Hybrid laser-electrochemical (micro)machining of advanced materials

Job title:

Hybrid laser-electrochemical (micro)machining of advanced materials

Company

Job description

Offer DescriptionAs manufacturing increasingly prioritizes performance and functionality, hybrid manufacturing approaches-integrating two or more types of process energies-have emerged. These methods address the challenges of working with novel materials while ensuring the preservation of surface characteristics and designed performance. Hybrid laser-electrochemical micromachining (LECM) is one such technique which involves synergistic and coaxial application of green laser and electrochemical micromachining processes with an aim to machine advanced difficult-to-cut materials with high precision and surface quality, while preserving material properties. The LECM technology has been developed in-house at the MPE group and research is on-going on its machining capabilities and fundamental removal mechanisms. Therefore, this research will explore machining of advanced materials through LECM for studying the machining performance through process-material interactions while advancing on-machine capabilities through digital frameworks. The project will generate new knowledge to scale-up the LECM technology and advance the fields of hybrid manufacturing and machining of advanced materials.The project will have a sound mix of applied and fundamental research elements including hardware development, hands-on experiments, process simulation, in-process signal analysis, metallography and metrology, providing the PhD researcher the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary expertise. Relevant state-of-the-art infrastructure, hardware and software are available in the lab to start this research.To be successful you should:

• Be a motivated candidate with a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Production Engineering or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• Have strong interest in manufacturing with prior research or industrial experience.
• Have experience with experimental machines, practical knowledge of design of experiments, data analysis and presentation, and basic metallography and metrology techniques.
• Have knowledge of electrochemical manufacturing and electrochemistry analysis techniques (preferred but not mandatory).
• Have a critical mindset and able to formulate research questions.
• Have good social and communication skills to work in a team.
• Have good knowledge of English is necessary.

The start of PhD is planned for 1st November 2025 but is negotiable. The offer will include:

• A fully funded and full-time PhD position for 4 years. The contract will be extended each year based on annual progress.
• Excellent guidance by the experienced, international and multidisciplinary team.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure at a reputed research group in a top ranked university .
• Opportunities to network and present your research at international conferences.
• A remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and an excellent health care system.

To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (applications by email are not considered). Applications should ideally include:– CV and a Cover letter with research interests and career goals, indicating why you are interested in this position.– A PDF of your degrees (Bachelor and Master) and transcripts.– At least two references: names, phone numbers and email addresses.Please send your application using the online KU Leuven form as soon as possible. Starting Date: Immediate start possible, preferably by October/November 1st 2025.For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Krishna Kumar Saxena, tel.: +32 16 32 15 43, mail: or Prof. dr. ir. Dominiek Reynaerts, tel.: +32 16 32 26 40, mail: .Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsResearch Field Engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalentLanguages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages ENGLISH Level GoodResearch Field Engineering » Materials engineering Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Additional InformationBenefitsThe start of PhD is planned for 1st November 2025 but is negotiable. The offer will include:

• A fully funded and full-time PhD position for 4 years. The contract will be extended each year based on annual progress.
• Excellent guidance by the experienced, international and multidisciplinary team.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure at a reputed research group in a top ranked university .
• Opportunities to network and present your research at international conferences.
• A remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and an excellent health care system.

Eligibility criteriaTo be successful you should:

• Be a motivated candidate with a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Production Engineering or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• Have strong interest in manufacturing with prior research or industrial experience.
• Have experience with experimental machines, practical knowledge of design of experiments, data analysis and presentation, and basic metallography and metrology techniques.
• Have knowledge of electrochemical manufacturing and electrochemistry analysis techniques (preferred but not mandatory).
• Have a critical mindset and able to formulate research questions.
• Have good social and communication skills to work in a team.
• Have good knowledge of English is necessary.

Selection processTo apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (applications by email are not considered). Applications should ideally include:– CV and a Cover letter with research interests and career goals, indicating why you are interested in this position.– A PDF of your degrees (Bachelor and Master) and transcripts.– At least two references: names, phone numbers and email addresses.Please send your application using the online KU Leuven form as soon as possible. Starting Date: Immediate start possible, preferably by October/November 1st 2025.For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Krishna Kumar Saxena, tel.: +32 16 32 15 43, mail: or Prof. dr. ir. Dominiek Reynaerts, tel.: +32 16 32 26 40, mail: .Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute KU LEUVEN Country Belgium City Leuven GeofieldContact CityLeuvenSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant

Job date

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 05:24:03 GMT

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