opportunities Application Requirements Send to: karel.deschamphelaere@ugent.be Required documents: CV (maximum 2 pages) Copy of diploma (if available) Transcript of grades Short motivation letter (maximum 1 page) Contact Prof. Karel De Schamphelaere Email: Karel.Deschamphelaere@ugent.be Phone: +32 9 264 89 19 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Department LA22 – Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology
Ghent University

Position Overview

Ghent University is recruiting a full-time Doctoral Fellow (PhD position) focused on the fate and ecotoxicity of bio-based plant-defense elicitors within the BioBoost project.

Occupancy rate: 100%
Vacancy type: Research staff
Application deadline: 21 June 2026, 23:59
Earliest start date: 1 September 2026

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a large, internationally oriented research university with:

15,000+ employees
11 faculties
85+ departments
Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research and societal impact

Research Project Context (BioBoost)

This PhD is part of the BioBoost project, a collaborative research initiative involving Ghent University and KU Leuven.

The project investigates how bio-based plant-defense elicitors can enhance plant resistance against pests and diseases.

Your Tasks

You will:

Conduct research on environmental fate and ecotoxicity of bio-based compounds
Perform laboratory experiments, including:Perform ecological risk assessments based on generated data
- Biodegradation and photodegradation tests
- Chemical analysis of transformation products
- Ecotoxicity testing with aquatic and benthic organisms
Coordinate day-to-day collaborative work with PhD students and researchers in the consortium
Present progress in consortium meetings
Publish results in peer-reviewed journals
Present at scientific conferences
Contribute up to 10% teaching duties, including:
- Environmental Risk Assessment
- Emerging Topics in Environmental Risk Assessment

What We Are Looking For

Master’s degree (preferably) in:Strong academic performance (at least “very good” grades)
- Bio-engineering
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science / Environmental Technology
- Ecotoxicology
- Related disciplines
Experience in:Very good command of English (spoken and written)
- Analytical chemistry
- Environmental fate studies
- Ecotoxicology (strong advantage)
Ability to work independently and in a team

What We Offer

Full-time doctoral fellowship (12-month initial contract, extendable up to 48 months after evaluation)
Start date: from 1 September 2026
Net fellowship equivalent to AAP salary (tax-free under conditions)
Benefits:
- 36 days annual leave + bridge days
- Bicycle allowance
- Eco vouchers
- Training and professional development opportunities