项目介绍

2026年4月19日

This vacancy is offered in the framework of the non-destructive evaluation research axis in the research team of Prof. Christ Glorieux of the Laboratory for Soft Matter, Biophysics and Acoustics in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. The laboratory is specialized in the use of ultrasonic techniques in general, and laser generated and detected guided acoustic waves in particular, for remotely probing sub-surface features of materials. Till now, the research has been oriented to industrial applications. With this project, we extend the scope to non-contact evaluation of the inside of art objects.
In addition to our expertise and guidance, we offer the unique atmosphere of a campus integrated in the vibrant city of Leuven, which combines a rich history with a campus atmosphere.

KU Leuven boasts a rich tradition of education and research that dates back six centuries and received the European HR Excellence in Research Award based on its current policy and a comprehensive action plan. The university’s basic research orientation has always been and will remain fundamental research. At the same time, the university remains vigilantly open to contemporary cultural, economic and industrial realities, as well as to the community’s needs and expectations. From a basis of social responsibility and scientific expertise, KU Leuven provides high-quality, comprehensive health care, including specialised tertiary care, in its University Hospitals. In doing so it strives toward optimum accessibility and respect for all patients.

KU Leuven is currently by far the largest university in Belgium in terms of research funding and expenditure (EUR 740 million in 2023), and is a charter member of LERU. KU Leuven conducts fundamental and applied research in all academic disciplines with a clear international orientation. In the Times Higher Education 2023 ranking KU Leuven is ranked as the 14h European university, while in the Reuters Top 100 of the World’s most innovative institutions, KU Leuven was listed as the first European university, for four years in a row.

Website van de eenheid

Project

The objective of this 4y PhD project is the use of laser generated, optically detected surface acoustic waves (SAWs) to perform laser ultrasonic depth profiling of multi-layered 3D artworks. By fitting/recognizing the frequency dependence of the guided  wave velocity, this depth profile can be extracted by making use of the most recent inverse problem approaches.
Using the same approach but detecting echoes from bulk acoustic waves, 2D or 3D tomographic images will be reconstructed, revealing the presence and location of possible defects, such as voids and loose connections. Comparison of both techniques with THz imaging (CNRS, Metz) is foreseen as well as a feasibility evaluation of the SAW depth-profiling approach for painting stratigraphy.

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 degree in Physics (cfr KU Leuven Master Physics programme) or Engineering
* I do not yet have a PhD
* I am proficient in written and spoken English, and write and communicate clearly in an interdisciplinary environment
* I am proficient in analysing, synthesizing and writing up scientific texts and giving scientific presentations both at expert and layman level
* I am adept at learning new concepts, skills and tasks and have a problem-solving approach to complex challenges
* During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered experience (*) with optics, lasers, vibrometry, analytical and numerical modeling of mechanical wave propagation, solving differential equations, signal processing, Fourier analysis, writing programs and instrument communication interfacing algorithms (Matlab, Python, Labview,…), art restoration and I have a profound interest in these topics.
* As PhD researcher at KU Leuven 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.
* I work goal-oriented and have a getting-things-done attitude, always with scientific rigor.
* 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 working as a team member and I am eager to share my results to inspire my colleagues and be inspired by them.
* I value being part of a project that aims at finding sustainable solutions in the domain of building applications and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial or societal 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.
* During the past 3 years I have not resided, studied or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months.

Offer

* A remuneration package (1) in line with Marie Sklodowska Curie Doctoral Network regulations, which is competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system. The researcher allowances granted by Europe will cover all (employer’s and employee’s) taxes and contributions; the exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment.
* An opportunity to pursue a PhD in Science, in a stimulating and ambitious research environment, with 3 years funding within the UNVEIL ITN project.
* Tentative start date: 1 September 2026
* An opportunity to work within a challenging European research project with leading players in the field of art restoration across Europe.
* A stay in a vibrant environment in the hearth of Europe. The university is located in Leuven, a town of approximately 100000 inhabitants, located close to Brussels (25km), and 20 minutes by train from Brussels International Airport. This strategic positioning and the strong presence of the university, international research centers, and industry, lead to a safe town with high quality of life, welcome to non-Dutch speaking people and with ample opportunities for social and sport activities. The mixture of cultures and research fields are some of the ingredients making the KU Leuven the most innovative university in Europe. Further information can be found on the website of the university 
* Secondments in IKTS, Dresden, Germany and CNRS-LRMH, Champs-sur-Marne, France.
(1) Note: the typical duration of a PhD at KU Leuven is 4 years. Standard UNVEIL funding is only guaranteed for the first 3 years. Funding modalities for year 4 are to be discussed during the recruitment phase.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Christ Glorieux, mail: info.atf@kuleuven.be.
Please mention UNVEIL – DC6 application – your first name – your last name in the subject line, and include your detailed CV with the informations listed below.
Applications in English should be submitted online and include:

* Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, age, work experience, degrees, publications, proofs of proficiency in English (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) as well as all other academic achievements)
* Cover letter explaining your motivation (max. 1 page)
* Scans of originals and English transcripts of all courses and grades for your Bachelor and Master program
* Materials showing your proficiency in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing (e.g. demonstrated by a good GRE score)
Materials showing your proficiency with the experience/skills mentioned above (*)
* A short description of your Master’s work (max 1 page)

You can apply for this job no later than May 14, 2026 via the online application tool