项目介绍

2026年5月25日

The KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics division (LMSD) is searching for a research engineer to join its team to work in the challenging Flanders Make SBO project NVH-AIMS – Noise, Vibration and Harshness: Advanced Interface Modelling for mechanical Systems.

Unit website

Project

• This PhD is part of a project aiming to develop novel modelling and characterization methods to enable accurate system-level NVH prediction in complex mecha(tro)nic assemblies, by focusing on advanced physics-based interface and vibro-acoustic modelling tools. While excitation mechanisms such as gear transmission error or electromagnetic forces in motors are increasingly well understood, the propagation of vibrations and noise through multiple structural interfaces in these assemblies remains a key challenge. However, accurate noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) predictions are crucial not only for product performance but also for broader economic and societal reasons. This PhD fits in the Noise, Vibration and Harshness: Advanced Interface Modelling for mechanical Systems (NVH-AIMS) project supported through the Flemish strategic research centre Flanders Make.
• As a researcher you will develop approaches to efficiently cover low-to-high frequency simulation of vibro-acoustic assemblies. This includes coupling and mapping strategies with excitation mechanisms, novel efficient and compact acoustic radiation models, and combination of simulation techniques in order to cover the audible frequency range. Specific attention will also go to adequate model preprocessing, since different frequency ranges require different fidelity both in terms of model refinement as well as perceptually noticeable differences in sound. On the other hand, the combination of the novel radiation models with measured vibration fields will be investigated for reliable in-situ hybrid measurement-model based noise radiation estimation.
• The research is hosted by the Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics division (LMSD), which currently counts >100 researchers and is part of the department of mechanical engineering of KU Leuven. KU Leuven features consistently in Europe’s top-15 universities within the Times Higher Education ranking. Worldwide our university ranks #45 in the 2024 edition of the same ranking. The research group itself 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: https://www.mech.kuleuven.be/en/research/mod/about and our linkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/lmsd-kuleuven/.

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’s degree in engineering, physics or mathematics and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
• I am proficient in written and spoken English.
• During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered some basic experience with numerical modelling (e.g. analytical or finite element based) of vibro-acoustic systems, and/or I have a profound interest in these topics. 
• As a PhD researcher of the KU Leuven Mecha(tro)nic System Dynamics division I 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 group which is well connected to the machine and transportation industry 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.

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 an industrial direction. Besides opportunities offered by the research group, further doctoral training for PhD candidates is provided in the framework of the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School (https://set.kuleuven.be/phd), known for its 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: https://set.kuleuven.be/phd/dopl/whytraining. 

Interested?

To apply for this position, please follow the application tool and enclose:1. full CV – mandatory2. motivation letter – mandatory3. 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)4. proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, …) – if available5. two reference letters – if available6. an English version of MSc or PhD thesis, or of a recent publication or assignment – if available
For more information please contact dr. Lucas Van Belle, mail: lucas.vanbelle@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Elke Deckers, mail: elke.deckers@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than June 19, 2026 via the online application tool