PhD position - Stainless Steel Structures

Offer Description

Organisation/Company KU LEUVEN Research Field Engineering» Civil engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 4 Mar 2026 - 23:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number BAP-2026-79 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Research:
The doctoral research focuses on the structural behaviour of novel stainless steel built‑up section members and reliable design recommendations alongside practical guidelines. With the goal of advancing material‑conscious and sustainable construction practices, the research aims to develop innovative built‑up configurations for stainless steel members that deliver superior stability performance and enable convenient assembly, Campus De Nayer is seeking a PhD candidate capable of conducting research on high‑performance stainless steel structures, including experimental characterization, numerical modelling, and development of design rules.

The candidate will work under the guidance of Prof. Qiu‑Yun Li, who conducts active research in Structural Engineering and Constructional Materials within the Department of Civil Engineering at KU Leuven.

The researcher is expected to:

• be able to work independently, accurately and methodically
• present research results at regular internal and/or external meetings
• write scientific papers for publication in top‑tier journals and present research work at international conferences
• demonstrate a solid academic background relevant to the envisaged research topic

Teaching:
The successful candidate will support teaching activities in the Bachelor and Master of Science in Engineering Technology – Civil Engineering. The appointee should also be willing to guide master theses.

Consultancy:
Depending on progress during the PhD trajectory, the candidate may also be required to support consultancy activities. The position is open to applicants with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related disciplines.

Qualified candidates:

• have a strong academic profile (at least distinction in the master’s degree)
• demonstrate enthusiasm for structural testing, finite element modelling, design rule development, and sustainable construction
• have an interest in multidisciplinary research
• possess an excellent command of English, both spoken and written; knowledge of Dutch is considered an asset
• are open‑minded, collaborative, well‑organised, and have good communication skills

We offer a full‑time appointment for a duration of up to 4 years. You will work as a doctoral student in a stimulating and challenging environment with a high degree of flexibility and autonomy. At KU Leuven, the main teaching language is Dutch, while English is widely used for research communication. The successful candidate must be willing to accept the mobility required to fulfil teaching and research responsibilities.

KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunities and values diversity within its workforce.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Qiu‑Yun Li, Materials & Constructions research group, Campus De Nayer (Sint‑Katelijne‑Waver):