Summary
KU Leuven’s Department of Mechanical Engineering (TME Division) invites applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD scholarship under the FLEX-SMR project (Integration of Small Modular Reactors in the Chemical Industry), supported by the Belgian Energy Transition Fund. The doctoral researcher will join the Thermal Systems Simulation (The SySi) Team to design and optimize integrated steam systems using physics-based non-linear Model Predictive Control (MPC) and co-design frameworks in collaboration with EnergyVille, The Binding Energy, and INEOS-INOVYN.
PhD Scholarship: Integrated Steam Production Design and Control Using Physics-Based Non-Linear MPC
Designation
- Position: PhD Researcher / Doctoral Candidate
- Reference:
BAP-2026-543 - Employment Type: Full-time (Voltijds)
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Host Institution | KU Leuven (Faculty of Engineering Science) |
| Department / Division | Department of Mechanical Engineering / TME Division (The SySi Team) |
| Project Name | FLEX-SMR (Integration of Small Modular Reactors in the Chemical Industry) |
| Academic Supervisor | Prof. dr. ir. Lieve Helsen / Dr. Glenn Reynders |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (3 years initial + 1 year guaranteed extension) |
| Funding | Belgian Energy Transition Fund (Fully Funded) |
| Application Deadline | September 15, 2026 (23:59 CET) |
Research Area
- Primary Fields: Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Thermal Energy Systems, Optimal Control, Systems Integration.
- Core Topics:
- Physics-based non-linear Model Predictive Control (MPC).
- Co-design frameworks (integrated optimal sizing and control) for industrial steam systems.
- Multi-energy vector integration and flexibility exploitation via thermal storage and chemical processes.
- Numerical optimization, simulation, and scientific computing.
Location
- City: Leuven, Belgium
- Workplace: Department of Mechanical Engineering, KU Leuven (with integration into EnergyVille)
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master of Science degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Energy, Chemical, or Computer Science).
- Technical Background:
- Solid background in thermal energy systems, control theory (MPC), and physics-based modelling.
- Proficiency in C/C++ is required.
- Knowledge of Modelica, Python, Java, or optimization frameworks like CasADi is considered an asset.
- Key Skills & Competencies:
- High proficiency in spoken and written English.
- Strong capacity for independent, methodical work alongside multidisciplinary teamwork.
- Willingness to present at international conferences and publish in high-impact scientific journals.
- Interest in contributing to educational activities (exercise sessions, Master thesis supervision).
Scholarship Description & Benefits
- Funding: Full doctoral funding for up to 4 years leading to a PhD degree in Engineering.
- Remuneration & Social Package: Highly competitive salary including full Belgian social security, health insurance, access to university amenities, and sports facilities.
- Training & Development: Specialized doctoral training in advanced controls, energy systems, and numerical optimization.
- Industry & Research Network: Direct immersion in an industrial consortium (The Binding Energy, INEOS-INOVYN) and close collaboration within the EnergyVille network (KU Leuven, VITO, imec, UHasselt).
- Environment: Access to world-class scientific infrastructure in the historic, vibrant student city of Leuven (20 km from Brussels).
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically through the official KU Leuven job portal:
- Visit the KU Leuven Vacancy Page (Ref: BAP-2026-543).
- Click the “Solliciteer voor deze functie” (Apply for this job) button.
- Upload your CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and contact information for references.
For informal inquiries regarding the research project, candidates may reach out to:
- Prof. dr. ir. Lieve Helsen:
lieve.helsen@kuleuven.be - Dr. Glenn Reynders:
glenn.reynders@kuleuven.be
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: September 15, 2026 at 23:59 CET
