Doctoral scholarship holder mathematical modelling and optimal design of mechatronic systems

Organisation/Company University of Antwerp Research Field Engineering » Mechanical engineering Engineering » Other Mathematics » Applied mathematics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 2 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Belgium Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research, and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international, and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day.

Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

The Department of Electromechanical Engineering Technology (research group Cosys-Lab), in the Faculty of Applied Engineering, is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of mathematical modelling and optimal design of mechatronic systems.

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of mathematical modelling and optimal design of mechatronic systems. You will research the next generation of automatic generation of mechanisms and the optimization of their performance. This movie provides a general introduction to the machine design research within Cosys-Lab.
  • You will draw up a research plan and corresponding research methods in consultation with your supervisor(s) and undertake the necessary administration for a smooth PhD process.
  • You will conduct the research efficiently and to an appropriate standard, possibly abroad, and compete for funding for general or specific costs.
  • You will report progress to your supervisor(s) and committees. Moreover, you will present your research at scientific conferences.
  • You will defend your thesis publicly and aim for publication in the scientific press.
• You will make a supporting, scientific contribution to existing research projects or lines of research within your own doctoral research.
• You will compete for internal or external predoctoral funding.
• In addition to project-based research, you will also be responsible for a limited range of support tasks related to teaching and/or valorisation within our department.

• You hold a master's degree in mechanical engineering, mathematical engineering, physics, applied math, or similar, or you will have obtained it by the time of appointment.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
• You have a strong mathematical foundation and demonstrable affinity with mathematical modelling and optimization (e.g. linear/geometric algebra, numerical optimization) applied to an engineering problem, preferably in your master's thesis. Prior exposure to (projective) geometric algebra is a plus but not expected - willingness to master new mathematical formal isms is what matters.
• You have a good knowledge of English, both oral and written (preferably C1).
• Your teaching competencies are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision .
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity, and cooperation.
• You combine strong independent working skills with an excellent collaborative mindset.

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of at least one year. Following a positive evaluation and available funding, the…