PhD Positions In KU Leuven, Belgium
English Proficiency Tests Requirement
All applicants who have not obtained a
previous diploma in a programme taught in English in Australia,
English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the
United States of America must submit a certificate proving their proficiency in
English.
The English proficiency test scores
accepted by KU Leuven are the TOEFL iBT certificate, IELTS Academic
certificate, Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) certificate,
and the ITACE for Students C1 or C2 certificate.
N.B.: The ITACE for Students C1 and C2
tests can only be taken in Leuven.
· PhD Position in Optical oxygen mapping in porous biomaterials
Apply until: 5/09/2022
Tags: Bioscience Engineering
PhD Project Details
Many biological materials have a porous
structure with open spaces distributed over a (semi)solid matrix. Especially
for respiring biological tissues, pores are a key element in the supply and
removal of gasses such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and water vapor.
Nondestructive quantification of these internal gasses is challenging. Gas in
scattering media absorption spectroscopy (GASMAS) is a novel optical technique
for measuring gas concentrations in porous materials. As both the gas
concentration and the path length through the gas in a porous medium are
unknown, GASMAS results are typically reported as equivalent path lengths. The
first step in this research will be to overcome the issue of an unknown path
length. This will allow to determine absolute oxygen or water vapor
concentrations inside the biomaterial together with its (optical) porosity.
However, such measurements yield average values, whereas biological porous materials
often exhibit internal gradients. Information on these gradients is vital, as
they are closely linked to gas transport, respiration processes and the
occurrence of gas-related disorder such as hypoxia. Therefore, this research
aims at taking GASMAS beyond the state of the art by embedding our GASMAS
system in a tomography setup and elaborate reconstruction algorithms to enable
tomographic mapping of the gas concentration gradients throughout the material.
This technique will be validated on porous models systems, before demonstrating
its potential for nondestructive mapping of internal gas concentrations on
porous agro food products.
PhD Applicant Profile
To perform this research, the MeBioS Biophotonics group is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate. Do you hold a master in optics, photonics or (bio-)engineering with a keen interest in optical sensors and data science? Do you have a creative, critical, analytical and innovative mindset? Do you have a hands-on mentality? Do you have excellent oral and written communication skills in English? Then you may be the perfect candidate to join our team. Experience with programming, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) or diffuse optical tomography is considered a plus.
· International doctoral program in Science
PhD Project Details
Biomoleculemapping
and identification via optical microscopy techniques (BioMAP)
Apply until: 23/08/2022
The optical mapping of biomolecules is an important topic in modern biology and medicine. The ability to capture signatures from native microbial DNA molecules (without amplification orlibrary preparation) or features connected to biomolecules associated with diseases enables a new way to analyze biological specimens. This project is devoted to exploring the enhancement of the optical response of a bio molecule residing near a thin film (graphene/2D dichalcogenides), a metallic substrate, or a dielectric surface. The general physical mechanism is described, in classical terms, as an energy transfer/interaction process involving near-fields that could change the excitation mechanisms and the emissive properties of the biomolecules. The induced energy transfer/interaction can be used as a means to do confocal-based biomolecule mapping, either via fluorescence collection or analyzing the time-resolved response in a pump-probe experiment. Further options include using near-field probes. The actual implementation will make use of solid-state nanopore microscopy for biomolecule characterization. The metagenomics research will be conducted at Perseus Biomics, a startup that concentrates on the analysis of the microbiome composition and dynamics for health care applications.
PhD Applicant Profile
· A
strong interest for multidisciplinary research is required.
·
Previous experience in either microscopy, fluorescence microscopy,
time-resolve spectroscopies.
·
Good knowledge of the English language, both spoken and written, is
essential.
·
Strong commitment, ability to work in a team, and eagerness for
international mobility is desired.
·
PhD position in Heterogeneous
catalysis for CO2 conversion
Apply until: 08/09/2022
PhD Project Details
The research group of Prof. Michiel
Dusselier is looking for a motivated student to start a PhD taking part in a
research program dedicated to sustainable heterogeneous catalysis in the
context of CO2 conversion.
