Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 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 6 000 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.

The Department of Electromechanical Engineering Technology (research group Cosys-Lab), in the Faculty of Applied Engineering, is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of mathematical modelling and optimal design of mechatronic systems.

Position

You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of mathematical modelling and optimal design of mechatronic systems. You will research the next generation of automatic generation of mechanisms and the optimization of their performance. This movie provides a general introduction to the machine design research within Cosys-Lab.
You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees. Moreover, you will present your research at scientific conferences.
You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within your own doctoral research.
You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or valorisation within our department.

Profile

You hold a master's degree in mechanical engineering, mathematical engineering, physics, applied math, or similar, or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
You have a strong mathematical foundation and demonstrable affinity with mathematical modelling and optimization (e.g. linear/geometric algebra, numerical optimization) applied to an engineering problem, preferably in your master's thesis. Prior exposure to (projective) geometric algebra is a plus but not expected - willingness to master new mathematical formalisms is what matters.
You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written (preferably C1).
Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
You combine strong independent working skills with an excellent collaborative mindset.

What we offer

We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of at least one year. Following a positive evaluation and available funding, the scholarship can be renewed for another period (max three years).
We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
The planned start period is January - March 2027 (or as soon as possible after that date).
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
You will receive ecocheques and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger (2020 Antwerp, Belgium) in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
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 2 November 2026 (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
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. Please reserve the following date and time in your calendar: 10 November 2026 between 14:00 and 16:00 Brussels time, and 12 November 2026 between 13:00 and 15:00 Brussels time.
If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to < E-Mail aus Sicherheitsgründen gelöscht >. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Professor Stijn Derammelaere – < E-Mail aus Sicherheitsgründen gelöscht >.

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.