PhD in High-Precision Laser Material Removal (MSCA TURBO-IMPACT)

About the role

The project focuses on developing crack‑free ultrashort‑pulse laser texturing of ceramic materials for advanced turbomachinery components. The PhD candidate will work in the Laser Manufacturing Group at KU Leuven, contributing to the EU‑funded TURBO‑IMPACT network.

Key responsibilities

• Leverage state‑of‑the‑art ultrashort‑pulse laser micromachining facilities to create crack‑free surface textures on ceramics.
• Establish predictive models linking laser parameters to feature geometry and crack formation.
• Develop high‑precision laser texturing methods for complex 3‑D ceramic parts.
• Investigate how laser‑generated textures affect the performance of ceramic‑ceramic and ceramic‑metal interfaces.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, Materials Engineering, Photonics, Physics or a related field.
• No doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Experience or strong interest in laser material processing and material behavior.
• Ability to travel for secondments in Switzerland, Germany, Italy and an industrial partner in Belgium.

Required skills

• Ultrashort‑pulse laser micromachining.
• COMSOL or ANSYS (or other CAE simulation software).
• Fundamental knowledge of laser‑material interaction.

What we offer

• Enrollment in the KU Leuven PhD programme with a competitive MSCA funding package.
• Access to cutting‑edge laser facilities and supervision by leading experts.
• International training, workshops and conference participation.
• Secondments of up to six months at partner universities and an industrial partner.
• Comprehensive social security, mobility and family allowances where applicable.