APPLICATION BY EMAIL according to the application rules hereunder (not via LinkedIn). Please attach all the documents asked.
CONTEXT
The Royal Military Academy is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The RMA is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.
In the framework of the study MSP22-04, we are looking for a full-time researcher in mechanical engineering with a master's degree in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Electro-Mechanical Engineering.
We value diversity and equal opportunities. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
PROJECT
You will join the Weapon Systems and Ballistics (ABAL) department of the Faculty of Polytechnics at the Royal Military Academy (RMA). In this role, you will conduct university-level scientific research within the framework of a project entitled: “Quantitative Correlation between Firearm Geometry and Internal Ballistic Pressure Development.”
The proposed research focuses on the experimental investigation of wear mechanisms occurring throughout the life cycle of small-caliber firearms. This includes the development, improvement, and validation of experimental setups within the Ballistic Laboratory, as well as the design and implementation of advanced data processing and analysis methodologies.
A key component of the work involves the analysis and exploitation of experimental data, leading to the dissemination of results through scientific publications and conferences.
The experimental activities will rely on high-precision measurement techniques, including the use of piezoelectric sensors for internal pressure acquisition during firing. In addition, Doppler-based measurement methods, using both electromagnetic and laser systems, will be employed to accurately determine projectile velocity.
MAIN TASKS:
Exploit and improve available experimental internal ballistic setups dedicated to quantitative assessment of internal ballistics through measurement of pressure and velocity
Develop post-processing routines for internal ballistics assessment
Develop validation experimental setups for proving the reliability of measurements and for the characterization of measurement uncertainties
Establish and refine empirical models linking experimental measurements to internal ballistic phenomena
Disseminate research outcomes through high-quality scientific publications and contributions to conferences
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
The applicant shall have a master’s degree in engineering (in Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Electro-Mechanical Engineering
This position is open for junior profiles. Young graduates are also encouraged to apply
“MUST HAVE” skills (Professional experience or Academic experience through study projects and/or master thesis):
Mechanical design and the use of CAD software
Use of experimental setups and performing experimental measurements
Exploitation of measurements
“NICE TO HAVE” skills (Professional experience or Academic experience through study projects and/or master thesis):
LabView
Python
Scientific literature review and scientific writing
Personal skills:
Ability to conduct scientific research at university level
Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary research team
Excellent written communication skills, both for scientific communications and for general public communications
Good oral communication skills for scientific communications
Other skills:
The applicant shall have an excellent command of the English language (to read and write scientific publications).
Minimal knowledge of French and/or Dutch is an added value (collaboration with peers)
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible.
Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.
APPLICATION
Please send by email:
a CV
your nationality
to Mr Cyril Robbe (cyril.robbe@mil.be ) and to ERM-DEAO-STAFF-HRMGT-PATRIMONY@mil.be.
Please mention clearly the reference of the project in your email: “MSP22/04” and please also precise your nationality.
The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. If needed, on-line interviews can be organized. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.
CONTRACT
Probable date of recruitment: From 01/06/2026 in consultation with the applicant.
Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until end September 2027. There is a high chance for the project to be prolonged after this initial period, depending on the availability of new funding.
Wage scale: class A2 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
Holiday pay.
EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS
Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
End-of-year bonus;
Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
Holidays:
29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year’s Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
Entitlement to services offered by the ‘Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense’ (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).
WORKPLACE
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