Fully Funded PhD in Precision Agriculture at Ghent University

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Discover a fully funded PhD opportunity in precision agriculture, soil science, and nitrogen management at Ghent University, Belgium. Apply by May 19, 2025!

Funded PhD Position in Precision Fertilization and Soil Sensing

Are you hoping to pursue a PhD in Precision Agriculture, Soil Science, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field in Europe? As one of the premier research universities in Belgium, Ghent University is offering a fully funded PhD scholarship focusing on variable-rate fertilization and manure application through the NitroScope Horizon Europe project.

This wonderful opportunity could be very interesting for candidates with good fundamentals in mechatronics or agriculture engineering, biosystems, data sciences, or soil sciences.

Why Choose Ghent University for Your PhD?

Ghent University is one of the leading innovative schools with around 15,000 members and 11 faculties. It has a comprehensive academic culture with industrial partners and also works towards being a sustainable space to begin research careers.

One of the largest research universities in Belgium: more than 15,000 staff members, 11 faculties, innovative research, and international collaboration.

Excellent for beginning a research career owing to an exceptional scholarly environment, partnerships with industry, and strong emphasis on sustainability.

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Project Overview: NitroScope Horizon Europe

The position will be hosted at the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering at Ghent University, Belgium, in the newly proposed collaboration of two research teams:

Precision Soil and Crop Engineering (Precision Scoring)
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management (SoFer)

You are joining the NitroScope project, which was funded by the EU to bring nitrogen flow monitoring across many varied European agroecosystems to bear, and so foster the various protective ecosystems with which the continent abounds.

Proximal and remote sensing
Eddy covariance methods
In-situ continuous monitoring
Machine learning and data fusion

PhD Responsibilities and Key Research Areas

As a PhD researcher, your role will involve:

Developing decision support systems for variable-rate application of synthetic and organic fertilizers.
Using AI technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and spectroscopy-based sensor platforms.
Measuring N2O emissions, nitrate levels, and nitrogen content in manure and bio-fertilizers.
Working closely with 24 international partners across 14 EU countries.
Supervising BSc and MSc students and assisting in fieldwork and data analysis.
Publishing high-impact papers in international journals.

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

To be considered for this fully funded PhD in soil and crop engineering, applicants must:

Hold a Master’s degree in:
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Agriculture/Biosystems Engineering
- Data Science
- Soil Sciences
Have basic knowledge in:
- Sensing technologies and systems
- AI techniques like machine learning and data fusion
Be familiar with software/tools such as Python, MATLAB, LabVIEW, or C++
Be comfortable working in the field and interdisciplinary teams
Demonstrate strong time management and communication skills in English

Application Deadline: May 19, 2025

What Ghent University Offers

A 4-year full-time doctoral fellowship, starting November 1, 2025
Competitive tax-free stipend, based on family status and seniority
Access to world-class research labs and collaboration networks
Additional benefits include:
- 36 paid vacation days annually
- Bicycle allowance
- Eco vouchers
- Professional development and training programs
For a complete overview, visit Ghent University staff benefits.