We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic, passionate, and communicative researcher, with a proactive and creative attitude who is eager to explore innovative solutions. If you recognize yourself in the story below, then you have the profile that fits the project and the research group:
1. I have a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Microwave Engineering or telecommunication or a related field and performed above average in comparison to my peers.
2. I am proficient in written and spoken English.
3. During my courses or prior professional activities, I have gathered experience with radio frequency measurements and/or EMC, and can demonstrate a strong affinity with (one of) these fields.
4. I am proficient in practical RF measurements and am not afraid in writing measurement scripts in Python and am familiar software defined radio’s.
5. As a 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. I value being part of a research group which is well connected to the mechatronics industry and I am eager to learn how academic research can be linked to industrial innovation roadmaps.
10. During my PhD I want to grow towards 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.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, as we believe that different perspectives contribute to better research and innovation.
Join the iSense Doctoral Network: Shape the Future of Electromagnetic Research!
Are you passionate about cutting-edge research in electromagnetics, smart grids, and medical technology? Do you want to contribute to the development of next-generation EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) monitoring and detection tools? If so, this PhD opportunity is for you!
About the Project
The iSense Doctoral Network is pioneering research to tackle the ever-growing challenges of electromagnetic interference (EMI). As technology advances, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility is crucial for reliable smart grids, medical devices, and countless high-tech applications. In this fully funded PhD position (DC6) at KU Leuven, you will play a key role in optimizing the parameters used to monitor and describe electromagnetic environments. Your work will have a direct impact on improving EMI detection and mitigation strategies—ensuring future technologies function seamlessly.
Your Mission:
11. Identify the most critical electromagnetic parameters affecting system performance.
12. Develop a cost-effective, high-precision methodology for monitoring EMI.
13. Test and validate your approach in real-world applications, including smart grids and medical devices.
Expected Impact:
14. Define the key EM parameters essential for continuous, real-time monitoring.
15. Deliver a practical, cost-efficient EMI monitoring strategy to improve the reliability of advanced technologies.
The M-Group at KU Leuven Bruges Campus is an interdisciplinary research team focusing on intelligent and dependable mechatronic systems, combining research expertise from the departments of Computer Science, Electrical Engineering andMechanical Engineering. A dedicated part of our team focuses on electromagnetic risk management, addressing the latest challenges in electromagnetic interference and advancing the future of this rapidly evolving field. The PhD will be supervised by Prof. Tim Claeys and Prof. Davy Pissoort.
This is more than just a PhD position - it’s an opportunity to be part of an internationally recognized network of researchers through the MSCA iSENSE Doctoral Network (https://dn-isense.eu/). As a PhD candidate, you will be based at KU Leuven’s Bruges Campus.
We offer:
16. A fully funded 3-year PhD scholarship (extendable to 4 years), with a remuneration package competitive with industry standards in Belgium, a country with a high quality of life and excellent health care system.
17. 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.
18. Opportunities to collaborate in groundbreaking research and participate in international conferences.
19. Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and a range of university benefits (health insurance, etc.).
20. A dynamic, passionate team of fellow PhD students and test engineers.
In the context of the MSCA Doctoral Network iSENSE, KU Leuven receives Researcher Allowances, consisting of a living allowance, mobility allowance and, if applicable a family allowance, for the recruitment of the Doctoral Candidate. These Researcher Allowances will be used to cover the Doctoral Candidate’s remuneration, including all employer and employee’s taxes and contributions.
The position will be hosted within the collaborative and internationally oriented research environment at KU Leuven, one of the world's leading universities (ranked among the top 100 globally). Founded in 1425, KU Leuven has been a center of learning for nearly six centuries and is Belgium’s highest-ranked university, as well as one of the oldest and most renowned universities in Europe. KU Leuven provides a truly international experience, high-quality education, world-class research, and cutting-edge innovation, having topped Reuters' ranking of Europe's most innovative universities for four consecutive years.
The successful candidate will be encouraged to present their research at international conferences and national events, with a strong emphasis on publishing high-quality conference papers and journal articles. They will benefit from our robust international research and industrial network, which is actively involved in this project.
KU Leuven Campus Bruges, located in the magnificent medieval city of Bruges in West Flanders, offers a vibrant academic setting in close proximity to a network of companies. The campus features newly established labs to support both educational and research needs.