The PhD researcher will work on two kinds
of catalytic CO2 conversion strategies, with the aim of reducing overall CO2
emissions of production for useful chemicals. The researcher at CSCE will focus
on heterogeneous catalytic routes and will synthesize different porous and
non-porous supported/non-supported catalysts and test their performance in high
temperature CO2 conversion chemistry (in a new, CO2-dedicated CSCE reactors).
Light assisted high temperature catalytic strategies and mechanistic studies
(IR spectroscopy) will be investigated as well. An example of the type of CO2
work in the group is found in this paper
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acscatal.2c01374 but note that also
zeolite synthesis and catalysis could be part of this PhD.
The PhD researcher will also be able to
characterize these materials using various available characterization tools.
The candidate should be able to clearly communicate his/her work both in papers
and presentations, externally and internally and will get training for this.
In addition to the academic research,
he/she will be responsible for the technical set-up in the lab, i.e. the gas
phase-catalytic reactor (plug flow, fixed bed) and its online GC analysis and
handling or safety issues related to this. Therefore, he/she coordinates all
required adjustments to the set-up and, if necessary, is responsible for
communication with the technical, safety and purchasing department.
·
Simulation supported
vibro-acoustic monitoring of additive manufacturing parts
Apply until: 15/09/2022
The KU Leuven Mechatronic System Dynamics
division (LMSD) is searching for a research engineer to join its team to work
in the challenging FMAKE SBO project MUSIC: Multi Sensor fusion for In-process
Control.
PhD Project Details
This PhD is part of a project aiming to produce first-time right zero-defect parts through additive manufacturing. This project aims to develop monitoring solutions fusing complementary information from optical sensors, and structural and airborne acoustic emission sensors. Given the complexity of combining different monitoring data streams, the project will employ data-driven models as well as physics-based signal analysis.
As a researcher you will develop a suite of modelling strategies that enable (i) determining the optimal sensor locations, (ii) accounting for varying vibro-acoustic signal travel time in complex parts and as the build progresses to synchronize this signal with the existing monitoring tools, and(iii) deconvoluting the measured vibro-acoustic signal to account for diffraction, reflection, or other effects that are interfering with the original signal as it travels from its origin (the melt or defect) to the sensor. Such a simulation supported approach to improve the accuracy of vibro-acoustic monitoring of Additive Manufacturing has not been previously developed.
The research is hosted by the Mechatronic
System Dynamics division (LMSD), which currently counts >100 researchers and
is part of the department of mechanical engineering of KU Leuven. The research
group has a long track record of combining excellent fundamental academic
research with industrially relevant applications, leading to dissemination in
both highly ranked academic journals as well as at industrial fora. More
information on the research group can be found on the website: https://www.mech.kuleuven.be/en/research/mod/about
and our LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/noise-&-vibration-research-group.
·
Spacetime Metamaterials
Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) - Research
division WaveCore - Research unit META
Apply until: 01/04/2023
PhD Project Details
Spacetime metamaterials, artificial optical
structures formed by modulating a host medium in sophisticated fashions,
represent a new and hot paradigm in modern science and technology. The PhD
student will explore, upon the
pioneering foundation established in the group, novel spacetime metamaterial
structures, phenomena and applications.
PhD Applicant Profile
The candidate must have a strong bases in
at least two of the following disciplines:
classical electromagnetics and/or photonics
classical and/or quantum electrodynamics
theories of special and general relativity
·
PhD Position in MSCA Doctoral
Network PARASOL: novel methods for the characterization the low-frequency
performance of (future) shielding solutions
Apply until: 31/12/2022
The PARASOL consortium groups 6 hiring
Universities: TU Eindhoven (NL), University of Twente (NL), KU Leuven (BE),
Tomáš Baťa University (CZ), University of York (UK) and Universitat Politècnica
de Catalunya (ES). Together, these universities have a proven track record in
the management of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Material Engineering,
Sustainability Management, and System-Safety Engineering, and are the leaders
in their field in Europe. 16 Industrial Partners are completing the Doctoral
Network, and representing the complete life cycle of (future) shielding
solutions dedicated to Mobility: starting with development of Innovative
Material (DSM, Dycomet), design and packaging of Integrated Chips and Power
Switches (NXP, CITC, Dynex), Interconnects and Cables design (Ferristorm,
Radiotechnika, Schlegel) and, to ensure completeness of the traning program,
all means of transport with cars (Jaguar-Land-Rover, Ford, Lotus), trains
(Siemens), planes (NLR, Evektor) and ships (Thales).
