As manufacturing increasingly prioritizes performance and functionality, hybrid manufacturing approaches—integrating two or more types of process energies—have emerged. These methods address the challenges of working with novel materials while ensuring the preservation of surface characteristics and designed performance. Hybrid laser-electrochemical micromachining (LECM) is one such technique which involves synergistic and coaxial application of green laser and electrochemical micromachining processes with an aim to machine advanced difficult-to-cut materials with high precision and surface quality, while preserving material properties. The LECM technology has been developed in-house at the MPE group and research is on-going on its machining capabilities and fundamental removal mechanisms. Therefore, this research will explore machining of advanced materials through LECM for studying the machining performance through process-material interactions while advancing on-machine capabilities through digital frameworks. The project will generate new knowledge to scale-up the LECM technology and advance the fields of hybrid manufacturing and machining of advanced materials.

The project will have a sound mix of applied and fundamental research elements including hardware development, hands-on experiments, process simulation, in-process signal analysis, metallography and metrology, providing the PhD researcher the opportunity to develop multidisciplinary expertise. Relevant state-of-the-art infrastructure, hardware and software are available in the lab to start this research.

To be successful you should:

• Be a motivated candidate with a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Production Engineering or a related field in Science and Engineering.
• Have strong interest in manufacturing with prior research or industrial experience.
• Have experience with experimental machines, practical knowledge of design of experiments, data analysis and presentation, and basic metallography and metrology techniques.
• Have knowledge of electrochemical manufacturing and electrochemistry analysis techniques (preferred but not mandatory).
• Have a critical mindset and able to formulate research questions.
• Have good social and communication skills to work in a team.
• Have good knowledge of English is necessary.

The start of PhD is planned for 1st November 2025 but is negotiable. The offer will include:

• A fully funded and full-time PhD position for 4 years. The contract will be extended each year based on annual progress.
• Excellent guidance by the experienced, international and multidisciplinary team.
• Access to world-class research infrastructure at a reputed research group in a top ranked university .
• Opportunities to network and present your research at international conferences.
• A remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and an excellent health care system.

To apply, use the KU Leuven online application platform (applications by email are not considered). Applications should ideally include:

- CV and a Cover letter with research interests and career goals, indicating why you are interested in this position.

- A PDF of your degrees (Bachelor and Master) and transcripts.

- At least two references: names, phone numbers and email addresses.

Please send your application using the online KU Leuven form as soon as possible. Starting Date: Immediate start possible, preferably by October/November 1st 2025.

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Krishna Kumar Saxena, tel.: +32 16 32 15 43, mail: krishna.saxena@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. ir. Dominiek Reynaerts, tel.: +32 16 32 26 40, mail: dominiek.reynaerts@kuleuven.be.