Junior or senior professor sustainable construction in architecture

Karlstad University; Antwerpen; Sur place; EUR 60 000 - 80 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A prestigious European university in Antwerp seeks a Junior or Senior Professor in Sustainable Construction within Architecture. The role includes developing high-quality education and research focused on innovative materials and sustainable design strategies. The candidate will build an international research network and strengthen ties with the construction sector. Fluency in Dutch at a CEFR B2 level is required within the role. This position represents an opportunity to make a significant impact in architectural education and practice.

Prestations

Gross monthly salary as per pay scales

Ecocheques and transport reimbursement

Attractive starter package for a PhD project

Qualifications

• Demonstrated postdoctoral experience or equivalent.
• Experience with a design practice is highly recommended.
• Excellent research profile with publications in international journals.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to education, research and services at the university.
• Develop high-quality education in construction and sustainability.
• Expand scientific research in sustainable architecture.

Connaissances

Leadership

Research

Sustainable design

Teaching

Networking

Formation

PhD in architecture or related fields

Description du poste

Junior or senior professor sustainable construction in architecture

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.

Position description

The Department of Architecture in the Faculty of Design Sciences has the following full‑time vacancy: junior or senior professor in the field of sustainable construction in architecture. The vacancy aims to establish a new approach to the field of sustainable construction, focusing on innovative materials and strategies in architectural design, both in teaching and research. Advancing current reflections on the increasing scarcity of resources and the role of architectural production, the candidate should develop methods that contribute to resilient, ecological and socially responsible building cultures. These methods include the development of bio‑based and circular building materials, circular components and construction methods for circular building processes, as well as the strategic interplay of construction materials within the building, design for disassembly, and/or regenerative design strategies. The candidate will ideally establish a lab that can leverage collaborations with product development and the applied engineering department.

The candidate will develop their own agenda within the field of sustainable construction, deepen and further develop an international research network, establish strong ties with the construction sector and design practice, and actively represent and shape a progressive construction education in architecture. The position forms a central interface between technical and design education, requiring a good understanding of architectural practice and the technical knowledge within architecture.

Position

You will contribute to the university’s three core tasks: education (40%), research (40%) and services (20%). Your role also includes organisational and managerial aspects.

Education

• Provide high‑quality education in the broad field of materials, construction and sustainability in architecture.
• Your teaching role will evolve along with study programmes and language certificates you obtain. Courses you may teach include ‘Construction 1 & 2’ in the Bachelor Programme, as well as ‘Advanced Construction’ and a research seminar in the Master Programme. You will also be involved in a design studio at master level.
• Contribute to the further development of the curriculum towards sustainability in the broadest sense, developing activating, student‑centred and competence‑driven programme components.
• Supervise students and their Master and PhD dissertations.

Research

• Expand high‑quality scientific research in materials and construction dedicated to sustainable architecture.
• Initiate new lines of research and coordinate the progress of scientific research projects. Participate in ongoing research programmes.
• Acquire and manage national and international research funding.
• Publish in international journals and specialist literature.
• Develop an international scientific network.
• Supervise PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

Services

• Play a role in the provision of both academic services and services to society, within the institution and externally. Participate in boards, committees, working and research groups.

Organisation and leadership

• Accept coordinating responsibilities in the areas of education, research and/or service provision.
• Develop a motivating and coaching leadership style, attentive to employees’ growth and development processes.

Profile

• Hold a PhD in the field of architecture, architecture‑engineering, engineering science or equivalent.
• Demonstrate several years of postdoctoral experience (or equivalent) and/or experience in architecture or architectural engineering practice.
• Experience with a design practice is highly recommended.
• Show an interest in the critical development of the domain of architecture through your experience and/or research plan.
• Have experience in a leadership role, preferably in education and research.
• Have an excellent research profile in the fields of construction, material knowledge or sustainable design, supported by publications in international peer‑reviewed journals. Be experienced in setting up and conducting research projects and acquiring the necessary funds.
• Align teaching competences with the university’s educational vision. Be motivated to develop teaching skills further through professionalisation opportunities. Have an affinity with design‑oriented education.
• If you do not speak Dutch, be willing to obtain a CEFR B2 level of proficiency in Dutch. When teaching, demonstrate a CEFR C1 level of proficiency in the language of instruction. The university supports international staff members through an integration trajectory and offers tailor‑made language coaching.
• Demonstrate leadership potential and organisational skills.
• Act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.

What we offer

• Full‑time appointment as a member of the Senior Academic Staff (Dutch: Zelfstandig Academisch Personeel, ZAP). The level of appointment (assistant professor, associate professor, professor or full professor) is determined on the basis of your professional experience and academic qualifications. Junior ZAP members are usually offered a temporary appointment as a tenure‑track assistant professor for five years, followed by permanent appointment as an associate professor. Appointment as an associate professor or higher leads to permanent appointment (tenure) after a maximum of three years. A favourable performance appraisal is always required for permanent appointment.
• After a positive evaluation of a PhD project conducted, an attractive starter package consisting of a four‑year PhD project and €15,000 of consumables to boost your research from the start of your employment.
• Gross monthly salary calculated according to the pay scales for Senior Academic Staff.
• Receive ecocheques, Internet‑connectivity allowance and a bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Planned start date 15 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
• Work mainly at City Campus in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the university and discover other benefits here.

Want to apply?

• Apply through the university’s online job application platform up to and including 16 February 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click the ‘Apply’ button and complete the online application form. Include the following attachments (all in English):
  • Your motivation letter
  • The completed job application appendix for ZAP
  • Your academic CV
  • Your research plan
  • Your vision on (studio) pedagogy and teamwork
• The selection committee will review all applications as soon as possible after the deadline. If you are selected for pre‑selection, you will be informed of the next step(s). If invited to the selection interview, a date will be agreed for participation in an assessment centre during the week of 30 March 2026, and you will also be asked to propose a topic for a four‑year PhD project. Please also note the date of Monday 4 May 2026 (interview).

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 that invests in 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.

Job Details

Title: Junior or senior professor sustainable construction in architecture

Opening date: March 2025

Closing date: 16 February 2026 (midnight Brussels time)