Professor in Geotechnical Engineering

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

KU Leuven has a full-time academic vacancy at the Bruges Campus in the area of geotechnical engineering. We are looking for internationally orientated candidates with an excellent research record in geotechnical engineering and with educational competencies within the broader field of civil Engineering. The position is open to candidates who are native Dutch speakers, or candidates who can provide evidence of Dutch language proficiency at a minimum CEFR level C1 and who are willing and able to teach in Dutch from the start of the appointment. The successful applicant will be appointed in the Department of Civil Engineering and the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the Science, Engineering and Technology Group of KU Leuven. The Faculty of Engineering Technology has an extensive national and international network, both in the academic and business world.

The Geotechnical research at the Bruges Campus focuses on offshore geotechnics and dynamic soil-structure interaction. The research aims to enhance the resilience of the built environment to geotechnical hazards by contributing to understanding fundamental mechanisms and improving design methodologies for infrastructure. The research activities benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations in national and international contexts and contribute both to theoretical and experimental advancements and practical applications in geotechnical engineering. Your application is expected to strengthen the Coastal and Geotechnical Engineering group, a prominent focus area of civil engineering on campus Bruges. The research is embedded in the Hydraulics and Geotechnics Section of the Department of Civil Engineering, where the hydraulics research relevant for geotechnical engineering focusses on wave loading, geomorphological processes and nature-based solutions against flooding and erosion, where soil mechanics plays a role in terms of sediments and soil characterization. The research group can build upon a solid research infrastructure, an extensive international network, connections with companies and non-profit organisations, a stable offer of highly talented PhD students and a supportive work environment.

Duties

Research

• You develop a research programme at an international level in geotechnical engineering, with emphasis on theoretical and applied geotechnics and soil mechanics. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, sustainable and resilient geotechnical applications, data-driven geomechanics, offshore geotechnics, and complementary topics that foster collaboration with the Hydraulics group. Particular importance is placed on experimental soil mechanics, especially in connection with the Section’s new laboratory infrastructure in Bruges, including the cyclic triaxial testing system for offshore applications. Candidates with the ability to advance and make strategic use of this experimental capacity would be an asset.
• You closely collaborate with the colleagues within the research group, you strengthen existing research lines and provide additional expertise with the development of an independent research line based on your own strengths and expertise that complements and broadens the group’s portfolio.
• You engage in targeted scientific research, resulting in successful PhD supervision and publications that meet international standards and lead to broad international recognition in the field of geotechnical engineering.
• You support or initiate a network of companies through the valorisation of research results and the delivery of industrial services, aimed at strengthening industrial innovation and practical impact in the geotechnical domain.
• As part of your research programme, you develop and sustain international academic and industrial partnerships and actively participate in collaborative research networks.
• You are able to acquire competitive funding, both project-based government or internal funding as well as industrial funding. Experience in applying for research funding will be appreciated.
• You contribute to the further development and international reputation of the Hydraulics and Geotechnics Section and the faculty.
• You pay the required attention to the technology transfer and application of your research results in industry, government, and society, thereby enhancing societal and economic impact.
• You strive for excellence and thus contribute to the further development of the research group and the faculty.

Teaching

• You provide high-quality education for both bachelor and master students, within the Faculty of Engineering Technology, with a focus on geotechnical and structural engineering, and other courses within the Civil Engineering Technology curriculum, with a clear co