PhD in Cross-Disciplinary Digital Twins for Mechanical Design
Develop a novel digital twin framework integrating technical performance and economic lifecycle analysis for mechanical engineering design.
Best for:Best for multidisciplinary engineers or business engineers with a strong interest in integrating technical and economic perspectives in mechanical design, seeking a collaborative PhD environment with industry relevance.
Overview
This PhD position at KU Leuven focuses on creating a cross-disciplinary digital twin framework to optimize mechanical product design by merging technical performance, economic considerations, and lifecycle sustainability. The project, part of the PACCAR Chair in Future Engineering Design, will be conducted within the Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD) division, a leading research group in system dynamics, mechatronics, and digital engineering. The successful candidate will collaborate with experts in mechanical engineering, economics, and materials science to develop methodologies that enable robust trade-offs between performance, reliability, and lifecycle value. The research aims to advance beyond traditional design philosophies by embedding circular economy principles and will be jointly supervised by faculty from multiple disciplines, ensuring a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach.
What you'll do
- Develop a cross-disciplinary digital twin framework to integrate technical performance and economic considerations in mechanical product design.
- Conduct research on lifecycle cost, reliability, and performance trade-offs for mechanical systems.
- Collaborate with supervisors from mechanical engineering, economics, and materials science faculties.
- Publish research findings in leading international journals and present at academic conferences.
- Engage in multidisciplinary teamwork and contribute to both academic and industrial collaborations.
- Utilize state-of-the-art research infrastructure and participate in doctoral training programs at KU Leuven.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in engineering (mechanical, industrial, or related fields) or business engineering, with above-average academic performance.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency demonstrated through academic performance or standardized tests (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Instruction: English
- Proven interest or experience in mechanical design, analysis, or business model innovations in manufacturing.
- Strong proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Ability to conduct structured, scientifically sound research and implement methodologies independently.
- Multidisciplinary mindset with an aptitude for exploring innovative ideas beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
- Experience in reporting research progress and incorporating feedback from supervisors.
- Applicant must not hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit their application through KU Leuven’s application tool. Required documents include a full CV, motivation letter, transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees (with English translations if necessary), proof of English proficiency, two reference letters, and an English version of the MSc thesis or recent publication if available.
- Full CV
- Motivation letter
- Full list of credits and grades for BSc and MSc degrees (or partial list if degree not yet completed)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Two reference letters
- English version of MSc thesis or recent publication (if available)
Contact
Claus Claeys· Supervisor
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