PhD Opportunity: Development of a Chemical Reduction Scheme for Space Launch Impact on Climate and Environment (SLICE Project)

The Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Department, as part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network SLICE. The project aims to develop advanced chemical reduction schemes to enable high-fidelity simulations of pollutant emissions from space launch systems, addressing critical gaps in understanding their environmental impact, particularly regarding global warming and ozone layer depletion.

SLICE is a multidisciplinary research and training program bridging space engineering and climate science, with the goal of advancing sustainable space transportation in Europe. The doctoral candidate will focus on optimizing chemical mechanisms using innovative approaches such as genetic algorithms, uncertainty quantification, and integration with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers. The research will involve international collaboration, including secondments at ISAE (France) and DLR (Germany), and strong links to other projects within the SLICE network.

ULB is a leading research university with a distinguished history, including four Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal. The Aero-Thermo-Mechanics Department is renowned for its expertise in fluid mechanics, CFD, renewable energy, and space propulsion, and offers a vibrant, international research environment.

Funding and Benefits: The position is funded for 36 months under MSCA regulations, offering a competitive salary, living and mobility allowances, and, if eligible, a family allowance. The doctoral candidate will benefit from a structured training program, participation in international conferences, and networking within a large consortium of researchers.

Eligibility and Requirements: Applicants must hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or chemical engineering, physics, or a related field. Strong background in at least two relevant areas (chemical kinetics, computational science, continuum mechanics, or specialized engineering applications) is required. Excellent English communication skills, ability to work independently and in teams, and willingness to travel for secondments are essential. Applicants must comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule and not have been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a single PDF including the application form, cover letter, CV, references, certificates, and a short motivation video to [email protected]. The application deadline is 31 March 2026. For further information, contact the main supervisor, Professor Alessandro Parente ([email protected]), or visit the project website.

Join a dynamic international team and contribute to cutting-edge research at the intersection of aerospace engineering and environmental science!