Elastic (non-)linear metamaterial concepts for efficient mitigation of low frequency transient vibrations in high precision systems
(ref. BAP
Laatst aangepast: 19/12/25
The KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD) and the Group of Mechanics of Materials at TU Eindhoven are searching for a research engineer to join their team to work in a challenging research project within a Global PhD Parnerships of KU Leuvan and TU Eindhoven.
Project
* This PhD project is part of the 'Global PhD Partnership between KU Leuven and Eindhoven University of Technology'. It focuses on the innovative application of elastic metamaterials for transient and low-frequency vibration mitigation—with a specific focus on their application in the next generation of high-tech systems in the semiconductor industry. The PhD researcher will conduct research across both institutions, spending two years at KU Leuven and two years at TU Eindhoven.
* The researcher will explore and quantify the potential of elastic metamaterials to achieve transient wave attenuation, with a particular focus on low-frequency vibration mitigation. Advanced simulation frameworks will be developed, combining wave & finite element based methods, multi-scale homogenization, and nonlinear modelling to efficiently investigate and evaluate a wide range of metamaterial concepts. Building on these tools, the researcher will devise structural optimization strategies to tailor the metamaterial architecture for targeted dynamic performance. The most promising designs will then be validated experimentally, first in a controlled academic prototype and subsequently on a lithography scanner stage demonstrator in collaboration with ASML.
* The PhD is supervised by prof. Elke Deckers ) from the KU Leuven LMSD division. The research is hosted by the Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics (LMSD), which currently counts >100 researchers and is part of the department of mechanical engineering of KU Leuven. The research group has a long track record of combining excellent fundamental academic research with industrially relevant applications, leading to dissemination in both highly ranked academic journals as well as on industrial fora. More information on the research group can be found on the website: and our linkedIn page:
* The PhD will be co-supervised by prof. Varvara Kouznetsova ) from the Mechanics of Materials group at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The group focuses on multi-scale mechanics of solids, aiming to understand and predict how microstructural mechanisms shape the macroscopic behavior of advanced engineering and functional materials. Their work combines theoretical development, computational modeling and close interaction with experimental efforts. More information can be found on the group's website ).
Profile
If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group.
* I have a master degree in engineering, physics or mathematics and performed above average in comparison to my peers. I am not in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
* I am proficient in written and spoken English.
* During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered some basic experience with the physical principles of structural dynamics and (vibro-)acoustics and related numerical modelling techniques, such as the Finite Element Method (FEM). If not, I have a profound interest in these topics. Experience with/knowledge of nonlinear dynamics, optimization and associated numerical methods is considered a bonus.
* As a PhD researcher of the KU Leuven LMSD division and TUE Mechanics of Materials group perform research in a structured and scientifically sound manner. I read technical papers, understand the nuances between different theories and implement and improve methodologies myself.
* Based on interactions and discussions with my supervisors and the colleagues in my team, I set up and update a plan of approach for the upcoming 1 to 3 months to work towards my research goals. I work with a sufficient degree of independence to follow my plan and achieve the goals. I indicate timely when deviations of the plan are required, if goals cannot be met or if I want to discuss intermediate results or issues.
* In frequent reporting, varying between weekly to monthly, I show the results that I have obtained and I give a well-founded interpretation of those results. I iterate on my work and my approach based on the feedback of my supervisors which steer the direction of my research.
* I feel comfortable to work as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire and being inspired by my colleagues.
* I value being part of a large research groups which is well connected to the machine and transportation, high precision industries and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
* During my PhD I want to grow towards following up the project that I am involved in and representing the research group on project meetings or conferences. I see these events as an occasion to disseminate my work to an audience of international experts and research colleagues, and to learn about the larger context of my research and the research project.
* I'm prepared for a certain degree of mobility, since this joint project will require at 2 year stay in Belgium and two year stay in the Netherlands (1st year at KUL, 2nd and 3rd year at TUE, 4th year at KUL).
Offer
* A remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system.
* An opportunity to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, typically a 4 year trajectory, in a stimulating and ambitious research environment.
* Ample occasions to develop yourself in a scientific and/or industrial direction. Besides opportunities offered by the research groups, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School ) and Dutch graduate school on Engineering Mechanics ), known for their strong focus on both future scientists and scientifically trained professionals who will valorise their doctoral expertise and competences in a non-academic context. More information on the training opportunities can be found on the following link: and
Interested?
To apply for this position, please follow the application tool and enclose:
1. full CV – mandatory
2. motivation letter – mandatory
3. full list of credits and grades of both BSc and MSc degrees (as well as their transcription to English if possible) – mandatory
(when you haven't finished your degree yet, just provide us with the partial list of already available credits and grades)
1. proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, …) - if available
2. two reference letters - if available
3. an English version of MSc, or of a recent publication or assignment - if available
For more information please contact dr. Claus Claeys (mail: ), dr. Vanessa Cool (mail: ) and Prof. Elke Deckers (mail: ) or Varvara Kouznetsova ) by mail and mention 'Global PhD Partnerschip' in the title.
You can apply for this job no later than February via the online application tool.
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at
You can apply for this job no later than February 28, 2026 via the online application tool
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
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Tewerkstellingspercentage: Voltijds
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Locatie: Leuven
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28/02/2026 23:59 CET
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Tags: Werktuigkunde, Industriële Ingenieurswetenschappen