Position Summary
Position:
Department:
Institute of Mechanics, Materials and Civil Engineering
Institute:
Universitรฉ catholique de Louvain
Country:
Belgium
Research Field:
Materials Science Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Storage
Posted Date:
Jan 13, 2026
Deadline:
open until filled
Offer Period:
4 Years
Offer Start Date:
Sep 01, 2026
๐๐ก๐ ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐
Description:
Our research group focuses on the development of a new sustainable high-energy density storage technology to facilitate the storage and transport of renewable energy.
- In particular, the research topic of this PhD focuses on the oxidation of designed Fe-based powders in both solid and liquid states. The work will involve:
- State-of-the-art x-ray experiments at synchrotron facilities (XRD, XCT)
- Advanced microstructural and chemical analyses (XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, BET, XCT, โฆ)
- Oxidation experiments (TGA)
- Combustion experiments
- State-of-the-art x-ray experiments at synchrotron facilities (XRD, XCT)
- Advanced microstructural and chemical analyses (XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, BET, XCT, โฆ)
- Oxidation experiments (TGA)
- Combustion experiments
Required Qualification:
Essential Qualification:
- Master's degree in Materials Science Engineering with excellent grades - Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering degree can also be considered if you followed a few materials science courses
Preferred Qualification:
- Experience in materials characterisation (e.g., metallography, microscopy, XRD), kinetic analysis of chemical reactions, and/or image analysis is an advantage
Employment Conditions and Benefits:
Contract duration:
๐โ๐ ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ 1๐ ๐ก ๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐ 2026, ๐๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ 4 ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ . ๐ด๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ก๐๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐๐๐๐.
Benefits:
- An interesting job on a pioneering topic with large societal, ecological and economic impact
- The opportunity to be part of a highly committed ERC research team
- Access to a network of leading experts and state-of-the-art experimental facilities
- High degree of flexibility on working hours
- Competitive salary
- Internal skill training opportunities and support
Application Process:
Documents Required:
- CV,
- grade transcripts and
- letters of recommendation
How to apply:
- Contact me at laurine.choisez@uclouvain.be with your CV, grade transcripts and letters of recommendation!
About the Host Lab Group/Institution:
UCLouvain is Belgium's largest French-speaking university and one of the oldest in Europe. It is located in Louvain-la-Neuve, which was expressly built to house the university, and has smaller campuses in Brussels, Charleroi, Mons, Tournai and Namur.
Explore Other Similar Positions:
You may also be interested in the following PhD positions. These opportunities are currently open across universities and research institutes worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a PhD position?
PhD positions are open to candidates who hold, or will soon complete, a relevant Masterโs degree or equivalent qualification in a related field. Specific academic requirements may vary depending on the institution and research project.
Can international candidates apply?
Yes. Most PhD positions are open to international applicants. Universities usually provide support for visa applications and residence permits, subject to national regulations.
Is a Masterโs degree mandatory for applying to a PhD?
In most cases, a completed Masterโs degree is required. However, some institutions may consider exceptional candidates with strong academic backgrounds or integrated MasterโPhD programs.
What is the typical duration of a PhD program?
A PhD program typically lasts 3 to 5 years, depending on the country, funding scheme, and research field. Some programs may allow extensions under specific circumstances.
Is the PhD position fully funded?
Most advertised PhD positions are fully funded and include a monthly salary or stipend. Funding details, tuition coverage, and benefits are usually specified in the job description.
Are PhD candidates considered students or employees?
This depends on the country and institution. In many European countries, PhD candidates are employed as staff members, while in others they may be registered as students receiving a stipend.
Are teaching responsibilities included in PhD positions?
Teaching duties vary by institution. Some PhD positions include teaching or lab supervision, while others are research-only. The exact expectations are described in each job advertisement.
Disclaimer:
This position is published for informational purposes. Please refer to the official application link for the most accurate and up-to-date details.