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KU Leuven
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Fully Funded PhD in Physics-Based Laser Ablation Modeling of Dielectric Materials at KU Leuven KU Leuven in Belgium
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Mechanical Engineering
Funding
This is a fully funded, full-time MSCA Doctoral Network position. The financial package includes 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 employment includes paid leave and full social security coverage, with additional institutional regulations potentially applying.
Deadline
Jan 12, 2027
Country
Belgium
University
KU Leuven
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About this position
KU Leuven is recruiting a PhD researcher for the INTELLASE Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network, a European research and training project focused on intelligent laser precision manufacturing. The position is based in the Laser Manufacturing Group within KU Leuven’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in Leuven, Belgium.
The PhD project investigates physics-based laser ablation and laser-material interaction modeling for dielectric materials such as glass. The researcher will develop predictive models that connect laser processing conditions with the geometry of manufactured features and the formation of defects. The work will support improved micro- and nanoprocessing of dielectrics used in high-end photonics, electronics, and semiconductor applications.
The research will involve multiphysics simulation across several processing regimes, ranging from nanosecond to femtosecond laser pulses. The candidate will establish simulation frameworks, validate them for different materials and geometrical features using KU Leuven’s state-of-the-art laser micromachining facilities, and contribute to a digital twin framework for intelligent manufacturing.
The project is supervised by Professor Sylvie Castagne, head of the Laser Manufacturing Group. As part of INTELLASE, the doctoral researcher will join an interdisciplinary network involving academic, research, and industrial partners across Europe. The network provides access to international training, workshops, conferences, collaborative research, and secondments at partner institutions including CNRS, ModuleWorks, and the University of Turku.
The successful candidate will be enrolled in the KU Leuven PhD programme and participate in the Arenberg Doctoral School, combining advanced scientific training with transferable skills development in an international research environment.
Funding details
This is a fully funded, full-time MSCA Doctoral Network position. The financial package includes 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 employment includes paid leave and full social security coverage, with additional institutional regulations potentially applying.
What's required
Applicants must hold a two-year master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics, or a similar field at an equivalent academic level, and must not hold a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment. Applicants should have above-average academic performance, proficiency in written and spoken English, and experience or strong interest in laser material processing, manufacturing principles, or the mechanical behavior of materials. Experience with COMSOL, ANSYS, or other CAE simulation software is desirable. Candidates should be precise, detail-oriented, proactive, responsible, collaborative, and willing to travel for secondments. The MSCA mobility rule requires that applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately before recruitment.
How to apply
Apply through the KU Leuven online application tool by 12 January 2027. Submit a full CV, motivation letter, and complete Bachelor’s and Master’s credit and grade lists, with English translations where possible. Include proof of English proficiency, two reference letters, and an English MSc thesis, publication, or recent assignment if available.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.