Are you a curious and enthusiastic researcher with a passion for innovative textile materials and sustainable processes? Would you like to contribute to the transition towards a circular and digitalised textile and clothing industry through practice-oriented research? At the FTILab+ research centre, you will have the opportunity to make a difference together with 2,400 colleagues within a distinctive and socially engaged university of applied sciences.

What will you do?

You will conduct practice-oriented research within the FTILab+ research centre, contributing to the renewal of educational programmes and the integration of new knowledge and technologies. More specifically, you will contribute to the implementation and follow-up of various research projects aimed at improving material and product properties, making textile processes more sustainable (dyeing and finishing), and developing smart textiles.

• You conduct research and development into materials, processes and products relevant to the textile and clothing industry (e.g. quality testing, dyeing and finishing of textiles, spinning, weaving, knitting, pattern making and garment manufacturing, etc.);

• You analyse and interpret test results and report your findings to the research coordinator and fellow researchers;

• You monitor technological developments in the sector and help develop new research projects;

• You organise communication activities for research projects (e.g. steering committee meetings, workshops, trade fairs, etc.);

• You are responsible for project reporting;

• You organise and participate in activities aimed at disseminating and valorising research results (including papers, conference presentations, development of teaching materials, etc.);

• You carry out activities related to societal and scientific services (testing, company projects, etc.);

• You supervise students involved in research projects as part of their bachelor thesis, internship or project.

What are we looking for?

What are the requirements?

To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following admission requirements at the time of application:

• You meet the provisions of Articles V.106, V.107 and V.148 of the Codex of Higher Education of 20 December 2013 concerning access to positions;

• You hold a Master's degree in Industrial Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Chemistry or Biochemistry, Fine Arts, Textile Design or a related field in textiles, or an equivalent or recognised equivalent foreign qualification. If you hold a foreign qualification, preferably you have obtained NARIC recognition by the time of application. More information: https://www.vlaanderen.be/ahovoks/dienstverlening/naric.

What makes you the ideal candidate?

• You have knowledge of and experience with research methodology.

• You have knowledge of textile materials and textile processes and are able to acquire additional knowledge where necessary.

• You are enthusiastic and enterprising when it comes to carrying out experimental work.

• You work independently and have strong planning and organisational skills.

• You are able to analyse, synthesise and integrate information and have a critical scientific attitude.

• Collaboration comes naturally to you. You work effectively with colleagues, students and external partners.

• You work accurately and have an eye for detail.

• You communicate clearly with both internal and external target groups.

• You can easily switch between different tasks and are willing to adapt to changing circumstances.

What do we offer?

We offer a full-time (100%) contractual position on a temporary basis. Your contract will start on 3 November 2026 and will run until and including 31 October 2027.

You will be remunerated according to salary scale 502. Years of service in both the public and private sectors may be taken into account when calculating your financial seniority, based on employment certificates and following an assessment of your file. For more information about salary scales, please visit this page.

If you work at least 50%, you will receive a laptop as a work tool. If you work at least 20%, you will receive a monthly internet allowance of €20. Commuting by public transport is fully reimbursed. If you commute by bicycle, you will receive a bicycle allowance. For those who commute by car, parking facilities are available at most of our campuses.

You will receive a staff card offering various discounts, access to a wide range of sports facilities and the possibility to join the Ethias Onderwijs hospitalisation insurance at a favourable rate. Through our framework agreement, you can also benefit from an advantageous mobile phone subscription.

A full-time position amounts to 38 hours per week. At HOGENT, employees have the possibility to work from home two days a week. If you work full-time, you are entitled to 36 days of annual leave per full calendar year. In addition, you are entitled to all statutory public holidays, supplemented by a number of additional holidays. When a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, you will receive a bridging day to create a long weekend.

Interested?

1. Apply by 2 October via the application button and include your CV and motivation letter. Please clearly indicate the periods of employment in your CV, including start and end dates.
2. We will conduct a preselection based on eligibility, admission requirements and, where applicable, your profile.
3. If you meet the requirements, you will be invited to take part in the selection procedure. This consists of a selection interview, during which you will have the opportunity to explain your motivation, experience and competences. The interviews are expected to take place during the week of 19 October. You will receive an invitation for an interview by email after the application period has closed.
4. If you are selected, we will contact you and provide you with all the information you need to start at HOGENT. We will also ask you to provide the necessary information to complete your personnel file.
5. Welcome to HOGENT

HOGENT is a community of unique individuals where everyone can be themselves and has a place. Our great diversity is a strength that creates opportunities. HOGENT is committed to attracting a diverse range of talent, promoting equal opportunities and fostering inclusion.

Questions?

For content-related questions about this position, please contact Alexandra De Raeve, coordinator of the FTILab+ research centre. You can contact her by email at alexandra.deraeve@hogent.be or by telephone at 0478 97 01 67.

For questions about the selection procedure and your employment status, please contact Bart Van Theemsche, HR Partner. You can contact him by email at bart.vantheemsche@hogent.be or by telephone at 09 243 33 92.