Graduate teaching & research assistant road engineering

Department: Construction
Regime Full-time

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The Department of Civil Engineering Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%)

graduate teaching & research assistant in the field of Road Engineering

Position

As a graduate teaching & research assistant, you will be part of the Academic Assistant Staff (Dutch: Assisterend Academisch Personeel, AAP). You will spend at least 50% of your working time preparing a PhD thesis. In addition, you will play an assisting role in teaching, research and service activities.

PhD research

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of Geopolymer-based Active Fillers in Asphalt (GAFAS). The move towards sustainable and energy-efficient methods like cold paving technology (CPT) is crucial for mitigating the environmental impact of infrastructure projects. The objective of this study is to investigate the use of active fillers based on geopolymers in low temperature pavement (LTP) as a promising advancement in sustainable road construction. By addressing challenges such as emulsion breaking and slow curing, this approach offers both environmental benefits and potential cost savings. This innovative method aligns with the broader goals of environmental stewardship and resource efficiency, paving the way for more resilient and durable road infrastructure.
• You will organise your own PhD research and report on your progress regularly.
• You will participate in the doctoral study programme  at the Antwerp Doctoral School to support your PhD pathway.
• You will present the findings of your PhD research at academic conferences, and you will publish them in high-ranked scientific journals.
• You will contribute to attracting national and international research funding.

Education

• You will provide support with teaching and also teach high-quality academic classes yourself within the Faculty of Applied Engineering. Your teaching assignment will include supervising scientific projects, Bachelor and Master dissertations, mainly related to your own research.
• Your teaching role will evolve along with the study programmes.

Research

• You will assist in ongoing research projects and the activities of the SuPAR research group, including the organization of conferences and symposiums hosted by SuPAR.

Services

• You will play an active role in the academic and societal service provision of SuPAR. You will participate in student recruitment and alumni activities and serve on boards and committees, among other activities.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in civil engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, material sciences or you will have obtained it by the time you start work.
• You can demonstrate good to excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies .
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You are motivated to work actively on your further professional development.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You preferably have a strong background in organic/inorganic chemistry, bitumen chemistry including emulsions, basic knowledge of geopolymers, asphalt/bitumen characterisation, including microscopy and analysis techniques and mechanics.
• You have excellent communication and presentation skills in Dutch or English. You can speak and write fluently in English, preferably proven by an IELTS or TOEFL test (to be included in your application).
• Proficiency in Dutch is an added value.
• You feel comfortable presenting your work in front of an international audience.
• You can conduct your work with a high degree of independence while being a team player.
• You have a passion for research and education.

What we offer

• We offer an appointment as a graduate teaching & research assistant for a period of two years. Following a positive evaluation, the appointment can be renewed twice up to a maximum period of six years.
• Your gross monthly salary is calculated according to the pay scale  for an assistant (Academic Assistant Staff, AAP).  
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2024 or as soon as possible after that date.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. Daily attendance is expected.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here  and discover all the other benefits .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 17 June 2024 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV, including diplomas and transcripts
  • proof of your English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/etc.). A minimum English level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference (or equivalent) is required for acceptance to the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure. Please note the following date for an interview: 2 July 2024.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Prof. Johan Blom, [email protected] .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.