PhD Researcher in Multi-Metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion for High-Temperature Turbomachinery
Fully funded MSCA PhD position to advance additive manufacturing of high-temperature-resistant multi-metal alloys for small-scale turbomachinery.
Best for:Best for engineering or physics graduates with a master’s degree, strong initiative, and foundational knowledge of additive manufacturing or material science, seeking a fully funded international PhD in advanced manufacturing.
Overview
This PhD position at KU Leuven’s Additive Manufacturing (AM) team focuses on pioneering research into multi-metal Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) for high-temperature-resistant materials in small-scale turbomachinery. The project, part of the Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network TURBO-IMPACT, aims to develop robust design methods, integrated manufacturing platforms, and multi-material joining techniques. The successful candidate will investigate powder deposition strategies, digital modeling, and interface quality in LPBF processes, with potential secondments at DTU (Denmark) and Amnovis (Belgium). The role offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, international collaboration, and comprehensive training through KU Leuven’s Arenberg Doctoral School.
What you'll do
- Develop and extend state-of-the-art LPBF equipment to investigate 1D and 3D powder deposition strategies for multi-metal alloys.
- Design and validate multi-physical digital models to predict optimal LPBF parameters and scanning strategies, with a focus on interface regions.
- Study the influence of local laser remelting on surface properties, porosity, and overall interface quality in additive manufacturing.
- Investigate the relationship between material characteristics, LPBF process parameters, and resulting mechanical performance.
- Collaborate with international partners during secondments at DTU (Denmark) and Amnovis (Belgium).
- Participate in local and network-wide training activities, workshops, and international conferences related to the research topic.
- Contribute to the development of robust system and component design methods for small-scale turbomachinery.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, or a related field with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 (if available).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic excellence with above-average performance in master’s studies.
- Basic understanding or hands-on experience with additive manufacturing principles or material behavior in manufacturing.
- Strong proficiency in written and spoken English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent proficiency may be required).
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.
- Experience with scientific reporting and iterative research planning.
- Applicant must not have resided or carried out main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment (MSCA Mobility Rule).
- Applicant must not already hold a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
- Applicant must be eligible under MSCA Doctoral Network rules.
- Applicant must not have completed more than 4 years of doctoral studies by the recruitment date (MSCA rule).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Applicants must submit their application through the KU Leuven job application tool. Required documents include a full CV, motivation letter, full list of BSc and MSc credits/grades (with English translations if possible), 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 BSc and MSc credits and grades (with English translations if applicable)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.)
- Two reference letters
- English version of MSc thesis or recent publication (if available)
Contact
Prof. dr. Brecht Van Hooreweder· Supervisor
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