Overview
KU Leuven, one of Europe’s oldest and most innovative universities, is offering a prestigious PhD position (DC14) as part of the INTELLASE Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. This research project focuses on the ‘Development of multi-sensor fusion methodologies for femtosecond laser machining’ within the Monitoring for Intelligent Manufacturing Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
| Designation | Doctoral Candidate (DC14) |
| Research Area | Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Photonics, Signal Processing |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium (with international secondments) |
| Application Deadline | January 12, 2027 |
| Start Date | March 1, 2027 (or by mutual agreement) |
Designation & Research Area
The successful candidate will be designated as a Doctoral Candidate (DC14). The research area involves the integration of multi-sensor fusion methodologies to enhance the precision and intelligence of femtosecond laser machining processes. This interdisciplinary work combines mechanical engineering, photonics, and advanced signal processing.
Eligibility & Qualification
Applicants must meet the following specific eligibility criteria and academic requirements:
- Academic Degree: A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.
- PhD Status: Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- 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 the recruitment date.
- Language Skills: Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
- Technical Interest: Experience or a strong interest in laser material processing, sensor technology, signal processing, or dynamic control systems.
Scholarship Description
Successful candidates will receive a comprehensive financial package in line with MSCA Doctoral Network regulations:
- Living Allowance: €4,010 per month.
- Mobility Allowance: €710 per month.
- Family Allowance: €660 per month (if applicable based on family status).
- Training: Enrollment in the KU Leuven PhD program and the Arenberg Doctoral School, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and participation in international workshops and conferences.
- International Mobility: The position includes secondments at the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), Orion Laser Tech (Belgium), and the University of Salamanca (Spain).
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply using the KU Leuven online job application tool. The following documents are required:
- Full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Motivation letter.
- Full list of credits and grades for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees (with English translations if possible).
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS), if available.
- Two reference letters, if available.
- An English version of your MSc thesis or a recent publication/assignment, if available.
Apply Link: Official KU Leuven Application Portal
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is January 12, 2027.
Contact Information
For more information regarding this position, please contact:
- Prof. Tegoeh Tjahjowidodo: tegoeh.tjahjowidodo@kuleuven.be
- Dr. Balasubramanian Nagarajan: balasubramanian.nagarajan@kuleuven.be







