→ Apply before 31/08/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time)
→ Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
→ Department: EA06 - Elektronica en Informatiesystemen
→ Occupancy rate:100%
→ Number of positions: 1
→ Type of employment: Contract of limited duration
→ Term of assignment: 1/10/2026 - 31/08/2028
→ Wage scale: PD1 to PD4 (doctoral degree)
→ Required diploma:PhD
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.
YOUR TASKS
- Within the framework of the ERC Consolidator Grant “PASTIME”, we are seeking a post-doctoral researcher in computational physics. The ERC consolidator grant is amongst the most prestigious and competitive funding schemes of the European Union, providing the opportunity to tackle a fundamental research problem collectively in a team. The post-doc will join the BioMMedA group to perform theoretical and computational research using simulations at the molecular scale.
- In the PASTIME project, we develop new methodologies to study the kinetics of molecular processes, such as drug transport. Since experiments often are too expensive or lack sufficient detail, molecular simulations can give insight in the dynamics of drug binding to proteins, or the permeation kinetics of those drug molecules through membranes. While such computational methodologies exist, new fundamental developments are needed to understand the ‘time’ aspects and to make the computations feasible with present-day computer power.
- Topic: One main goal for the post-doc is to extend the path sampling methodology to incorporate nonequilibrium kinetics, which is especially relevant for understanding cell death caused by a photoporation treatment, as well as powerful for increasing sampling efficiency with alchemical transformations between quantum mechanical, all-atom classical, and coarse-grained representations.
- Other aspects the post-doc could collaborate on with other members in the group are:
- Developing new methods for simulations of drug transport through cell membranes, building up from membrane permeability calculations, for instance by reducing memory in the simulations.
- Developing new methods for screening of the binding kinetics of candidate cancer drugs to protein binding sites, with application in precision medicine, where drugs are tailored to the specific DNA of the patient.
- Group: The researcher will be embedded in the Biophysical Models for Medical Applications (BioMMedA, https://biommeda.ugent.be) research group, which creates a motivating environment to perform research. BioMMedA is part of the recently founded Institute of Biomedical Engineering (iBME), which is a hub of physicists, chemists, medical doctors, biologists, and engineers working on biomedical research questions. You will have access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure at the Flemish High-Performance Computing Centre (VSC), allowing for high-level scientific training at a top-ranked university.
- The post-doctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Prof. An Ghysels. A contribution to teaching can also be part of the job content. This research is performed in close collaboration with international groups (e.g. the group of Prof. Titus van Erp at NTNU in Trondheim, Norway). Locally, collaborations within the Cancer Research Institute Ghent network (CRIG, Ghent, Belgium) are encouraged, especially for experimental validation of the research results, and international collaborations with other research groups are also possible.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a PhD degree in the field computational physics (or related field) or will have defended your PhD thesis before starting the post-doc position.
- You have excellent theoretical skills in physics/mathematics (for method development) and you enjoy abstract thinking.
- You are already skilled in algorithms, scientific programming, data analysis, and dealing with large data (computational tools for generating and analyzing data of complex molecular systems), for instance with Python (or equivalent).
- Ideally, you have also knowledge in statistical physics, biophysics or material physics, programming, scientific communication. Ideally, you have already extended experience with molecular simulations. Knowledge of biology or chemistry is a strong point, but not a requirement.
- You have a problem-solving, analytical mind, dedicated to overcoming technical challenges.
- You have an open attitude towards learning, and are driven, hard-working, committed to progress research.
- You look forward to being part of a research team and to take an active and collaborative role.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer you a contract of definite duration with end date August 31, 2028, latest (end of the project).
- Your contract will start on 1/10/2026 at the earliest.
- Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale PD1 to PD4. 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.
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 + list of publications (merged into one pdf file)
- In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application/motivation 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.
- In the field “other documents”: an overview of your study results i.e. transcript of your academic record of Bachelor and Master (merged in one pdf file), pdf of your PhD thesis
- The curriculum vitae should also mention a list of two professors with their institute and contact details, who have supervised you and who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation (later in the application process).
- The curriculum vitae should mention the dates (month and year) and locations (city and country) when you describe studies, positions, etc. Include the exact date of your PhD, or the anticipated date in case it is not awarded yet.
- Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB.
Only complete applications will be considered. From all applications, a short-list of candidates will be made, who will be contacted for an interview (possibly over Teams).
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. An Ghysels ([email protected]). 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].