Each of the 12 PARASOL Doctoral Researchers will be trained to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with a new mindset tuned towards the inclusion of the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework - a holistic approach that integrates the safety, circularity, energy efficiency and functionality of materials, products, and processes throughout their lifecycle – into the design of innovative shielding solutions for mobility. For this inclusion to occur, each Doctoral Researcher will develop through their research the missing dedicated materials, tools and techniques, and apply them to a representative set of shielding solutions under development. This hands-on training is supplemented with several scientific professional courses and an immersive training where the Doctoral Researchers can fine-tune their skills for the Jobs of tomorrow, while addressing the societal challenges of the PARASOL program.
This particular PhD-position will be
executed with the M-Group at KU Leuven Bruges Campus.
PhD Project Details
In this task, the Doctoral Researcher will,
starting from the characterization method described in IEEE 299, develop, and
compare several SE (Shielding Effectiveness) characterization methods to
characterize the shielding properties of materials at very-low-frequencies. A
sound theoretical background will allow to give the right interpretation to the
obtained SE values for use of the material in practice. Low-frequency
electromagnetic disturbances are very hard to confine by shielding and proper
characterization methods are lacking. Especially in that frequency range,
shielding effectiveness values heavily depend on the specific source, the source
orientation, the distance between source and shield, etc.
·
Smart metasurfaces for wireless
communication and processing systems
PhD in the META group of the WaveCoRe research division of
the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT).
Apply until: 30/09/2022
PhD Project Details
Exploring novel paradigms for ultra-fast
real-time data processing and wireless communication based on cutting-edge
space-time metasurface science and technology, including aspects of both
classical and quantum electrodynamics (microwave and optics).
PhD Applicant Profile
Strong bases in electrical engineering or
physics, with working knowledge and particular interest for one (or more) of
the following disciplines: 1. classical electromagnetics and photonics, 2.
quantum electrodynamics, 3. special/general relativity.
·
PhD Position in MSCA Doctoral
Network PARASOL: Integrated Circuit (IC) and Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Shielding
Apply until:
5/09/2022
The PARASOL consortium groups 6 hiring
Universities: TU Eindhoven (NL), University of Twente (NL), KU Leuven (BE),
Tomáš Baťa University (CZ), University of York (UK) and Universitat Politècnica
de Catalunya (ES). Together, these universities have a proven track record in
the management of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Material Engineering,
Sustainability Management, and System-Safety Engineering, and are the leaders
in their field in Europe. 16 Industrial Partners are completing the Doctoral
Network, and representing the complete life cycle of (future) shielding solutions
dedicated to Mobility: starting with development of Innovative Material (DSM,
Dycomet), design and packaging of Integrated Chips and Power Switches (NXP,
CITC, Dynex), Interconnects and Cables design (Ferristorm, Radiotechnika,
Schlegel) and, to ensure completeness of the traning program, all means of
transport with cars (Jaguar-Land-Rover, Ford, Lotus), trains (Siemens), planes
(NLR, Evektor) and ships (Thales).
Each of the 12 PARASOL Doctoral Researchers will be trained to work in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with a new mindset tuned towards the inclusion of the Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework - a holistic approach that integrates the safety, circularity, energy efficiency and functionality of materials, products, and processes throughout their lifecycle – into the design of innovative shielding solutions for mobility. For this inclusion to occur, each Doctoral Researcher will develop through their research the missing dedicated materials, tools and techniques, and apply them to a representative set of shielding solutions under development. This hands-on training is supplemented with several scientific professional courses and an immersive training where the Doctoral Researchers can fine-tune their skills for the Jobs of tomorrow, while addressing the societal challenges of the PARASOL program.
