Marie Curie PhD in 3D-Printed Silicon Nitride Ceramics for Small Turbomachinery, KU Leuven (TURBO-IMPACT DC8)

Job Description

KU Leuven has a Marie Curie PhD in ceramic 3D printing. You will print silicon nitride parts, such as small impellers, by light-cured printing, then sinter them to full density. The post is fully funded for four years from 1 February 2027. Apply by 30 November 2026.

At a glance

• Position: Doctoral Candidate DC8, MSCA Doctoral Network TURBO-IMPACT (ref. BAP-2026-589)
• Group: Advanced Ceramics and Powder Metallurgy, Department of Materials Engineering
• Supervisor: Prof. Jozef (Jef) Vleugels
• Pay: MSCA doctoral package with mobility and family allowances where they apply
• Duration: 4 years, from 1 February 2027
• Apply: 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET

What the ceramic 3D printing PhD involves

• Develop a UV-curable silicon nitride slurry for DLP or SLA printing
• Optimise printing of test parts and small impellers
• Develop debinding and sintering steps to reach dense, near-net-shape parts
• Characterise microstructure, mechanical properties and shape accuracy
• Link processing to properties
• Spend 4 to 6 months on secondments, with possible hosts at EPFL, Admatec and IFW

Why this role matters

Small turbines and compressors are key parts of heat pumps, fuel cells and gas turbines. Silicon nitride handles heat and wear far better than metal, but it is hard to shape. Printing it could open new designs. As a Marie Curie fellow you also train across a European network.

What KU Leuven is looking for

• A two-year master’s in materials science, materials engineering or equivalent
• Good written and spoken English
• Basic experience in ceramics processing, additive manufacturing or characterisation, or a strong interest in them
• Good grades, at least distinction level
• MSCA rule: you must not have lived or worked mainly in Belgium for more than 12 months in the last 36 months
• You must not already hold a doctorate

Nice to have

• An English test result, two reference letters, and an English master’s thesis or paper

Pay and location

The ad gives no euro figure. It offers the standard MSCA doctoral package, with mobility and family allowances where they apply, and full social security. The MSCA mobility rule suits applicants from India and other countries outside Belgium.

How to apply

Apply through the official KU Leuven page. The closing date is 30 November 2026, 23:59 CET. Use the KU Leuven online application. Upload a full CV, a motivation letter and full bachelor’s and master’s grade lists. Data is shared with the network partners.

See all our PhD positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.