PhD Position in Plasma-Assisted Combustion Solvers
Develop multi-physics simulation frameworks and machine-learning reduction techniques for clean plasma-assisted combustion systems.
Best for:Best for engineering, physics, or computational science graduates with strong programming skills and an interest in chemical kinetics, plasma physics, and machine learning.
Overview
The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics research group, operating as part of the ERC Starting Grant project ESCAPADE. The successful candidate will focus on developing advanced computational tools for plasma-assisted combustion by combining state-to-state kinetic modeling, mechanism reduction methodologies, and physics-informed machine learning. The research involves designing simulation codes that explicitly model non-equilibrium chemistry and plasma discharges, specifically targeting sustainable ammonia and hydrogen fuels. The candidate will work closely within an international research environment at the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus.
What you'll do
- Design and develop advanced in-house plasma-assisted combustion simulation codes and solvers.
- Formulate novel reduction methodologies for large state-to-state kinetic mechanisms containing hundreds or thousands of species.
- Apply physics-informed machine learning and data-driven modeling techniques to streamline complex chemical kinetics.
- Integrate reduced-order models into advanced CFD environments, including DNS and LES simulations.
- Validate developed computational methodologies against experimental benchmark datasets generated by international project partners.
Requirements
Degree required: Master of Science in Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Computational Science or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; fluent in written and spoken English
Instruction: English
- Strong background in numerical methods and scientific computing
- Excellent programming skills in Python, Fortran, and/or C++
- Demonstrated interest in chemical kinetics, plasma physics, combustion, reduced-order modelling, and machine learning
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to work both independently and within an international team
- Must hold a relevant Master of Science degree
- Must not have performed works in the execution of a mandate as an assistant, paid from operating resources, over a total cumulated period of more than 12 months
- Non-EEA nationals must meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with VUB residence requirements
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15
Candidates must submit their application file through the online VUB jobs portal by the specified deadline. Required submission documents include a comprehensive CV, a motivation letter, and academic diplomas. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview following the initial file screening.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Diploma
Contact
Aurélie Bellemans· Professor
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