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.