KU Leuven
Top university
3 months ago
PhD Position in Moisture Transport in Heritage Brick Masonry Structures (Civil Engineering, Building Physics) KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Materials Science
Funding
The position is a funded PhD opportunity at KU Leuven. Candidates are expected to apply for a personal FWO grant for a PhD fellowship with support from supervisors. Specific stipend amount and tuition coverage are not detailed in the announcement.
Deadline
Expired
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
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.
Funding details
The position is a funded PhD opportunity at KU Leuven. Candidates are expected to apply for a personal FWO grant for a PhD fellowship with support from supervisors. Specific stipend amount and tuition coverage are not detailed in the announcement.
What's required
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Engineering Science with a specialty in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or an equivalent Master’s degree at the start of the contract. A strong background in building physics is required. Candidates should have obtained their Master’s degree with at least distinction or demonstrate academic excellence through achievements, awards, or endorsements. The ideal candidate is proactive, critical, creative-minded, capable of working autonomously and in a team, and interested in conservation of built heritage. Experience in both numerical and experimental research is preferred. Applicants must have very good English proficiency and be living in Belgium or willing to relocate for the duration of the project.
How to apply
Apply online via the KU Leuven application tool by December 17, 2025. Visit the provided link for more information and to submit your application. Prepare required documents and ensure eligibility before applying.
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