Assistant department Data Analysis and Mathematical Modelling (30141

Apply until 01/09/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)

Faculty of Bioscience Engineering

Department BW26 - Data analysis and mathematical modelling

AAP temporary appointment - 100%

Number of openings: 1

Reference number: 202607/BW26/AS/012

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, and technical and social services on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With each of its 11 faculties and more than 100 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes that are grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its employees as well as its students.

• At least 50% of your appointment will be dedicated to pursuing a PhD in Bioscience Engineering:
  Mathematical Modelling. You will join the BIOSTAT research group () and contribute to its research in computational statistics. BIOSTAT develops state-of-the-art statistical methods for environmental decision-making, addressing some of today’s most pressing societal challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, and environmental pollution. Our research combines advanced spatio-temporal modelling, Bayesian inference, hierarchical modelling, and recent developments in computatlonal methods to gain insights from complex environmental data.

A potential research direction for this PhD project is the development of statistical methods for efficient sampling design and data collection. While modern sensing technologies have led to an unprecedented abundance of data, data quantity does not necessarily translate into data quality. Sources such as citizen science, remote sensing, and satellite observations often suffer from missing values, sampling bias, or differ in spatial resolution from the process of interest.

At BIOSTAT, we develop statistical methods that enable the efficient collection of high-quality data, which are typically more costly or labor-intensive to obtain. Depending on the project's evolution and the candidate’s interests, the research may further extend to environmental applications involving rare and extreme events, where the limited availability of informative observations poses unique statistical challenges.

• You will be involved in the teaching activities (digital learning platform, supervising PC practicals, student counseling and cooperation during the exams) at bachelor’s and master’s level within the learning line of mathematics, such as the courses Statistical Data Processing and Probability Theory and Statistics
• You will assist in the internal and external services of the department

• You hold one of the following degrees:
  Master of Science in Bioscience Engineering, Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Science in Mathematics, Master of Science in Statistical Data Analysis, Master of Science in Physics, Master of Science in Bioinformatics, or a related master’s degree. The degree requirement needs to be fulfilled at the start of your appointment
• For diplomas awarded outside the European Union, a certificate of equivalence (NARIC) must be submitted
• You are interested in academic and/or project-based research and services
• Any teaching experience or participation in extra training, conferences, etc. is recommended
• You have excellent teaching and communication skills in Dutch and English

• We offer you a two-year appointment, which may be renewed twice for two years, on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation. Attention:
  If you have been previously appointed as a junior assistant or doctoral fellow at a university within the Flemish Community, this appointment will be deducted from the maximum term of appointment, which is six years at the most according to the Codex of Higher Education
• Your appointment will start on 1 November 2026 at the earliest
• Your remuneration will be determined according to salary scale AAP
  3. 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 paid leave, bicycle commuting reimbursement, ecocheques, etc. A complete overview of all our fringe benefits

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Prof. Stijn Luca ([email protected]).