Scientific Researcher

→ Apply before 30/10/2026 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels Time) → Faculty of Engineering and Architecture → Department: EA18
- Industriële Systemen en Productontwerp → Occupancy rate:100% → Number of positions: 1 → Type of employment: Contract of limited duration → Term of assignment: 3 months → Wage scale: WM1 to WM4 (master degree or doctoral degree) → Required diploma:Master or PhD 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 80 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. YOUR TASKS The selected candidate will support the research, innovation, and coordination activities within ISyE team at Ghent University, with the following

responsibilities:
• Provide technical mentorship to SMEs within the AID4SME project, focusing on the identification, assessment, and implementation of AI applications in manufacturing, including industrial use-case development, feasibility analysis, and AI adoption strategies, leveraging UGent's MOVE data platform and Smart and Agile Assembly Lab (SAAL) as low-TRL experimentation and validation environments.
• Support the organisational and scientific coordination of the Adaptive Decision Systems Lab, including research activities, project follow-up, and collaboration with industrial and academic partners.
• Contribute to research and development activities involving UAVs, robotic systems, and AI-based autonomous decision-making, including industrial applications, technical evaluations, and demonstrations.
• Support technical documentation, project reporting, and knowledge transfer related to these activities. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
• You hold a Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline, preferably with a strong background in mechanical engineering.
• You have demonstrated proficiency in Operations Research, Artificial Intelligence, and data-driven optimisation, particularly in industrial and manufacturing applications.
• You have completed relevant education or specialised training in Trustworthy AI, including aspects of AI reliability, explainability, robustness, and responsible deployment.
• You hold a valid UAV remote pilot competency certificate or licence relevant to UAV piloting and operations, with practical experience in UAV-based research, regulatory and technical applications.
• You have international research experience, including collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams and international academic or industrial partners.
• You have experience in applied AI research, industrial use-case development, and technical collaboration with SMEs or industrial stakeholders.
• You are familiar with industrial data platforms, experimental manufacturing environments, and the use of research demonstrators for AI validation and technology transfer.
• You possess strong organisational, scientific communication, and project coordination skills, and can work independently in an international research environment.
• You have excellent written and spoken English communication skills. WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
•

We offer
you a contract of definite duration for the period from January, 16th, 2027 till April 15th, 2027.
• Your contract will start on 16/01/2027 at the earliest.
• Your remuneration will be determined by salary scale WM1 to WM4 (if you hold a Master’s degree) or salary scale PD1 to PD4 (if you hold a doctorate). 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. INTERESTED? Apply online through the e-recruitment system before the application deadline (see above). We do not accept late applications or applications that are not submitted through the online system. Your application must include the following documents:
• In the field ‘CV’: your CV and a transcript of your academic record (merged into one pdf file)
• In the field ‘Cover letter’: your application letter in pdf format
• In the field ‘Diploma’: a transcript of the required degree (if already in your possession). If you have a foreign diploma in a language other than our national languages (Dutch, French or German) or English, please add a translation in one of the mentioned languages.
• In the field “other documents”: a copy of your valid EASA-recognized remote pilot competency certificate for UAV operations in the Open category (subcategories A1/A3). Note that the maximum file size for each field is 10 MB. As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position. Do you have a question regarding the online application process? Please read the FAQ or contact us via selecties@ugent.be.