Researcher in Bioelectrochemistry
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. 

A-PECS at the Department of Bioscience Engineering in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) postdoctoral researcher in the field of bio-electrochemistry.

The overall goal of this PhD is to develop novel biosensing strategies that will pave the way to the construction of affordable, robust, and user-friendly platforms. The main focus will be on amplified singlet oxygen-based photoelectroanalysis for nucleic acid-based biomarkers in healthcare applications (e.g. cancer diagnosis and infectious disease diagnostics). This PhD will contribute to the efforts of getting insight into yet unexplored biosensing and signal amplification strategies.

Position

• You will carry out high-quality scientific research and develop novel electrochemical sensing strategies for nucleic acid detection.
• You will develop new research projects according to the strategic plan of the research group A-PECS and you compete for externally funded research grants.
• You will report on the results of your research and produce academic publications.
• You will assist in ongoing research projects and the activities of the research group.
• You will contribute to attracting national and international research funding.
• You will assist in the supervision of PhD students and other team members.
• If necessary, you will fulfill a limited number of teaching activities.
• You will participate in the provision of academic services: you will represent the research group both internally and externally.
• You explore the market potential of your work.

Profile

• Applicants are expected to hold a PhD іn chemistry, chemical engineering or bioscience engineering, or equivalent competences gained through prior work experience.
• You can submit outstanding academic results, with publications in high-impact journals.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English аrе key assets.
• Expertise in bio- and/or photoelectrochemical sensor development is a plus.

What we offer

• A full-time appointment as a postdoctoral scholarship holder for a period of 12 months, renewable after positive evaluation;
• multidisciplinary research;
• an exciting research environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
• 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, an internet-connectivity allowance, a group insurance, an income protection insurance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The start date can be discussed.
• 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 until a candidate has been selected. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments: 1) a detailed CV (including honours, grades, skills, publications, …), 2) contact info of two references together with 3) a strong motivation letter, and 4) a weblink to a short video introducing yourself.
• The selection committee reviews new applications on a bi-weekly basis. If you are eligible after review, you will be invited for an interview.
• 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 karolien.dewael@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.