项目介绍

2026年6月29日

KU Leuven Kulak’s Science & Technology group provides education in a wide range of undergraduate science programs (as well as transition options to (bio-)engineering and pharmacy), while also making the link to contemporary research. Within the S&T Kulak group, the research group “(Quantum) Gauge Theories” focuses on Quantum Chromodynamics and Classical Electrodynamics. This takes us from the smallest nuclear building blocks to model building for non-destructive monitoring in geophysics.

Unit website

Project

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) under extreme conditions can be explored in the laboratory through heavy-ion collision experiments. These experiments provide a unique window into the state of matter that existed mere instants after the Big Bang, most notably the quark-gluon plasma (QGP). In addition to the extremely high temperatures and densities achieved in such collisions, non-central interactions generate extraordinarily strong magnetic fields. Understanding the role of these fields is essential for a comprehensive description of QGP dynamics, both from experimental as well as theoretical viewpoint.
In this theory-oriented project, we propose to systematically investigate how intense magnetic fields influence key physical properties of the plasma. Specifically, we will focus on:

• the electric conductivity, and its implications for both the magnetization and the lifetime of the QGP.
• the melting of charmonium states, one of the most important experimental signatures of the QGP and a phenomenon closely tied to the deconfinement phase transition.

To address these questions, we will develop phenomenologically relevant holographic QCD models, based on self-consistent solutions of Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton gravity, as well as Born-Infeld generalizations thereof.
This research will happen in a close collaboration with the group of prof. dr. Subhash Mahapatra, National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India.

Profile

• The successful candidate must hold a (recent) Master’s degree in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering Sciences, with a strong focus on theoretical physics. You have obtained excellent study results.
• You have fluent written and oral Dutch and/or English language skills.
• You have experience with and/or a strong interest in teaching to (engineering) science students.
• You can work independently and collaborate well in an international team.
• We are looking forward to your application, a motivational letter, a recommendation letter (preferably from your master thesis promotor, to be sent directly to david.dudal@kuleuven.be) and your CV.

Offer

We offer a full-time employment as a PhD fellow in the Science & Technology Group Kulak for 1 year, with possibility of extension up to 4 years to eventually obtain a PhD. 
The indicative start date is October 1, 2026, but this is negotiable to some extent.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. David Dudal, mail: david.dudal@kuleuven.be or Prof. dr. Koen Van Den Abeele, mail: koen.vandenabeele@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than July 12, 2026 via the online application tool