Job Summary

 
Job Position
SEELab is planning to recruit 1 researcher at the level of Research/Teaching Assistant (PhD study) in the field of environmental biotechnology and photocatalytic wastewater treatment in the Centre for Green Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology at Ghent University Global Campus, starting from February 1, 2026 (open to negotiation). 
 
The candidate is expected to conduct research in the area of Environmental Biotechnology and Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment. This project will develop and evaluate an integrated system that combines a microbial membrane bioreactor, photocatalytic membrane, and membrane distillation. The candidate will investigate how the biological and photocatalytic processes remove nutrients and organic contaminants in semiconductor wastewater, while producing ultra-pure water from semiconductor wastewater. The central part of the research will be development of photocatalytic membranes for microbial membrane bioreactors and membrane distillation, and assessment of the stability and treatment performance of the microbial photocatalytic membrane bioreactor and photocatalytic membrane distillation. The assessment of the microbial photocatalytic membrane bioreactor includes microbial growth, nutrient and organic matter removal, biomass production and effect of photocatalytic treatment on microbial community, while the assessment of the photocatalytic membrane distillation includes effect of photocatalytic activity on membrane fouling, water flux, and membrane wetting behavior, recovered water quality. The research will involve membrane fabrication and characterization, lab-scale reactor operation, wastewater analysis, comparative lifecycle assessment and technoeconomic analysis with conventional treatment system.
 
The candidate should also collaborate with the supervisor to (1) execute research projects and apply for research grants at the national and international levels, and (2) teach undergraduate courses (i.e. Organic Chemistry Green Chemistry, Water Treatment Technology and/or Microbial Reuse Technology).

Job Qualification (Profile of the Candidate)

1. Hold, or expect to hold a Master degree (for PhD) in one of the following disciplines: Environmental Science and Technology and/or Bioengineering/Chemical Engineering.
2. Have solid and relevant lab experimental or policy experiences in the research area of environmental technology; and/or have top-tier journal publication(s) in environmental science and technology.
3. Have an excellent command of English, and good academic writing and presentation skills – GUGC’s working medium is English, working fluently in English is a must.
4. Team spirit and an inquisitive, self-motive attitude, as well as independent learning/research ability, are essential; can take leadership among team members.

 
Job Description

1. Conduct research in the area of environmental biotechnology and photocatalytic wastewater treatment.
2. To assist his/her supervisor(s) with tasks in ongoing and future R&D projects and research-led educations (e.g. Master/Bachelor/Highschool student(s) teaching activities).
3. The detailed working plan will be explored based on the background and interests of the individual candidate (e.g., supporting fellowship application, transferring technology for application and commercialization).

 
Selection Criteria

1. Scientific background and knowledge
2. Working experiences

Application Documents

1. A Motivation Letter
2. Full resume (CV), including at least 2 references’ contacts
3. Research statement and vision (within four pages)
4. Others (subjected to the requirement)

The documents shall be merged into a single PDF file (< 10MB) and sent to 
Di.wu@ghent.ac.kr (Subject line: SEE_PhD2027_Surname). Please note that only the selected candidate(s) will be contacted for the next step.
 
Application Process and Interview

1. Interviews (in-person or online) will take place in stages from the first available time.
2. Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately, as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate.

We reserve the right to hold applications on file for potential future job openings.
For submission of your file and any inquiries, please contact us via e-mail: Di.wu@ghent.ac.kr 
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Compensation & Benefits for the candidate selected.
Standard package of Ghent University Global Campus