"Professor in Welding Materials Engineering of Advanced Alloys"

Academic Position in Welding Metallurgy – KU Leuven (De Nayer Campus)

Faculty: Engineering Technology

Department: Materials Engineering (Research Unit SIEM)

Location: De Nayer Campus, Sint-Katelijne-Waver (Belgium)

Application Deadline: August 12, 2025

Start Date: As agreed upon

[Unit website]

About the Position

The Faculty of Engineering Technology at KU Leuven, within the Department of Materials Engineering (SIEM), invites applications for a full-time faculty position in the domain of Welding Metallurgy. This position is based at the KU Leuven De Nayer Campus and aligns with the university’s mission to combine cutting-edge research with high-impact education and industrial collaboration.

We seek a candidate with a strong interdisciplinary research profile, demonstrable industrial affinity, and teaching expertise in the materials science aspects of welding (aligned with IIW Block 2).

Research Expectations

You will:

• Develop an internationally recognized research program in welding metallurgy, with an emphasis on fusion welding processes (e.g., arc welding, laser welding).
• Focus on materials science aspects—especially welding of complex steel alloys and lightweight materials, microstructural evolution, and in-situ process monitoring.
• Contribute to and extend ongoing research in welding-oriented production techniques (e.g., WAAM, DED), FEA-based welding process development, and experimental validation.
• Build and maintain strong ties with industry, particularly through technology transfer, industrial service provision, and collaborative research.
• Secure competitive funding, including government and industrial sources.
• Supervise PhD researchers, postdocs, and Master’s theses.
• Strengthen and expand the research group’s local and international academic and industrial network.

Teaching Responsibilities

You will contribute to:

• The Advanced Master’s in Welding Engineering (taught in English), accredited by the International Institute of Welding (IIW). This includes topics such as:
• Materials science of welding
• Thermal and mechanical welding processes
• Destructive and non-destructive testing
• Residual stress and deformation
• Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Electromechanics (mainly taught in Dutch), covering:
• Welding production techniques
• Materials science
• Service behavior of materials
• Supervision of Master’s theses and participation in doctoral supervision.
• The academic coordination and development of the Advanced Master’s program and representation in the IIW network.

You are expected to apply research-driven, active-learning approaches aligned with KU Leuven’s educational vision. Support for educational professional development is provided.

Service and Outreach

You will:

• Contribute to internal service at the university and external service to society and the industrial sector.
• Maintain active engagement with:
• Belgian Institute for Welding Technology (BIL)
• Belgian Association for Welding Technology (BVL) – the Belgian ANB of IIW
• Assist in promoting KU Leuven’s De Nayer and Group T campuses at public events, open days, and academic fairs.

Profile

• PhD in Engineering Science or Engineering Technology, focused on materials or mechanical engineering.
• Additional qualifications such as a Master in Welding Engineering or IWE (International Welding Engineer) diploma are advantageous.
• Strong research record in welding metallurgy and welding technology, demonstrated through publications and/or industrial research achievements.
• Academic or industrial experience in materials characterization, welding process optimization, and welding simulation.
• Proven teaching potential; prior experience in academic instruction is a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Language requirements:
• Proficient in Dutch and English (CEFR level C1 or higher), as teaching duties span both languages.
• Language support and training are provided by KU Leuven, if necessary.

Offer

• Full-time, permanent or tenure-track position, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Academic rank: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, or Full Professor.
• Appointment at the KU Leuven De Nayer Campus, near Mechelen, with occasional duties in Leuven (Group T) or other campuses.
• A 4-year PhD-equivalent research position will be made available for scientific onboarding.
• Eligible candidates may apply for a start-up grant of €110,000, subject to appointment percentage.
• Full institutional support for relocation, housing, partner career services, childcare, and language learning.

Application Procedure

Apply through KU Leuven’s online application tool no later than August 12, 2025.

Include:

1. Biosketch (max 2 pages) outlining your academic contributions and vision.
2. Top 5 publications or realizations.
3. Extended CV with a full publication list (and architecture portfolio if applicable).
4. Research plan (max 5 pages), showing alignment with the research unit.
5. Teaching vision (max 2 pages).
6. Outreach and service contribution (max 1 page).
7. Leadership vision (max 1 page).

For content-related inquiries:

• Prof. Dr. Ir. Bart Blanpain – bart.blanpain@kuleuven.be | +32 16 32 1216
• Prof. Dr. Ir. Jan Ivens – jan.ivens@kuleuven.be | +32 16 32 8612
• Prof. Dr. Ir. Toon Van Waterschoot – toon.vanwaterschoot@kuleuven.be | +32 485 910 616

Commitment to Equity

KU Leuven is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives enhance academic excellence. Discrimination of any kind is not tolerated.

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