Doctoral fellow - Department of Applied Physics

Organisation/Company Ghent University Research Field Biological sciences » Other Chemistry » Biochemistry Chemistry » Other Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Other Medical sciences » Other Physics » Applied physics Physics » Biophysics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 28 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Department TW17 - Department of Applied Physics

Degree Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, (Applied) Physics, Engineering or Materials Engineering

Occupancy rate 100%

Vacancy type Research staff

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.

The Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT) at Ghent University is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research program on the plasma-assisted development of advanced tissue engineering scaffolds. The project explores how cold plasmas can be used to tailor surface chemistry, surface morphology, introduce bioactive functionalities, and create innovative scaffolds that support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation.

The successful candidate will modify polymeric and composite biomaterials using plasma reactors, develop plasma-based coatings, and control surface chemistry and morphology to guide cellular responses. The work will involve plasma reactor operation, surface modification, advanced material characterization, and biological evaluation in collaboration with biomedical partners at UGent and Hasselt University (BIOMED Institute).

This PhD offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of plasma science, materials engineering, and regenerative medicine, within a dynamic and internationally recognized research environment

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of plasma technology, biomaterials and tissue engineering. The research focuses on developing next-generation scaffolds enhanced with plasma-based coatings and bioactive functionalities to improve tissue regeneration.

• Operate and optimize non-thermal plasma systems for biomaterial modification
• Produce tissue engineering scaffolds using 3D printing and/or electrospinning
• Develop plasma-based coatings and functional surfaces for tissue engineering scaffolds
• Perform surface characterization using advanced techniques (XPS, FTIR, SEM, AFM)
• Evaluate biological responses (cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation) in collaboration with biomedical partners
• Analyse data and translate findings into scientific insights
• Write scientific publications, and present at international conferences
• Contribute to the scientific activities of the research group
• Assist in supervising students and supporting teaching activities

• Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, (Applied) Physics, Engineering or Materials Engineering
• Last-year master students are strongly encouraged to apply!
• Strong interest in tissue engineering, biomaterials, surface modification, polymer chemistry, plasma physics and/or plasma chemistry
• Clear motivation for experimental and interdisciplinary research
• Strong communication skills in English (written and oral)
• Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team
• Experience with cell culture and/or surface characterization is an asset, but not…