Doctoral scholarship holders plasma chemistry

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Chemistry » Other Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Civil engineering Engineering » Other Physics » Chemical physics Physics » Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 31 Aug 2026 - 21:59 (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

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 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.

The Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science is looking for one full-time
doctoral scholarship holders in the field of plasma chemistry

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of plasma chemistry in the research group PLASMANT, under the supervision of Prof. Anton Nikiforov within the Department of Chemistry at the University of Antwerp. The research group focuses on plasmas for various applications, with a primary emphasis on sustainable chemistry, electrification, and medical applications.
  
  The group’s expertise is focused on experimental research using different types of plasma reactors (gliding arc, arc, microwave plasmas, glow discharges, and dielectric barrier discharges), as well as the modelling of plasma chemistry, plasma reactor design, and plasma-catalyst interactions. Your research will focus on non-thermal plasma playing a pivotal role in the electrification of the chemical industry. Among various processes, the activation of the NºN triple bond in non-equilibrium pulsed plasmas is a key point for energy-efficient nitrogen fixation.
  
  Precise control over the selectivity of the plasma processes can be achieved in pulsed plasma driven by tailored voltage and current pulses. In this PhD project, you will develop a pulsed plasma-chemical reactor for nitrogen fixation operating in a pressure range of 0.5 to 3 bar. The chemical kinetics of nitrogen fixation will be investigated by in-situ plasma diagnostic methods, including time-resolved UV absorption spectroscopy and active laser‑induced fluorescence spectroscopy.
  
  You will collaborate with researchers in other groups and universities. In addition to your thesis, you will disseminate your research at conferences and in journal publications.
  • 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, and present your research at scientific conferences.
  • You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Department of Chemistry.
• You perform research and publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You carry out a number of teaching, research and service support tasks for the Department of Chemistry.

• You hold an academic Master degree in Chemistry, bio‑engineering, in applied sciences (engineering) or civil engineering, each time with specialization in chemistry. Candidates that obtain their master degree ultimately at the moment of appointing the scholarship can also apply.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You are a motivated person, willing to show commitment for a doctoral project, and to apply for an external funded fellowship (e.g., FWO fellowships 2027).
• You can communicate fluently in English and Dutch.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You show a pronounced interest in the research in the field of plasma chemistry in the research group of Anton Nikiforov within the Chemistry department at the University of Antwerp.

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Together with your supervisor, you will look for additional funding.
• The planned start date is 1 January 2027
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• Your monthly scholarship amount