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KU Leuven
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Fully Funded PhD in Optical Monitoring for Femtosecond Laser Processing KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Signal Processing
Funding
Fully funded full-time MSCA Doctoral Network employment with a gross living allowance of €4,010 per month, a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and a family allowance of €660 per month where applicable. The package includes paid leave, full social security coverage, and mobility and family allowances in accordance with MSCA rules.
Deadline
Jan 12, 2027
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
KU Leuven is recruiting a doctoral researcher for DC8 of INTELLASE, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network on intelligent laser precision manufacturing. The PhD will be carried out in the Laser Manufacturing Group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KU Leuven in Leuven, Belgium, under the supervision of Prof. Sylvie Castagne, head of the group.
The research focuses on developing and validating an optical monitoring system for femtosecond laser processing. The system will provide in-situ, high-resolution, and high-speed monitoring of femtosecond laser micromachining, with the aim of characterizing machined feature depth and enabling reliable real-time process control.
The doctoral researcher will integrate the optical monitoring system into KU Leuven’s existing femtosecond laser micromachining platform. The project includes developing signal-processing methods that convert monitoring data into quantitative information, establishing relationships between optical signals and machined feature geometry, and validating the system across different materials and geometries.
INTELLASE brings together 20 academic, research, and industrial partners across eight countries. The network combines laser-material interaction physics, photonics engineering, advanced sensing, physics-based modelling, and artificial intelligence for adaptive and reliable laser manufacturing. The candidate will work in an international research environment with state-of-the-art facilities, doctoral training, workshops, conferences, and approximately eight months of secondments at partner institutions, including the University of West Bohemia, AGC Glass, and the University of Turku.
The project offers an interdisciplinary setting spanning mechanical engineering, mechatronics, photonics, materials engineering, physics, sensor technology, signal processing, and intelligent manufacturing.
Funding details
Fully funded full-time MSCA Doctoral Network employment with a gross living allowance of €4,010 per month, a mobility allowance of €710 per month, and a family allowance of €660 per month where applicable. The package includes paid leave, full social security coverage, and mobility and family allowances in accordance with MSCA rules.
What's required
Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a related field with an equivalent academic level, and must not hold a doctoral degree at recruitment. Candidates should have performed above average, be proficient in written and spoken English, and have experience or strong interest in laser-material processing, photonics, sensor technology, signal processing, manufacturing, or related topics. Experience with laser systems, sensor integration, signal processing, or dynamic control systems is desirable. Applicants should be precise, detail-oriented, proactive, responsible, collaborative, and willing to travel for secondments. Under the MSCA mobility rule, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months before recruitment.
How to apply
Apply through the KU Leuven online job application tool by 12 January 2027. Submit a full CV, motivation letter, and complete Bachelor’s and Master’s credit and grade lists. If available, also provide English proficiency proof, two reference letters, and an English MSc thesis or recent publication/assignment.
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