Ghent University invites applications for two full-time Doctoral Fellow positions focusing on the comfort and protection of advanced protective clothing. These PhD roles integrate textile engineering, human-centered design, and movement sciences within European Defence Agency–funded projects.

Important Information 

Overview of the opportunity

Ghent University, one of Europe’s leading research institutions, is offering two Doctoral Fellow positions to conduct research at the interface of textile engineering, industrial design, and movement sciences. The fellows will work on improving comfort and protection balance in advanced protective clothing, particularly for first responders and military personnel.

About the organization

With over 15,000 employees and 11 faculties, Ghent University is a globally respected hub for innovation, education, and scientific excellence. The positions are hosted within an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Center for Textile Science and Engineering (CTSE), imec-mict-UGent, design.nexus, and Rehabilitation Sciences, contributing to international projects under the European Defence Agency.

Research scope or project area

The doctoral fellows will study ergonomic and thermo-physiological comfort in protective clothing, developing high-end subjective and objective methods to quantify comfort. The projects include modeling, simulation, and validation through prototyping to assess how design influences heat, moisture transfer, and movement mechanics in multilayer fiber-based structures. The goal is to achieve a balance between comfort and protection using data-driven methodologies.

Eligibility and qualifications

Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree in engineering (preferably textile/material/biomedical/industrial design), human-centered design, or movement and rehabilitation sciences. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong analytical and academic research abilities (literature review, design of experiments, academic writing).

• Interest in multidisciplinary collaboration, design, modeling, simulation, and prototyping.

• Excellent written and oral communication in English.

• Independent, precise, and creative work style with a design-oriented mindset.

• Compliance with eligibility criteria defined by the funding organization.

Benefits / Funding details

Selected candidates will receive a full-time doctoral fellowship for up to 4 years, with an initial 12-month contract renewable upon positive evaluation.

• The fellowship equals 100% of the net salary of an AAP member, exempt from income tax.

• Start date: January 1, 2025 (earliest).

• Access to UGent staff benefits including 36 days of annual leave, training opportunities, bicycle allowance, and eco vouchers.

• Participation in international conferences and collaborative meetings is encouraged.

Application procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents by November 30, 2025 (23:59) to Prof. Lieva Van Langenhove (lieva.vanlangenhove@ugent.be):

• Curriculum Vitae

• Copy of diploma (if available)

• Motivation letter

Late applications will not be considered.

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed based on academic qualifications, research motivation, and fit for the project. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview.

Official reference/source

For inquiries, contact:

• Prof. Lieva Van Langenhove — lieva.vanlangenhove@ugent.be, +32 9 264 5419

• Prof. Bas Baccarne — bastiaan.baccarne@ugent.be, +32 9 264 9183

• Prof. Dirk Cambier — dirk.cambier@ugent.be, +32 9 332 2660

Official link: Ghent University Careers

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