This particular PhD-position will be
executed with the M-Group at KU Leuven Bruges Campus.
PhD Project Details
This Doctoral Researcher will develop a
characterization method to measure the absorption of multiple materials under
different electromagnetic conditions. The measurement results of these
materials will directly lead to a very specific guidelines on how and when to
apply these materials within the framework of the SSbD approach. Containing the
electromagnetic emissions within a confined space is mostly achieved by
implementing shielding materials like board level shields, gaskets, etc.
Despite their efficiency, some downsides exist (e.g., heat conduction, space,
etc.) by implementing these materials. Another solution is to employ specific
absorbers on the radiating parts directly to decrease their emissions. There
are, however, not many easy-to-use characterization methods to measure the
shielding capabilities of absorbers. Also, the absorption of those materials
would depend on the type of electromagnetic source.
·
VUV and laser ionization
spectroscopy of the 229m-Th isomer: a step towards a nuclear clock
Apply until: 5/09/2022
The Institute of Nuclear and Radiation
Physics (IKS) is active in the fields of nuclear physics for fundamental and
societal research. It has about 50 researchers and 5 professors, and graduates
3-5 PhD students per year. The IKS expertise is situated in radioactive and
stable ion beam research and applications, and nuclear physics research with
laser, decay, orientation and reaction techniques. Within the IKS, the Nuclear
Spectroscopy Group of Prof P. Van Duppen studies the fundamental nature of the
atomic nucleus from the halo nuclei in the lightest elements to the actinides
and super-heavy elements, from neutron-deficient to neutron-rich, employing
various experimental techniques at CERN (CH), GSI (D), and GANIL (F). These
includes laser ionization spectroscopy techniques, radiation detector systems
and VUV spectrometry. A specific subject deals with the production and study of
the thorium-229 isomer (229m-Th) a candidate for the development of a nuclear
clock. The Nuclear Spectroscopy Group operates an in-house laser lab with high
repetition rate pulsed dye laser systems and a mass separator lab for research
on stable and long-lived radioactive isotopes.
PhD Project Details
This PhD position is opened in the
framework of the 229m-Th isomer study. This unique nuclear isomer at an
excitation energy of around 8.3 eV (corresponding to a VUV transition of about
150 nm) should allow to built a nuclear clock that outperforms the precision of
current atomic clock by at least an order of magnitude and exhibits unique
properties to test fundamental physics. While this unique isomer has been
proposed four decades ago, it is only a few years ago that its existence has
been firmly established experimentally.
At KU Leuven, a project was initiated to produce and study the 229m-Th isomer following two complementary routes. A new approach to produce pure samples of the 229m-Th isomer via laser ionization is under development in the local laser and mass separator labs, and the production of an intense source of 229m-Th populated via the beta decay of 229-Ac (produced at ISOLDE-CERN (Switzerland)) has been initiated. Both projects address complementary aspects and hold promising opportunities. However, in order to observe for the first time the radiative decay of the isomer and to determine its excitation energy with an order of magnitude better precision, a dedicated VUV spectrometer set-up has to be constructed and characterized specifically for the 229m-Th study. With this set-up, our group managed to detect for the first time the radiative decay of 229m-Th (which is an essential ingredient to develop a nuclear clock) and improved the uncertainty on the excitation energy by a factor of six. This project will continue along these lines by upgrading the VUV spectrometer to improve the uncertainty by another factor of 4 and by studying the isomer's half life in different large band gap crystals that can potentially serve as a proper host for the nuclear clock.
PhD Applicant Profile
We are looking for enthusiastic and
motivated candidates that have a background in physics or engineering studies.
You will be fully integrated in the 229m-Th research group and take part in all
aspect of the research. Skills in the field of laser physics, atomic physics,
ion manipulation, VUV spectroscopy and nuclear physics will be developed during
the PhD training. Regular travels between the different partner laboratories
(Vienna and CERN) will take place.
You have a master’s degree in physics or
Engineering.
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