Lincy Pyl

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a full-time PhD studentship in the Mechanics of Materials and Structures, based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus. The position is offered within the Faculty of Engineering Sciences, specifically the Department of Mechanics of Materials and Constructions (MeMC), and aligns with the research themes of the Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures (M²S) group. Research topics include advanced characterization and monitoring of materials and structures, mechanics-driven design and optimization of high-performance and sustainable materials, and adaptive and multifunctional material systems. The successful candidate will develop a doctoral research project in close collaboration with their supervisors, tailored to their strengths and interests, and closely related to the ongoing activities of the M²S group. The role includes presenting research at international conferences, publishing in academic journals, and building a professional network. Teaching responsibilities are limited and may involve coordinating and supervising exercises, practicals, and projects in Dutch and English. Additional tasks may include participating in promotional events and contributing to departmental governance. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Civil Engineering, Electromechanics, or equivalent) or a Master’s in Engineering Sciences: Architecture. Fluency in Dutch and English is required. Candidates should be early-career researchers with limited paid scientific research experience and willing to apply for external research grants (FWO or others). Applicants must not have worked as a paid assistant for more than 12 months. Non-EU/EEA candidates must meet legal residence and permit requirements for VUB. The university values diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants regardless of gender, age, religion, ethnicity, disability, or neurodiversity. The studentship is initially offered for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to 48 months upon positive evaluation. The stipend is determined by government salary scales. Benefits include telework or internet allowance, hospitalisation insurance, reimbursement for public transport or bicycle commuting, discounted meals at campus restaurants, access to sports facilities and shopping discounts, childcare services, and opportunities for professional development. The position is contingent upon successful enrollment as a doctoral student at VUB. To apply, submit your application online via the VUB jobs portal by 28 June 2026. Required documents include a Dutch-language motivation letter (with a link to your introduction video), CV, and diplomas (not required for VUB alumni). The selection process consists of dossier review and a job interview. For questions, contact Prof. Lincy Pyl at [email protected]. For more information about working at VUB and the EUTOPIA university network, visit the provided links.

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) is advertising a full-time PhD candidate position in Mechanics of Materials and Constructions within the Faculty of Engineering, Department Meccanica van materialen en constructies (MeMC), in Brussels, Belgium. The successful candidate will join the Mechanics of Advanced Materials and Structures (M²S) research group , working on research themes that include advanced characterisation and monitoring of materials and structures, mechanics-driven design and optimisation of high-performance and sustainable materials and structures, and adaptive and multifunctional material systems. This position is designed as a doctoral scholarship and is clearly oriented toward completing a PhD within a four-year period. The work will be developed together with the supervisors and aligned to the candidate’s strengths and research interests, while remaining close to the research activities of M²S. The appointee is expected to present findings at international conferences, build an international research network, and publish in leading academic journals. Alongside research, the role includes a limited teaching and support component. Tasks may involve coordinating and supervising exercise sessions, laboratory sessions, and project-based learning activities in MeMC courses. Some of these teaching activities are in Dutch and others in English. The PhD candidate may also contribute to outreach and promotional activities such as VUB Information Days and SID-IN events, and assist with departmental service through councils or committees. The position is based at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) . The department values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a supportive onboarding environment, and seeks someone who is open-minded, communicative, and able to work both independently and in a team. Eligibility highlights: applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences (Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Electromechanical Engineering, or an equivalent qualification). Fluency in English is required, while Dutch is considered an asset. The call is aimed at early-career researchers with limited paid scientific research experience who are willing to apply for external fellowships such as FWO or similar funding schemes. Applicants must also satisfy the university’s permit and residence requirements. Funding: the university offers a full-time PhD scholarship for 12 months, renewable up to a maximum of 48 months subject to positive evaluation of the PhD activities. The grant is linked to one of the government scales, and the scholarship becomes effective upon enrolment as a doctorate student. Application deadline: 7 September 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Brussels). Apply through the VUB jobs portal and submit the requested documents: CV, motivation letter with a link to a self-introduction video, and diploma where applicable. Contact: questions about the job content can be directed to Prof. Lincy Pyl at [email protected].