A postdoctoral position is available in the group of Professor Ruth Cardinaels at KU Leuven, Belgium. The successful candidate will contribute to the ERC PEM-SPRINT project, which focuses on 3D printed metamaterials. This opportunity is ideal for researchers with interests in materials science, additive manufacturing, and mechanical engineering. KU Leuven is a leading European research university, and the project offers a collaborative environment at the intersection of advanced materials and engineering. The position is fully funded by the ERC PEM-SPRINT project. For more information about the research group and the vacancy, please refer to the provided LinkedIn links. Candidates are encouraged to review the vacancy details and apply as instructed. No specific eligibility requirements or application deadlines are mentioned in the announcement.

This postdoctoral position at KU Leuven offers an exciting opportunity to join the Soft Matter Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) section within the Chemical Engineering Department, under the supervision of Prof. Ruth Cardinaels. The SMaRT group is renowned for its experimental research focused on the design of intelligent processes and product formulations using complex fluids and soft matter. The group boasts state-of-the-art and custom-built facilities for characterizing mechanical properties in the liquid state, including both bulk and interfacial rheology, as well as advanced techniques for analyzing microstructure development during flow. The laboratory is equipped with a comprehensive suite of commercial and in-house adapted 3D printing devices, enabling innovative research at the intersection of materials science and engineering. The research project centers on generating novel soft matter structures using direct ink writing 3D printing, combined with microfluidic mixers and channels. The aim is to formulate material compositions for conductive inks, optimize their rheology, and fabricate and characterize 3D printed structures with targeted electromagnetic shielding functionalities. The project is part of an ERC-funded starting grant and involves collaboration with other researchers in the field. By blending polymers and incorporating conductive or magnetic nanoparticles, the research seeks to achieve multifunctional materials with properties determined by nanoparticle dispersion, phase morphology, and macrostructure. Applicants should hold a recent PhD in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or a related discipline, and possess strong experimental and analytical skills. Experience in soft matter, rheology, 3D printing, and/or microfluidics is highly desirable. The position offers a competitive salary, health insurance, access to university sports facilities, and the opportunity to work in an international, innovative environment. The initial appointment is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance. To apply, candidates should submit a CV, motivation letter, grade lists, and contact details for at least two referees via the KU Leuven online application tool. For further information, contact Prof. dr. Ruth Cardinaels at [email protected]. The position remains open until a suitable candidate is found, with a formal application deadline of January 16, 2026.

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on the development of MXene-based interfaces and bijels for functional materials, specifically targeting applications in electromagnetic shielding. The research will be conducted within the Soft Matter Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) section of the Chemical Engineering Department, under the supervision of Prof. Ruth Cardinaels. The SMaRT group is renowned for its experimental research in complex fluids and soft matter, utilizing state-of-the-art and custom-built facilities for mechanical and microstructural characterization, including bulk and interfacial rheology, microscopy, and electromagnetic property analysis. The project aims to engineer hierarchically structured materials by selectively localizing nanoparticles at liquid-liquid interfaces, enabling tailored microstructures and particle organization. MXene-based bijels will be developed and studied for their electromagnetic shielding functionality. The research will involve a fundamental investigation of factors influencing bijel microstructure, such as temperature and external flow fields, and will explore the relationship between microstructure and electrical properties. The particle-filled interfaces are expected to provide both mechanical stability and electrically conductive pathways, with the project examining how formulation and processing conditions affect viscoelastic and dielectric properties. Key techniques include particle synthesis, rheology, microscopy, dielectric characterization, and electromagnetic shielding tests. The project will be carried out by two PhD researchers, one focusing on bulk bijel development and the other on MXene-covered interfaces. The ultimate goal is to deliver a demonstrator material for electromagnetic shielding based on the developed bijels. Applicants should hold or be about to obtain a master's degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field, with excellent analytical skills, high grades, and prior experimental research experience in soft matter and rheology. Strong communication skills in English and a collaborative attitude are essential. The position offers a full-time PhD contract for four years, competitive salary, health insurance, access to university sports facilities, and participation in the Arenberg Doctoral School doctoral training program. KU Leuven provides an international, inclusive, and supportive research environment, with opportunities to present work at international conferences and access to world-class infrastructure. To apply, candidates should submit their CV, motivation letter, and grade lists via the KU Leuven online application tool, including contact details for two referees. In the motivation letter, specify your interest in either the bulk bijels or interfacial studies position. For further information, contact Prof. Ruth Cardinaels at [email protected].