PhD in Structural Mechanics: Dynamic System Identification & Digital Twins for Underground Infrastructure Monitoring KU Leuven in Belgium

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.