Doctoral scholarship holder asphalt pavement technologies-interfacial bonding and multiscale behaviour of recycled asphalt pavement

Doctoral scholarship holder asphalt pavement technologies-interfacial bonding and multiscale behaviour of recycled asphalt pavement (DreamPave)

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Department of Construction Engineering in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of asphalt pavement technologies-interfacial bonding and multiscale behaviour of recycled asphalt concrete.

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of interfacial bonding and multiscale behaviours of recycled asphalt concrete. Your PhD is embedded in DreamPave, a Belgium-Vietnam international collaboration project investigating how blending zones between aged and virgin binders governs stiffness, strength and durability in recycled asphalt mixture. You will combine chemical and rheological characterization, microscopy and interfacial mechanical testing with data analysis and molecular dynamics simulation-supported interpretation. You will study the effects of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content, rejuvenator chemistry, mixing and ageing, connect nanoscale and interfacial descriptors to mixture performance, and contribute to climate-specific durability evaluation and performance-based design guidelines. An exciting and ambitious journey
  • Together with your supervisors, you will draw up the detailed plan and corresponding research methods and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
  • You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
  • You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees, and present your research at scientific conferences.
  • You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within beyond your own doctoral research.
• You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
• You will collaborate closely with the University of Transport and Communications in Vietnam and contribute to the integration of laboratory testing, molecular simulation, multiscale modelling and durability validation.
• You will take part in bilateral research exchanges, project meetings and dissemination activities, and may conduct research stays in Vietnam within the framework of DreamPave project.

Profile

• You hold a master degree in civil engineering, materials science/engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results and a strong interest in scientific research
• You have experience with bitumen/asphalt materials, rheology, chemical characterization, microscopy, interfacial debonding testing or related experimental methods is recommended.
• You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written.
• Experience with molecular dynamics simulation, scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB), image/data analysis or multiscale modelling is an asset.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, independence and cooperation.
• You have strong analytical and scientific-writing skills, are willing to work in an interdisciplinary and international team, and are open to research mobility between Belgium and Vietnam.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for up to a maximum duration of four years.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• The planned start date is 1 November 2026 or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport