KU Leuven’s Department of Civil Engineering is recruiting a PhD student for research on moisture transport in heritage brick masonry structures. The project aims to improve the characterization and numerical modeling of moisture transfer across brick-mortar and mortar-mortar interfaces in historic masonry. Research activities include determining hygric properties of cured mortars, developing novel measurement techniques, quantifying moisture-dependent interface resistance, and validating these findings under transient conditions. The project will also develop guidelines for implementing these aspects in numerical simulations. The PhD student will be supervised by Professor Evy Vereecken (KU Leuven and Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage) and co-supervised by Professor Staf Roels (KU Leuven). The position involves publishing research in academic journals, presenting at seminars and conferences, disseminating findings to non-academic audiences, following doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School, writing a PhD thesis, and providing teaching assistance within the Department and the Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Science (Civil Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent), have a strong background in building physics, and demonstrate academic excellence. Candidates must be proactive, critical, creative, able to work independently and in teams, and interested in both numerical and experimental research related to conservation of built heritage. Excellent English skills are required, and candidates should be living in Belgium or willing to relocate. The position is funded, with the expectation that the candidate will apply for a personal FWO PhD fellowship with supervisor support. The application deadline is December 17, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the KU Leuven job site or the provided LinkedIn links. Keywords: moisture transport, heritage masonry, civil engineering, building physics, numerical modeling, conservation, brick-mortar interface, measurement techniques.

KU Leuven invites applications for a full-time PhD position focused on moisture transport in heritage brick masonry structures, based in the Building Physics and Sustainable Design section of the Department of Civil Engineering. This research group is renowned for its work across multiple scales, from material properties to building occupants’ behavior, and is now launching a new research line on the preventive conservation of cultural heritage monuments, particularly in the context of climate change and humidity challenges. The PhD project aims to advance the understanding and numerical modeling of moisture transfer across brick-mortar and mortar-mortar interfaces in historic masonry. Heritage buildings, often constructed with uninsulated load-bearing masonry walls, face significant challenges in moisture control, which is critical for their preservation and energy efficiency. The research will address the complex behavior of moisture transfer in masonry, which can differ from the sum of its individual materials due to contact phenomena. The project will involve developing novel measurement techniques to determine the hygric properties of cured mortars, quantifying moisture-dependent interface resistance under transient conditions, and creating guidelines for implementing these findings in numerical simulations. The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Evy Vereecken (KU Leuven and Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage) and co-supervised by Prof. Staf Roels (KU Leuven). In addition to research, the PhD student will publish in academic journals, present at conferences, participate in doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School, and assist with teaching and supervision within the Department of Civil Engineering and the Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Science (Civil Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent) with a strong background in building physics and at least distinction in their studies. Candidates should be proactive, creative, capable of independent and team work, and interested in both experimental and numerical research related to built heritage conservation. Excellent English proficiency is required, and candidates must be willing to relocate to Belgium if not already resident. The position is a full-time PhD scholarship for one year, extendable to four years upon positive evaluation, with salary and benefits according to KU Leuven standards. The anticipated start date is April 2026, with flexibility based on candidate availability. KU Leuven offers a stimulating academic environment, extensive training opportunities, and access to a broad national and international network. The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For further information, contact Prof. Evy Vereecken or Prof. Staf Roels. Applications must be submitted online by December 17, 2025, including a cover letter, CV, transcripts, sample of research, and referee contact details.

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on the optimal and robust hygrothermal design of interior insulation systems for the preservation of heritage buildings. Hosted by the Building Physics and Sustainable Design section within the Department of Civil Engineering, the research aims to address the challenges of energy-efficient renovation strategies for historic structures, which are crucial for achieving climate neutrality in line with the European Green Deal. Heritage buildings present unique difficulties, especially regarding the safe application of interior insulation, which is often the only feasible post-insulation technique but carries risks such as condensation, frost damage, and mould or wood decay. The project builds on previous research, including the European Horizon RiBuild project, and seeks to develop a generic framework for the hygrothermal design of interior insulation systems. Both experimental and numerical research will be conducted at the material and component levels. The candidate will characterize hygrothermal properties of traditional and novel insulation systems, including moisture buffering and bio-based materials, and develop new methodologies for their assessment. The research will also focus on the hygrothermal performance of heritage masonry and incorporate field measurements from a state-of-the-art large-scale test facility funded by the Flemish Resilience recovery plan. Advanced AI techniques, such as neural networks, will be used for probabilistic hygrothermal modeling, forming the basis for optimal and robust design strategies that consider climate change impacts. Supervision is provided by Prof. Evy Vereecken (KU Leuven and Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage) and Prof. Staf Roels (KU Leuven). The candidate will publish research in academic journals, present at conferences, disseminate findings to non-academic audiences, follow doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School, and write a PhD thesis. Teaching assistance within the Department of Civil Engineering and the Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites is also expected. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Science (Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent) with minimum distinction or proof of academic achievement. The ideal candidate is dynamic, pro-active, critical, creative-minded, able to work independently and in teams, interested in heritage conservation, and motivated for both numerical and experimental research. Good English proficiency is required, and candidates must reside in Belgium or be willing to relocate. Motivation to apply for a personal (FWO) grant is expected. The position offers a full-time PhD scholarship for one year, extendable to four years after positive assessment. KU Leuven provides a stimulating work environment, flexible scheduling, partial remote work, and access to extensive academic and non-academic networks. Salary and benefits are determined by staff category, with details available on the KU Leuven job site. The anticipated start date is January 2026, with flexibility based on candidate availability. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, and offers accessibility support for applicants. To apply, submit your application online via the KU Leuven job site. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Staf Roels or Prof. dr. ir. Evy Vereecken by email. Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements and prepare your application materials accordingly.