PhD and Postdoc Positions in Science and Engineering

Top Academic Research Vacancies 2026: PhD and Postdoc Positions in Science and Engineering

The global landscape of higher education and scientific innovation is currently experiencing a significant surge in opportunities for early-career researchers. As we move into 2026, several world-leading institutions have announced vacancies for PhD candidates and Postdoctoral fellows across diverse disciplines including environmental engineering, marine science, economic geology, robotics, and advanced materials. These positions are not merely academic roles but are integrated into high-impact projects funded by major bodies such as the European Commission, the Dutch Research Council (NWO), and the European Research Council (ERC).

1. PhD Position in Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems

The first major opportunity is a fully-funded PhD position at Coventry University focused on Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Systems for removing Emerging Pollutants. This project is a critical component of the EC-funded WATERSENS project.

Project Overview and Environmental Impact

As urban populations grow and industrial activities diversify, traditional centralized wastewater treatment plants face increasing pressure. Emerging pollutants—which include pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and endocrine disruptors—often bypass standard filtration systems, leading to significant environmental degradation. This PhD research aims to develop decentralized solutions that can treat wastewater at the source, reducing the load on municipal systems and enhancing the efficiency of pollutant removal.

Candidate Profile and Eligibility

This position is open to both UK and International graduates, including those from the European Union. Candidates should possess a strong background in environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a related biological science. The role requires a fixed-term commitment of three to three and a half years of full-time study.

Key Dates and Application Process

• Application Deadline: 15 January 2026

• Start Date: May 2026

• Primary Contact: Dr. Anna Bogush

• Link: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/research-studentships/decentralised-wastewater/

The successful candidate will work closely with international project partners, gaining invaluable experience in European-wide research networks and contributing to a sustainable water future.

2. Postdoctoral Fellow in Oceanography and Marine Science

Ghent University is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the MarSens Group as part of the ERC-funded CarbOcean Project. This role is ideal for scientists interested in the intersection of ocean carbon cycling and autonomous observational technologies.

The Science of CarbOcean

The CarbOcean project focuses on the ocean carbon cycle, specifically the “carbonate pump.” This process is vital for understanding how the ocean sequestered carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The researcher will utilize next-generation BioGeoChemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) floats equipped with novel optical sensors.

Research Responsibilities

The postdoctoral fellow will engage in a multi-faceted research program:

• Conducting research on the carbonate pump using BGC-Argo data.

• Participation in oceanographic research cruises, involving approximately 20 days at sea annually.

• Laboratory experimentation focusing on optical sensors and marine particle analysis.

• Data processing using Python or R to analyze satellite and float data.

Requirements and Benefits

Applicants must hold a PhD in Oceanography or Marine Science. Proficiency in programming and experience with ocean color satellite data are essential. Ghent University offers a competitive benefits package and a contract duration of 18 to 36 months.

• Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

• Start Window: March to June 2026

• Contact: griet.neukermans@ugent.be

3. PhD Opportunity in Ore Geology at Central University of Punjab

For those specializing in earth sciences, the Department of Geology at the Central University of Punjab has opened applications for PhD positions for the January 2025–26 intake. Under expert supervision, students will explore the complexities of mineral systems.

Research Focus Areas

The doctoral research will delve into the mechanisms of ore-forming processes, which are essential for the sustainable extraction of resources. Key areas include:

• Magmatic-hydrothermal systems and the genesis of ores.

• Critical mineral enrichment, vital for modern green technologies.

• Application of isotopic and fluid inclusion approaches.

• Integration of rigorous field mapping with advanced lab analysis.

Institutional Infrastructure

The Central University of Punjab provides a robust research environment through its Central Instrumentation Laboratory. PhD students will have access to:

• Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX).

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

Important Information

• Application Deadline: 6 January 2026

• Official Portal: www.cup.edu.in

• Target Candidates: Those motivated by economic geology and mineral exploration.

🗓 Last date to apply: 6 January 2026

🔗 Application details: www.cup.edu.in

4. Postdoctoral Researcher in Computer Vision and Robotics at NTU Singapore

The DISC Lab at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the intersection of AI and civil infrastructure.

Digitalizing Civil Infrastructure

The primary goal of this role is to develop methodologies for the digitalization and automation of civil engineering projects. This involves creating “Digital Twins”—virtual representations of physical structures that allow for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Technical Domains

The researcher will have the flexibility to focus on:

• Multi-modal real-time sensing and AI-driven perception.

• Physics-informed machine learning for structural health monitoring.

• Autonomous robotic platforms for inspection and damage assessment.

• Automated construction tasks using robotics.

Strategic Impact

This role is not limited to theoretical development; it involves real-world deployments that enhance the safety and sustainability of public infrastructure. Candidates with a strong background in computer vision and machine learning are encouraged to submit their CVs to bryan.pr@ntu.edu.sg

5. PhD Vacancy in Advanced Recyclable Metamaterials from Bio-Waste

The University of Groningen in the Netherlands is offering a unique PhD position funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through the ABEL project. This position focuses on the circular economy and materials science.

Innovation in Metamaterials

The project involves developing advanced recyclable metamaterials—materials engineered to have properties not found in nature—using bio-waste products. This research bridges the gap between chemical engineering and mechanical metamaterials.

Candidate Expectations

The ideal candidate should be passionate about:

• Additive manufacturing (3D printing).

• Elastic and mechanical metamaterials.

• Hands-on laboratory work and chemical processing.

• Collaborative, interdisciplinary research environments.

Application Details

• Application Deadline: 31 January 2026 (Rolling until filled).

• Application Link: https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-on-advanced-recyclable-metamaterials-from-bio-waste-1585/