Last application date Aug 01, 2025 00:00
Department TW08 - Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering
Contract Limited duration
Degree - You hold a Master of engineering (obtained max. 5 years ago. This term of 5 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma).
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
Job description
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 85 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.
For the research group Sustainable Thermo-Fluid Energy Systems we are looking for a m/f/x
Doctoral fellow
YOUR JOB
The STFES research group (Sustainable Thermo-Fluid Energy Systems, https://www.ugent.be/ea/eemmecs/en/research/stfes) is widely known for its research on thermal energy. Both experimental and numerical techniques are used in the analysis, design and optimization, resulting in a unique position in the field. The overall goal is to support more energy efficient systems in buildings and industry. With this, the research contributes in devising technical solutions for the reduction of CO2 emissions in accordance with the European Union's Energy Roadmap 2050.
We are looking for a motivated and talented PhD student to delve into the field of thermal energy, specifically high-temperature industrial heat pumps. Heat pumps are widely recognized as a key technology for sustainable heat supply. Nevertheless, many aspects still need to be explored in order to fully unlock their potential. Only recently has attention shifted towards high-temperature (>100°C) industrial heat pumps for process heat applications. Within the framework of several national research projects (UPheat-INES 1.0 & 2.0, RethinkEnergy4Food) and international collaborations (IEA Annex 57), the research group has built up extensive expertise in this area. Through this PhD position, we aim to further expand and strengthen our research position. The specific research aims are:
- Research on a new and unique high-temperature (up to 200°C) water/ammonia heat pump recently developed and installed in our lab. The focus will be on gaining in-depth knowledge of the operation of a custom-built compressor with two-phase working fluid injection, designed to limit the discharge temperature.
- Electrification of heat in the food industry, within the project ‘RethinkEnergy4Food’. This research will investigate the techno-economic aspects and feasibility of heat electrification using various technologies (Mechanical Vapor Recompression – MVR, heat pumps, electric boilers). Based on this, a methodology will be developed to match energy demand and processes with the appropriate technology through techno-economic analysis. This methodology will be validated using two generic demonstration cases.
- You also support the STFES (Sustainable Thermo-Fluid Energy Systems, https://www.ugent.be/ea/eemmecs/en/research/stfes) research group for educational tasks and internal operation of the group.
Job profile
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- You hold a Master of engineering (obtained max. 5 years ago. This term of 5 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma).
- You have a strong motivation for conducting scientific research and project-based research and services.
- You have experience in the research field of thermal energy.
- You have project management skills.
- You communicate fluently and clearly in English.
- You have an open personality and willing to contribute to the operations and targets of the team.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on 1/9/2025 at the earliest.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. 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.
How to apply
Send your CV, copy of your diploma (if already in your possession) and a motivation letter to [email protected] before 1/8/2025.
We do not accept late applications.
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Steven Lecompte ([email protected])
