MSCA PhD Position in High-Precision, Crack-Free Femtosecond Laser Material Removal at KU Leuven – Belgium

Summary

KU Leuven offers a fully funded MSCA PhD position within the Horizon Europe TURBO-IMPACT network, focusing on high‑precision, crack‑free femtosecond laser machining of ceramic components. The candidate will develop laser texturing strategies, predictive models, and high‑precision methods for complex 3D ceramics, while collaborating with international academic and industrial partners. The role includes six months of secondments in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, and provides a competitive MSCA salary, mobility and family allowances, full social security, and access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities and doctoral training. The start date is 1 February 2027, and the application deadline is 30 November 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Laser Manufacturing Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Position Type	PhD
Discipline	Mechanical Engineering
Research Area	Femtosecond laser material removal for ceramics
Degree Required	Master's degree (two-year)
Salary	competitive MSCA doctoral salary package
Funding	MSCA doctoral salary package
Language	English
Deadline	2026-11-30
Required Documents	Full curriculum vitae, Motivation letter, Complete BSc and MSc credit and grade lists (English translations preferred), English-proficiency certificate (if available), Two reference letters (if available), English version of MSc thesis, recent publication, or academic assignment (if available)
Employer Contact	[email protected]

About the Project

The project aims to create reliable, crack‑free femtosecond laser processing techniques for ceramic materials used in turbomachinery and aerodynamic bearings. It will develop ultrashort‑pulse laser texturing strategies, extend micromachining capabilities, build predictive models linking laser parameters to feature geometry and crack formation, and investigate the impact of laser‑generated textures on ceramic‑ceramic and ceramic‑metal interfaces. The work supports the broader TURBO‑IMPACT network and includes collaborations with academic and industrial partners across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop crack‑free ultrashort‑pulse laser texturing strategies for ceramics
• Extend KU Leuven’s femtosecond laser micromachining capabilities
• Create predictive models linking laser parameters to feature geometry and crack formation
• Develop high‑precision texturing methods for complex 3D ceramic components
• Study the relationship between laser‑generated textures and ceramic‑ceramic and ceramic‑metal interface performance
• Contribute to 3D laser‑processing strategies for aerodynamic bearings with improved tribological performance
• Collaborate with international academic and industrial consortium partners
• Attend training activities, workshops, conferences, and research meetings
• Undertake approximately six months of secondments in Neuchâtel (Switzerland), Jena (Germany), Padova (Italy), and an industrial partner in Belgium

Required Skills

• Knowledge of laser material processing, manufacturing, or mechanical behaviour of materials, or strong interest in these areas
• High precision, attention to detail, initiative, and responsibility
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Willingness to travel for international secondments
• Experience with COMSOL, ANSYS, or other CAE software (advantageous)
• Excellent written and spoken English

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a two‑year Master's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics or a related field, strong academic performance, excellent written and spoken English, and an interest or background in laser material processing are encouraged to apply. Candidates should demonstrate high precision, initiative, the ability to work independently and in teams, and willingness to travel for international secondments.

Benefits

• Competitive MSCA doctoral salary package
• Mobility allowance
• Family allowance where applicable
• Full social security coverage
• Paid leave according to institutional regulations
• Access to national social security schemes
• Enrollment in the KU Leuven PhD programme
• International doctoral training
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities
• Participation in workshops and international conferences
• Supervision by recognised experts
• Training through the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School
• International academic and industrial collaboration
• Approximately six months of secondments across consortium institutions

About the Employer

KU Leuven invites applications for a fully funded PhD position under the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions Doctoral Network TURBO‑IMPACT. The research is conducted by the Laser Manufacturing Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, offering international collaboration and state‑of‑the‑art facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

The appointment starts on 1 February 2027, or by mutual agreement.

What does the salary package include?

It includes a competitive MSCA doctoral salary, mobility allowance, family allowance where applicable, full social security coverage, and paid leave.

Who is the contact person for the application?

Prof. Sylvie Castagne, email [email protected].