Last application date Jul 10, 2026 23:59
Department TW17 - Department of Applied Physics
Degree Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Textile Engineering, (Applied) Physics, or Engineering
Occupancy rate 100%
Vacancy type Research staff
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, 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 surface modification of (bio)materials. 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. This shall be done on different 3D structures, e.g. polymeric scaffolds and electrospun textiles.
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.
You will join the Research Unit Plasma Technology (RUPT), Department of Applied Physics, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Ghent University, under the supervision of Prof. Nathalie De Geyter and Prof. Rino Morent. RUPT has a strong international reputation in cold atmospheric pressure plasmas and leads innovative research in biomedicine, materials science, and environmental applications.
YOUR TASKS
- 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
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of plasma technology, surface modification and (bio)materials. The research focuses on developing 3D biomaterials enhanced with plasma-based coatings and bioactive functionalities to improve e.g. tissue regeneration.
- Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Textile Engineering, (Applied) Physics, or Engineering
- Last-year master students are strongly encouraged to apply!
- Excellent study results
- Strong interest in polymer chemistry, biomaterials, surface modification, tissue engineering, 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 at all required
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
- We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
- Your contract will start on October 1st, 2026.
- The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by Team Personnel Administration based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for 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 holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits.
- A stimulating, supportive and international research environment
- The opportunity to work on a cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research project
- Access to state-of-the-art plasma systems, surface characterization tools, and in vitro cell culture facilities
- Participation in (inter)national conferences, training programs, and skills-development workshops
- Opportunities for international collaboration and research stays
INTERESTED?
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit the following documents in one PDF file:
1. Motivation letter describing your interest in the project and your suitability for the position
2. Detailed CV, including complete academic results (transcript of records)
3. Contact information for two referees
4. (Optional) MSc thesis or relevant publications
Applications should be sent to [email protected] by July 10th, 2026 with the subject line: “PhD Application – Plasma‑Assisted Surface Modification”. For further information, please contact Karen Leus at the e-mail address provided above.
