Research Engineer​/Early-Stage Researcher - Energy & Defence Systems

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Aerospace engineering Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country Belgium Final date to receive applications 30 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 12 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-11 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Nowadays, guaranteeing a reliable supply of energy and drinking water is becoming increasingly challenging due to geopolitical tensions and climate-related disasters. In several regions around the globe, energy availability is limited, while water may be accessible but not necessarily potable, as observed during flooding events. The logistical challenges involved in ensuring both energy and potable water supply can be complex and demanding, particularly in areas where vital infrastructure does not exist, has been destroyed, or where hostilities take place.

In an attempt to address these challenges in an ecologically responsible manner, the HYDE project was launched in 2022 under a DEFRA grant, funded by the Belgian Royal Higher Institute for Defence and BELSPO. In this project, the partners KU Leuven, VIVES, and Solenco Power investigate, design, and test a solar-energy-driven energy and water supply system employing hydrogen for military encampments.

Within this framework, we are offering a one-year academic-staff position, with the possibility of extension subject to the successful acquisition of follow-up funding. You will become part of a multidisciplinary and well-functioning consortium team consisting of researchers from KU Leuven (Bruges and Ghent campuses), the University of Applied Sciences VIVES in Kortrijk, and Solenco Power. From the start, you will be expected to interact closely with academic and industrial partners, integrate into existing workflows, and support the timely delivery of project outputs.

Your work will involve contributing to research, development, and experimental activities, as well as documenting and communicating results in a clear and structured manner. You will manage your tasks within defined timelines, report progress regularly to the supervisors, and coordinate efficiently with other team members. You are a dynamic and passionate problem-solver with a strong interest in applied research in the fields of engineering, energy systems, and emerging technologies such as clean aviation.

You are able to work independently, while also functioning well within a multidisciplinary team involving both academic partners and industry. The candidate:

• Holds a master’s degree in Engineering Sciences or Engineering Technology, preferably with a background in Energy or Aeronautics.
• Shows strong analytical and system-level thinking, and is able to combine insights from different disciplines to translate research questions into practical and testable solutions.
• Has good communication skills and can present research results clearly and convincingly in team meetings, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals. Experience with conference presentations or publications in high-impact journals is considered an asset.
• Is flexible and demonstrates good time management skills.
• Can work autonomously and maintains constructive interactions with the co/supervisors and project partners.
• Contributes actively to the timely delivery of project milestones and deliverables, in line with agreed quality standards.
• Has the ability and motivation to independently explore new technological domains as required by the research.
• Can adapt efficiently to changing research topics and project priorities within a funded research setting.
• Shows interest in contributing to the further development and scientific positioning of ongoing and future research activities.
• Assists in the organisation of workshops, meetings, and other project-related events.
• Reports research progress regularly to the co-supervisors.
• Is willing to engage in teaching activities.
• Is…