PhD position on Ecodesign for Human‑Robotic Re‑ and Demanufacturing KU Leuven in Belgium

The Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) research group at KU Leuven’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is offering a funded PhD position focused on ecodesign for human-robotic re- and demanufacturing. The group is renowned for its research on sustainable product and process design, supporting circular economy strategies such as reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. Research activities integrate ecodesign, manufacturing and robotic systems, software/computer vision tools, and sustainability assessment, in close collaboration with industrial partners and public organizations. The LCE group is actively involved in European and international research initiatives, providing a multidisciplinary environment for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

This PhD position is part of an international academic network advancing ecodesign methodologies and manufacturing strategies to enable circular economy practices at industrial scale, aligned with European sustainability and resource efficiency policies. The research addresses the challenges of re- and demanufacturing electromechanical products, including product variability, process complexity, limited automation scalability, and high operational costs. While robotic disassembly technologies have advanced, current approaches often lack integration of human-robot cooperation and comprehensive sustainability considerations in product design.

The project aims to develop an ecodesign framework for electromechanical components and systems, enabling efficient and robust human-robot cooperative re- and demanufacturing processes. It will address design trade-offs between durability, automation, human intervention, and sustainability performance. The research will expand current design metrics to cover a broader range of activities and product types, and integrate environmental (LCA), economic (LCC), and social impact perspectives for informed design decision-making.

Methodologies developed will be validated through industrial case studies with European manufacturing and remanufacturing companies. The PhD includes two mandatory international secondments (2-3 months), offering exposure to industrial design practice, advanced manufacturing technologies, and real-world remanufacturing constraints. The project also aims to incorporate acquired information into the Digital Product Passport to support re- and demanufacturing activities. Experimental validation will take place in the newly established remanufacturing lighthouse laboratories at Flanders Make @ KU Leuven, managed by the LCE group.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline (with at least distinction or equivalent), practical experience in mechanical design and robot programming, and hands-on experience with industrial or collaborative robots. Effective English communication is required; Dutch is an asset but not mandatory. Candidates must be motivated for doctoral research, willing to conduct experimental work, and able to participate in international secondments. An international mobility rule applies: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding 01/10/2026.

The position offers a competitive salary, doctoral training, international secondments, and access to state-of-the-art robotic labs. The EU Researcher Allowances cover mandatory charges. KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, and a transparent selection process, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented backgrounds. Applicants should compile the 'Summary Sheet' (link provided) and include it as the first pages of their motivation letter, avoiding use of personal names in the motivation letter and file names.

For further information, contact Dr. Núria Boix Rodríguez at [email protected]. Apply online via the KU Leuven job portal. The application deadline is 31 May 2026.