KU Leuven’s Faculty of Engineering Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, is offering a full-time PhD position focused on high-performance stainless steel structures. The research aims to advance material-conscious and sustainable construction practices by developing innovative built-up configurations for stainless steel members, ensuring superior stability, reliability, and ease of assembly. The successful candidate will conduct experimental characterization using state-of-the-art structural testing facilities, perform finite element modeling with ABAQUS, and develop design rules and practical guidelines for stainless steel members. The project also involves presenting findings at internal meetings and international conferences, and publishing research in top-tier scientific journals.

Additional responsibilities include supporting teaching in Bachelor and Master Civil Engineering programs, supervising master theses, and potentially contributing to consultancy projects depending on PhD progress. The position is supervised by Prof. Dr. Qiu-Yun Li from the Materials & Constructions research group at KU Leuven.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, a strong academic record (distinction preferred), and an interest in structural testing, finite element modeling, sustainable construction, and design rule development. Excellent English communication skills are required, and knowledge of Dutch is an asset. The ideal candidate is collaborative, organized, open-minded, and proactive, with enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research.

KU Leuven offers a stimulating and flexible research environment, integration of teaching and research responsibilities, access to state-of-the-art labs and facilities, and support for professional development and networking opportunities. The PhD appointment is for up to 4 years, full-time. The application deadline is 04 March 2026. For more information or to apply, visit the KU Leuven online application tool or contact Prof. Dr. Qiu-Yun Li at [email protected].

Keywords: High-Performance Stainless Steel Structures, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Materials Science, Finite Element Modeling, Sustainable Construction, ABAQUS, Experimental Characterization.