This PhD position at KU Leuven, Belgium, focuses on dynamic system identification and digital twins for underground infrastructure monitoring, specifically targeting deep tunnels such as those in the HADES Underground Research Laboratory (URL). The project is a collaboration between KU Leuven's Structural Mechanics Section (Department of Civil Engineering) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), co-funded by SCK CEN and ONDRAF/NIRAS. The research environment is highly international and experienced in supervising PhD students. The Structural Mechanics Section specializes in static and dynamic analysis of structures, with research lines including vibration in the built environment, structural monitoring, building acoustics, computational structural engineering, and human-induced vibration. The PhD thesis will contribute to vibration-based structural health monitoring (SHM) methods for deep underground tunnels, leveraging advanced numerical simulations and in situ vibration measurements. The HADES URL, constructed in Boom Clay at a depth of 225 meters, serves as the primary case study, with a history of research into safe disposal of radioactive waste and deep geological engineering. Conventional monitoring techniques often fail to detect distributed or deep-seated defects in underground structures. This project aims to develop and validate wave-based monitoring techniques, which are more sensitive to early changes in global structural behavior. Coupled numerical models (finite element, boundary element, and perfectly matched layer formulations) will be used to simulate tunnel-soil interactions, compute modal characteristics, and analyze guided wave dispersion and attenuation. These models will be validated through forced and ambient vibration experiments in the HADES URL, including hammer impact tests and long-term ambient monitoring. Both black-box and white-box damage identification algorithms will be assessed, and the resulting digital twin will underpin a permanent SHM system for the galleries. The methodology developed will be applicable to future underground infrastructures, such as geological disposal facilities, the Einstein Telescope, and railway tunnels. KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium, with a strong international reputation and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The Department of Civil Engineering is located on Campus Arenberg, near Leuven’s city center. Applicants must hold a MSc degree in Civil or Computational Engineering (obtained not earlier than 2023) and have a solid background in structural dynamics, dynamic-soil structure interaction, computational mechanics, or structural health monitoring. Proof of English proficiency is required (TOEFL ibt 94, no section below 22; IELTS 7.0, no band below 6.5). Citizens from countries not signatory to the non-proliferation treaty or with questionable reputations regarding peaceful radioactivity applications, scientific integrity, or economic rules will not be considered. Depending on their background, students may need to pass a pre-doctoral test before entering the PhD program. The position offers a competitive PhD grant of about 2485 EUR per month net, depending on marital status. The PhD student will be affiliated part-time to KU Leuven and SCK CEN. Applications should be submitted online as a single PDF file before 15 March 2026, including a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, transcripts, diplomas, proof of English proficiency, and contact details of three referees. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a Skype interview, and short-listed candidates will have an interview with a jury of experts. For more information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Geert Degrande ([email protected]) or Prof. dr. ir. Stijn François ([email protected]). KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunity and does not accept discrimination based on gender, age, ethnicity, religion, neurodivergence, disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support, assistance is available via the provided email addresses.

This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on structural mechanics and model order reduction techniques for fast prediction of railway-induced vibration in the built environment. The research is part of a project funded by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) and is situated within the Structural Mechanics Section of the Department of Civil Engineering. The department is renowned for its research in static and dynamic analysis of structures, with expertise in vibration assessment, structural monitoring, building acoustics, computational structural engineering, and human-induced vibration of civil engineering structures. The PhD thesis will address vibration assessment in the built environment and computational structural engineering, specifically developing model order reduction methods such as Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD) for parametric studies and vibration mitigation in buildings. The research aims to solve the curse of dimensionality in numerical modeling for railway vibration prediction, enabling efficient parametric and stochastic analysis techniques that have broader applications in structural dynamics. Supervision will be provided by Professor Geert Degrande and Professor Stijn François, both experienced in guiding PhD students. The department offers an international research environment, located near the historic Arenberg Castle on Campus Arenberg, close to Leuven’s city center. KU Leuven is the largest university in Belgium in terms of research funding and is highly ranked globally and in Europe for its research excellence and innovation. Applicants should hold a MSc degree in Civil or Computational Engineering, obtained not earlier than 2023, and possess a strong background in structural dynamics, dynamic-soil structure interaction, elastodynamics, or computational mechanics. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English, with a TOEFL ibt score of at least 94 (no section below 22) or an IELTS score of at least 7.0 (no band below 6.5). Depending on their academic background, candidates may need to complete a pre-doctoral test involving selected courses and research work before entering the PhD program. The position offers a competitive PhD grant of approximately 2485 EUR per month net, with funding for three years and a possible nine-month extension. The start date is as soon as possible, preferably no later than 1 September 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive environment for all researchers. Interested candidates should submit their application online as a single PDF file before 15 March 2026, including a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, transcripts, diplomas, proof of English proficiency, and contact details of three referees. Pre-selected candidates will be invited for a Skype interview with the supervisors. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Geert Degrande at [email protected]. Additional details about the PhD program and living in Leuven can be found at the provided KU Leuven links.

KU Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, is offering a PhD position in Structural Mechanics with a focus on Model Order Reduction. The research aims to develop advanced model order reduction methods, such as Proper Generalized Decomposition (PGD), for the fast prediction of railway-induced vibration in buildings and the built environment. The project will enable efficient parametric and stochastic analyses for vibration mitigation, covering the complete transmission path from the railway track to the receiver structures. Applications of the research extend to structural dynamics and computational mechanics. The successful candidate will join an international research environment and collaborate with experts in structural dynamics. The position is fully funded with a competitive PhD grant (~€2485 net/month, depending on marital status) and may include pre-doctoral courses and research presentations. The duration is 3–4 years, with a possible 9-month extension. The start date is flexible but preferably no later than 1 September 2026. Applicants must have an MSc in Civil or Computational Engineering (completed in 2023 or later) and a strong background in structural dynamics, dynamic soil–structure interaction, elastodynamics, or computational mechanics. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL ibt ≥94 or IELTS ≥7.0) is required. Application materials include a motivation letter, CV (with hobbies/interests/engagement), transcripts and diplomas (BSc & MSc), and contact details for three references. The application deadline is 15 March 2026. For more information or to apply, visit the KU Leuven Jobsite or contact Prof. dr. ir. Geert Degrande at [email protected].

KU Leuven, Department of Civil Engineering, in collaboration with the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN) and ONDRAF/NIRAS, is offering a PhD position in Structural Mechanics focused on dynamic system identification and digital twins for underground infrastructure monitoring. The project centers on developing advanced structural health monitoring (SHM) methods for deep underground tunnels, with the main case study being the HADES Underground Research Laboratory (225 m deep in Boom Clay, Mol). Research activities include in situ vibration experiments, advanced numerical modeling (finite element, boundary element, PML formulations), simulation of environmental and damage scenarios, and the development of a permanent SHM system. The outcomes are applicable to future underground infrastructures such as geological disposal facilities, railway tunnels, and the Einstein Telescope. The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Stijn François and Prof. Geert Degrande, with additional mentorship from SCK CEN. The position offers a competitive net salary (~€2485/month), enrollment at KU Leuven, and part-time affiliation with SCK CEN. The duration is four years, full-time, and may require pre-doctoral courses and research presentations. Applicants must have an MSc in Civil or Computational Engineering (not earlier than 2023), a strong background in structural dynamics, soil–structure interaction, computational mechanics, or SHM, and meet English proficiency requirements (TOEFL iBT 94+, IELTS 7.0+). Certain nationalities are excluded due to nuclear knowledge transfer restrictions. Application materials include a motivation letter, CV, list of publications, transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and references. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2026, with the preferred start date by 1 October 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the KU Leuven Jobsite.