Postdoctoral Position in Economics
University of Antwerp
Belgium

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking European university. We offer innovative academic education to over 20,000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and provide essential services to society. With more than 6,000 employees from 100 different countries, we are one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region. Through top scientific research, we push boundaries and set a course for the future—a future you can help shape.

Position Overview

The Department of Engineering Management in the Faculty of Business and Economics is seeking a full-time postdoctoral researcher for a two-year strategic basic research project on functional safety in the process industry, with a focus on the cost-effectiveness of safety instrumented systems.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct research addressing gaps in academia and practice regarding cost-effectiveness analysis of safety instrumented systems

• Perform cost-effectiveness analyses, designing cost models to highlight trade-offs in implementing safety instrumented systems

• Evaluate how system design complexity affects lifecycle costs

• Collaborate with field experts to validate findings and address concerns on cost-effectiveness

• Assist in ongoing research projects and support the operation of the EnvEcon research group

• Coordinate project proposals on enabling safe and sustainable processes and systems, with emphasis on the chemical industry, and contribute to attracting external funding

• Supervise PhD students and other team members

• Publish scientific articles related to the research project

Candidate Profile

• PhD in (applied) engineering sciences (chemical engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, safety engineering), applied economics, or similar; or will obtain it by start date

• Research qualities aligned with faculty and university research policies

• Teaching competencies aligned with University of Antwerp’s educational vision

• Attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation

• Fluent in English (written and spoken)

• Experience with industrial chemical processes and process safety is a plus

• Interest in production processes, manufacturing, sustainable development, cleantech, and environmental technology

• Experience with funding acquisition and project coordination is a plus

• Experience with cost engineering methods, cost-benefit analysis, and cost-effectiveness analysis is a plus

What We Offer

• Full-time contract for 1 year, renewable for an additional year after positive evaluation; further extensions possible

• Gross monthly salary according to the pay scale for a principal research fellow in the Contract Research Staff category (BAP)

• Benefits: ecocheques, internet allowance, group insurance, income protection, bicycle allowance or full reimbursement for public transport

• Dynamic and stimulating working environment at Stadscampus

• Support for career development, networking, and mentorship

Application Process

Deadline: 13 October 2025 (midnight, Brussels time)
Apply through: University of Antwerp’s online job application platform

Required attachments:

• Motivation letter

• Academic CV

Selection process:

• Applications reviewed after the deadline

• Candidates notified of decisions promptly

• Selection interviews: 16 October 2025

Contact Information:

• Online application questions: jobs@uantwerpen.be

• Job-specific inquiries: Dr. Philippe Nimmegeers (philippe.nimmegeers@uantwerpen.be)

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Antwerp has received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organization that invests in employees’ growth. We value diversity and inclusivity and encourage applications from individuals of all genders, disabilities, races, ethnicities, religions, beliefs, sexual orientations, and ages.

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