Summary
KU Leuven is offering a fully funded international doctoral position within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) project INTELLASE (Intelligent Laser Precision Manufacturing). The successful candidate will focus on physics-based laser ablation modeling of dielectric materials, such as glass, to improve process design for high-end applications in photonics and semiconductors.
Position Details
| Designation | PhD Candidate (DC4 Researcher) |
| Research Area | Mechanical Engineering, Laser Manufacturing, Multiphysics Modeling |
| Location | Leuven, Belgium (with international secondments) |
| Duration | Full-time PhD track |
| Application Deadline | January 12, 2027 |
Research Area
The PhD research will be carried out in the Laser Manufacturing Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The focus is on developing multiphysics laser-material interaction models to predict geometrical features and defects during laser processing. This includes establishing predictive models for various process regimes (nanosecond to femtosecond pulses) and contributing to a digital twin framework.
Location
The primary location is KU Leuven, Belgium. However, the position involves mandatory secondments to partner institutions, including CNRS (France), ModuleWorks (Germany), and the University of Turku (Finland).
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Background: A Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field.
- MSCA Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment.
- Doctoral Status: Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Technical Skills: Interest in laser material processing; experience with CAE simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS) is highly desirable.
Scholarship Description
The position is fully funded in accordance with Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) regulations. The financial package includes:
- Living Allowance: €4,010 per month.
- Mobility Allowance: €710 per month.
- Family Allowance: €660 per month (if applicable).
- Benefits: Full social security coverage, paid leave, and enrollment in the Arenberg Doctoral School.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must apply through the KU Leuven online application tool. The following documents are required:
- Full CV (Mandatory).
- Motivation Letter (Mandatory).
- Full list of credits and grades for both Bachelor and Master degrees (Mandatory).
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
- Two reference letters.
- An English version of your MSc thesis or a recent publication.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline for applications is January 12, 2027.
Apply Link
Click here to apply for the MSCA PhD vacancy at KU Leuven
