Marie Curie PhD Vacancy (DC8): Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics with Complex Surfaces for Small-Scale Turbomachinery in KU LEUVEN in Belgium

Summary

The Marie Curie PhD vacancy at KU Leuven’s Department of Materials Engineering offers a fully funded, four‑year doctoral position within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network TURBO‑IMPACT. The project focuses on developing an indirect DLP/SLA additive‑manufacturing route for silicon nitride turbomachinery components, covering slurry formulation, printing strategies, debinding, sintering, and comprehensive characterization. International secondments may occur at EPFL, Admatec Additive Solutions, and IFW. Candidates must hold a two‑year master’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or a related field, possess good English skills, and have basic experience or strong interest in ceramic processing and additive manufacturing. The role provides a competitive MSCA package with mobility and family allowances, plus social security coverage.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Materials Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Materials Science
Research Area	Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics with Complex Surfaces for Small-Scale Turbomachinery
Degree Required	Master's degree (2-year) in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, or equivalent
Experience	Basic experience or strong interest in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, and materials characterization
Funding	Horizon Europe – MSCA Doctoral Network, TURBO-IMPACT
Contract Duration	Full-time, four years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	Full CV (mandatory), Motivation letter (mandatory), Full credit and grade lists for BSc and MSc studies (preferably with English translations) (mandatory), English proficiency evidence, Two reference letters, English version of the MSc thesis or a recent publication/assignment (if available)
Employer Contact	Prof. Jozef Vleugels, [email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to establish an indirect DLP/SLA additive‑manufacturing process for silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) components used in small‑scale turbomachinery. Work includes developing UV‑curable ceramic slurries, designing printing strategies for simple reference parts and complex geometries such as impellers, and optimizing post‑printing debinding and sintering. The PhD candidate will characterize the produced parts, linking processing parameters to microstructure, mechanical properties, and geometric accuracy, with opportunities for international secondments at partner institutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop UV‑curable ceramic slurry for silicon nitride
• Design and execute printing strategies for reference and complex components
• Perform debinding and sintering of printed parts
• Characterize microstructure, mechanical properties, and geometric accuracy
• Investigate relationships between processing parameters and component performance
• Participate in potential international secondments at EPFL, Admatec Additive Solutions, and IFW

Required Skills

• Basic experience or strong interest in ceramic processing
• Knowledge of additive manufacturing techniques
• Skills in materials characterization methods
• Initiative, responsibility, and effective collaboration
• Good written and spoken English
• Strong academic performance (minimum distinction level)

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a two‑year master’s degree in Materials Science, Materials Engineering or a closely related discipline, strong English communication skills, and basic experience or a keen interest in ceramic processing, additive manufacturing, and materials characterization. Candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree and must satisfy MSCA eligibility, including the mobility rule for Belgium.

Benefits

• Competitive MSCA Doctoral Candidate package
• Mobility and, where applicable, family allowances
• Social security coverage
• Fully funded four‑year contract
• Opportunities for international secondments

About the Employer

KU Leuven, located in Leuven, Belgium, hosts the Department of Materials Engineering. The university offers a fully funded PhD position within the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network TURBO‑IMPACT, focusing on advanced additive manufacturing research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date?

1 February 2027, or by mutual agreement.

How long is the contract?

Four years, full‑time.

Is the position funded?

Yes, funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network TURBO‑IMPACT.

What are the language requirements?

Good written and spoken English.

Who is the contact person for the position?

Prof. Jozef Vleugels ([email protected]).