Postdoctoral Researcher – Membrane Filtration for Water Recovery

About VITO

VITO, one of Europe’s leading research centers with 1,300 employees, transforms scientific insights into groundbreaking technological innovations, AI-driven solutions, and policy advice. We do this with one clear goal: to help the world thrive for at least another 1,000 years.

As a science-to-technology partner, we support businesses, governments, and society in their transition toward sustainability. With our multidisciplinary approach and unique laboratory, scaling, and testing infrastructure, we develop practical technological innovations. We accelerate progress toward a regenerative economy within the planet's boundaries, prioritizing electrification and circularity. Additionally, we create smart climate solutions for resilient and secure ecosystems and promote a healthy living environment where people, industry, agriculture, and nature coexist in harmony.

Our employees work in multidisciplinary expert teams across more than 40 research domains. They leverage our unique laboratory and data infrastructure, as well as our extensive network of innovation partners. Through positive transition thinking and in-depth techno-economic analyses, we develop solutions that are not only effective on paper but also in the complex reality of everyday life.

The position will be located within VITO’s Water and Energy Transition unit. Where more than 200 professionals work on solutions to complex challenges related to water technology, water environment and system transitions. The team also actively integrates water and energy as critical and connected resources of the 21st century.

Job description

Do you want to help shape the future of sustainable water management? Join VITO and the University of Antwerp in the FWO‑funded SWIRL project: 'Shortcutting Water Recovery – Integrating Resource‑efficient and Emissions‑Lean Circular Water Production.'

SWIRL aims to rethink how we recover water from wastewater. By simplifying treatment steps and innovating in membrane filtration, we strive to dramatically reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions—contributing to climate‑resilient and resource‑efficient circular water systems.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a key role in advancing membrane technologies and integrating them into next‑generation water treatment processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• You independently assess and compare membrane performance across various influents and configurations, including screening membranes and evaluating TMP, rejection, recovery, and fouling behavior.

• You operate and maintain laboratory‑scale membrane filtration units.

• You analyze and interpret experimental results, including mass balances and water quality data.

• You report progress and insights to project supervisors and partners.

• You contribute to scientific publications, project reports, and knowledge dissemination.

• You have a scientific master in Bioengineering, Chemistry, Bioscience, … or related fields, with a completed PhD degree in the water domain.

• Strong knowledge of wastewater treatment processes (biological and physico‑chemical).

• Hands‑on experience with lab‑scale membrane filtration systems (UF, NF, RO preferred).

• Understanding of membrane selection, transport phenomena, and fouling mechanisms.

• Preferably: experience with water treatment modelling software, including membrane filtration tools.

• Experience integrating membrane technologies into broader treatment trains.

• Skills in wastewater analytics and data interpretation.

• A problem‑solving mindset and the ability to work independently.

• Experience in scientific project management is an asset.

• Knowledge of economic assessments or LCA is a plus.

Offer

• A 1‑year contract with the possibility of extension.

• We operate in an activity based way, meaning your work activities guide where you work. In this function, you work together with a team of (international) junior & senior researchers at our new research facilities at the VITO campus in Ostend. Hybrid arrangements and/or working in a satellite office with other Visioneers is possible in Mol, Antwerp-Berchem, Genk, Kortrijk or Leuven.

• Innovation is our asset, so it goes without saying that we give our employees the opportunity to take additional training courses and stay up-to-date in their field. You will always have the opportunity to broaden your knowledge and discover new technologies.

• You will have the opportunity to be part of an organization with an international reputation, known for its cutting-edge technological research and scientific consultancy.

• With us, you will contribute directly to sustainable developments at local, national and global level through your innovative applications. You provide answers to contemporary societal challenges.

• Moreover, we highly value a good work-life balance at VITO! This is achieved by adopting a flexible attitude depending on your specific needs.

Location: Ostend, Belgium

Application deadline: 24 May 2026

Start date: 1 October 2026 (or late 2026)

It is expected that first interviews will take place during the first half of June.

For questions, please contact: marc.spiller@vito.be