Marie Curie PhD vacancy

Job Title

Marie Curie PhD vacancy (DC2) on Cobot-assisted and digitally-monitored electrolyte jet micromachining (EJM) process for athermal surface structuring and postprocessing of hip implants for promoting osteogenic differentiation

Project

KU Leuven seeks a highly motivated PhD candidate for a fully funded, international doctoral position within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) project MicroMan4Health. The project focuses on the research of a cobot-assisted and digitally monitored electrolyte jet machining (EJM) process for anatomically conformal surface structuring and post‑processing of orthopaedic hip implants, combining electrochemical micromachining, process monitoring, multiphysical modelling and digital manufacturing to create functional implant surfaces that support improved biological performance.

The project includes potential international secondments at TextureJet Ltd. (United Kingdom), University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign (USA) and Mondragon University (Spain).

Qualifications and Eligibility

• Must hold a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Production Engineering or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• Strong interest in advanced manufacturing, precision engineering and digital manufacturing.
• Experience working with experimental setups and laboratory equipment.
• Practical knowledge of design of experiments (DoE), statistical analysis and scientific presentation.
• Knowledge of electrochemical manufacturing, process monitoring and control (preferred but not mandatory).
• Excellent command of English (spoken and written) with TOEFL or IELTS scores.
• Must not have been awarded a PhD yet (i.e., successful defence but not formally awarded).
• Must not have resided or carried out main activity in Belgium for more than 12 months within the last 3 years.

Offer

• A fully funded and full‑time Marie Curie PhD position with a remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium.
• Participation in several international doctoral training programmes (~12 weeks over 3 years) at different European locations as part of MicroMan4Health.
• Excellent guidance by university and industry experts and access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratory infrastructure.
• Opportunities to network and present research at international conferences.
• Further doctoral training through the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School.

How to Apply

To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (applications by email are not considered). Applications should include:

1. Motivation Letter (maximum 1 A4 page).

2. Complete Academic CV.

3. List of Publications (include DOIs, no PDFs).

4. Copies of BSc and MSc diplomas with supplement.

5. Transcript of Records.

6. English summary of Master Thesis (max 1 A4 page).

7. Proof of English Language Proficiency.

8. Reference Letter or contact details for one reference.

EEO Statement

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity. We do not accept discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious or philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, socioeconomic status, or any other protected characteristic.

Job Details

Closing Date: 2026‑08‑24 (Europe/Brussels)