Applications are invited for a fully funded, four-year international doctoral position (DC8) within the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN) project titled TURBO-IMPACT. Hosted by the Advanced Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy team at KU Leuven, Belgium, this doctoral research will investigate the additive manufacturing of high-performance ceramics with complex surfaces for small-scale turbomachinery applications.
Overview Table
| Information Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation | Doctoral Candidate / PhD Researcher (DC8) |
| Host Institution | KU Leuven (Department of Materials Engineering) |
| Project Title | TURBO-IMPACT (MSCA-DN Horizon Europe) |
| Research Focus | Additive manufacturing of ceramics with complex surfaces for small-scale turbomachinery |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium (with international secondments) |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded (EU Horizon Europe MSCA fellowship) |
| Duration | 4 Years (Full-time) |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Early applications encouraged) |
Research Area & Project Description
The PhD position is part of the Horizon Europe-funded TURBO-IMPACT project, which addresses major design, material selection, and manufacturing challenges for small-scale turbomachinery used in heat pumps, fuel cells, organic Rankine cycles, and gas turbines.
As Doctoral Candidate 8 (DC8), the researcher will focus on the complete indirect DLP/SLA (Digital Light Processing / Stereolithography) additive manufacturing route for silicon nitride (Si3N4) turbomachinery components. The core objectives include:
- Developing a UV-curable Si3N4 slurry and optimizing DLP/SLA printing strategies for benchmark geometries and complex components such as impellers.
- Optimizing post-printing debinding and sintering cycles to achieve dense, complex, near-net-shaped ceramic parts.
- Investigating the correlations between processing, microstructure, mechanical properties, and geometrical accuracy.
- Evaluating ceramic parts for joining and machining suitability, as well as applying functional parts into turbomachinery setups.
The candidate will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Ir. Jozef Vleugels, head of the Functional Materials Division (FUNMAT). The position also includes structured international secondments at partner institutions, including EPFL (Switzerland), Admatec Additive Solutions (The Netherlands), and IFW (Germany).
Location
The primary research will be carried out at the Department of Materials Engineering, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, complemented by short-term research visits and secondments across European partner institutions.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Candidates must satisfy the following academic and mobility requirements:
- Education: A two-year Master’s degree (or equivalent academic degree) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with excellent grades (minimum distinction level).
- Language: High proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Expertise: Background or demonstrated interest in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing (SLA/DLP), and microstructural/mechanical characterization.
- MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to recruitment.
- Early-Stage Researcher: Candidates must be doctoral candidates (must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment).
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The successful applicant will be employed under a competitive, fully funded MSCA doctoral agreement offering:
- Enrollment in the PhD program of the renowned Arenberg Doctoral School at KU Leuven.
- A competitive monthly living allowance and mobility allowance in accordance with the EU Horizon Europe MSCA rates.
- Family allowance (if eligible according to MSCA regulations).
- Full social security coverage and paid annual leave.
- Access to advanced training networks, international conferences, workshops, and transferable skills courses.
Required Application Documents
Interested candidates should prepare the following files (in English):
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Mandatory
- A personal Motivation Letter – Mandatory
- Full academic transcripts and degree certificates for both BSc and MSc programs (including English translations if applicable) – Mandatory
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or university equivalent) – If available
- Two academic reference letters – If available
- Copy of Master’s thesis or relevant scientific publication/report – If available
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the official KU Leuven job portal. Inquiries regarding project details can be directed to Prof. Dr. Ir. Jozef Vleugels at jozef.vleugels@kuleuven.be.
Apply Online via KU Leuven Portal
Last Date for Apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible.
