15 PhD Positions in Zinc Energy Storage Technology – KU Leuven and European Partner Institutions

Summary

The ZEST European Doctoral Network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska‑Curie programme within Horizon Europe, offers 15 PhD positions in zinc‑based energy storage technologies across partner institutions in Belgium, Germany, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Italy. Candidates must hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees, not already possess a doctoral degree, and meet English proficiency and mobility criteria. The positions are fully funded by the network, with additional travel reimbursement for non‑Belgian candidates. Applicants submit a Europass CV, motivation letter, and academic transcripts via the ZEST portal by 27 November 2026. Selected fellows will start research between April and November 2027 and benefit from training, internships, and conferences.

Key Facts

Position Type	PhD
Research Area	Zinc Energy Storage Technology
Degree Required	Bachelor's and Master's degrees (must not already hold a doctoral degree)
Funding	Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (Horizon Europe)
Language	English
Required Documents	Curriculum Vitae (Europass format), Motivation letter, Transcripts of bachelor degree, Transcripts of master degree
Employer Address	KU Leuven, Spoorwegstraat 12, 8200 Brugge, Belgium
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The ZEST network aims to advance zinc‑based energy storage technologies, including aqueous zinc‑ion batteries, zinc‑air batteries, and systems using non‑conventional electrolytes. By exploring novel materials, designs, and processes, the project seeks to improve performance, sustainability, recyclability, and circularity of zinc batteries as alternatives to lithium‑ion systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct an individual research project on zinc energy‑storage technology within the ZEST network
• Participate in internships, secondments, and training modules offered by the network
• Attend workshops, conferences, and other continuing‑education activities

Who Should Apply

Applicants who have completed bachelor’s and master’s studies, do not already hold a PhD, can demonstrate high proficiency in written and spoken English, satisfy the transnational mobility criteria, and are able to relocate to one of the partner institutions in Europe.

Benefits

• Travel reimbursement up to 250 EUR for candidates from outside Belgium
• Access to internships and secondments across partner institutions
• Participation in training modules, transferable‑skill workshops, and conferences

About the Employer

The ZEST European Doctoral Network on Zinc Energy Storage Technology is a Horizon Europe‑funded collaboration involving KU Leuven, Universität Bremen, University College London, Sapienza Università di Roma, Politecnico di Milano, and the Research Institutes of Sweden, together with industry partners such as EverZinc, IMEC, and others. The network focuses on developing sustainable, high‑performance zinc‑based batteries and offers doctoral candidates a transnational research environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

27 November 2026.

How many PhD positions are available?

15 positions.

Which funding programme supports these positions?

Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Doctoral Network within Horizon Europe.

What documents must be submitted?

A Europass CV, a motivation letter, and transcripts of bachelor and master degrees.

Is English proficiency required?

Yes, candidates must demonstrate high proficiency in written and spoken English.