Bey Vrancken

This fully funded PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on the quasi-static and dynamic behaviour of low and high density additively manufactured lattice structures under multi-axial loading. Hosted by the Additive Manufacturing (AM) research group within the Manufacturing and Process Systems division (MaPS) at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the project is supervised by Prof. Bey Vrancken and Prof. Brecht Van Hooreweder. The AM group at KU Leuven is internationally recognized, with over three decades of expertise in laser-based additive manufacturing, process optimization, and advanced materials research. The doctoral project is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM', which unites design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines to develop next-generation patient-specific shoulder implants. The research aims to address the mechanical performance and longevity of engineered porous (lattice) structures, which are critical for orthopaedic implants and have broader applications in lightweighting for aerospace and aviation. Key research objectives include investigating the anisotropic mechanical behaviour of lattice structures under combined torsion and tension/compression, optimizing Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) process parameters for various lattice types, fabricating test specimens for multi-axial load testing, and mapping the influence of lattice orientation and density on mechanical performance. The project methodology extends to process-structure-property mapping, with potential impact beyond medical implants, such as in aerospace engineering. The position offers two three-month research stays: one at Amnovis in Belgium for sample production and multi-axial testing, and another at Semmelweiss University in Budapest for accelerated corrosion testing. The successful candidate will benefit from specialized doctoral training, extensive networking, and collaboration opportunities within the MSCA network, which includes 17 doctoral candidates across Europe. Applicants should have a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a closely related field, with experience in mechanical testing and materials characterization. Familiarity with additive manufacturing is required, and specific experience with metal AM is advantageous. Excellent English communication skills are essential (TOEFL ≥94 or IELTS ≥7). MSCA mobility rules apply: candidates must not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment and must not already hold a PhD. The role also involves contributing to teaching and supervision at the Bachelor or Master level. The position is fully funded through the MSCA Doctoral Network, offering a living allowance, mobility allowance, and additional allowances as applicable. KU Leuven provides a vibrant, international research environment in the heart of Europe, with strong links to industry and a high quality of life in Leuven. The university is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. To apply, submit your application via the KU Leuven job portal. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Bey Vrancken at [email protected]. The application deadline is 5 February 2026.

This fully funded Ph.D. position at KU Leuven focuses on the surface finishing of porous shoulder implants produced by additive manufacturing (AM), as part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network 'CUSTOM'. The successful candidate will join the MnM² lab in the Department of Materials Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. Joris Everaerts and co-promotor Prof. Bey Vrancken. The MnM² lab specializes in developing methodologies for studying the mechanical and fracture behavior of metals, with a particular emphasis on small-scale samples and advanced characterization techniques. The CUSTOM project brings together design, manufacturing, and testing disciplines to develop next-generation, patient-specific shoulder implants. The project addresses the significant challenge of implant failure, which currently affects about 10% of artificial shoulder implants within ten years due to issues like soft tissue failure, infection, and loosening. By integrating computational design, additive manufacturing, and advanced testing, CUSTOM aims to improve implant functionality and longevity. The Ph.D. project will tackle three main objectives: (1) developing chemical and electrochemical cleaning strategies for porous titanium AM structures, (2) enabling internal surface roughness characterization using microfocus X-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) and statistical analysis, and (3) identifying the impact of surface roughness on mechanical properties, especially fatigue resistance, using machine learning. The doctoral candidate will benefit from three three-month secondments at partner institutions: Semmelweis University (Hungary) for cytotoxicity testing, University of Udine (Italy) for simulation of fatigue performance, and Amnovis (Belgium) for industrial process comparison. The position offers a highly specialized doctoral training in an international environment, extensive networking and training activities, and opportunities for research collaborations and conference participation. Applicants must have a Master's degree in Materials Science, Engineering, or Chemistry, with excellent academic results, strong English communication skills, and experience in experimental work. Experience with electrochemistry, X-ray CT, or electron microscopy is advantageous. Candidates must comply with MSCA mobility rules, meaning they should not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For more information, candidates can contact Prof. dr. ir. Joris Everaerts or visit the MnM² lab and project websites.