Postdoctoral Position in Biology
University of Antwerp
Belgium

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 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.

Position

The research groups Functional Morphology and imec Vision Lab of the Faculty of Science at the University of Antwerp are seeking post-doctoral candidates willing to write research proposals on the functional morphology of organisms via dynamic X-ray imaging.

X-ray imaging is a powerful method for analysing functional morphology due to its capability to visualise internal structures. Recently, dynamic quantification of moving and/or deforming structures using X-ray imaging has also become possible. Workflows such as X-ray Reconstruction of Moving Morphology (XROMM) have significantly gained popularity in the fields of functional morphology and biomechanics of animals. The innovative use of dynamic X-ray imaging offers unique opportunities for researchers to advance beyond the state-of-the-art in addressing open questions on form and function. The University of Antwerp’s core facility, DynXLab, is well-equipped to facilitate this type of research.

External and internal post-doc researchers who are eligible to submit an FWO or MSCA post-doc application are invited to apply. The top-ranked candidate(s) with the best profile (project idea & CV) acquire a preparatory post-doctoral research mandate to further develop and submit a competitive research proposal to FWO (Flemish Science Foundation) or MSCA (Horizon Europe Marie Curie fellowships), with the University of Antwerp as the host institution.

A preparatory full-time or part-time mandate of at least 9 months (up to a maximum of 12 months) will be provided.

Profile

• You hold a PhD in Biology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent (or you will have obtained it by the time you start work).
• You have a strong affinity for research on functional morphology.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You can speak and write fluently in English.
• You comply with the FWO Post Doc and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Post-doc eligibility criteria
• All qualified applicants, including minorities and woman, are encouraged to apply.

What we offer

• The planned start date is 1 June 2025 or as soon as possible after that date. For candidates only eligible for the FWO Post Doc call, this start date can be postponed until 1 September 2025.
• Appointments are made in one of the following categories, depending on your profile:
• Postdoctoral scholarship holder: 
  • Note: in order to be eligible in this statute, you must have spent at least 12 months of the three years prior to the start date as a postdoctoral scholarship holder abroad and did not work or study in Belgium during these 12 months. Short-term stays (e.g. holidays, participation in conferences, preparation for this stay as a postdoctoral scholarship holder) will not be taken into account.
  • We offer a full-time appointment for a period of 12 months
  • Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for postdoctoral scholarship holders on the pay scales for Contract Research Staff (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Postdoctoral researcher (contractual)You will do most of your work at Campus Drie Eiken in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • We offer a full-time appointment for a period of 9 months or, if preferred, a part-time employment for up to 12 months.
  • Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (Dutch: Bijzonder Academisch Personeel, BAP).
  • You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• 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 14 April 2025 by midnight Brussels time. Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:  
• a motivation letter
• your academic CV
• a description of the project proposal you plan to develop in maximally two pages. The topic should involve innovative research on the functional morphology of organisms via dynamic X-ray imaging. The document includes arguments for why the research is novel, impactful, and feasible.
• contact info of two professional referees
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• 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 Sam Van Wassenbergh, sam.vanwassenbergh@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.