5 PhD Positions: Mechanics of Materials and Composite Structures

About the role

Five four-year fully funded PhD positions in the Mechanics of Materials and Structures group at Ghent University, supervised by Prof Wim Van Paepegem (Wim.VanPaepegem@UGent.be). Annual funding ranges from EUR 60,000 to EUR 80,000; net salary starts at EUR 2,600/month after taxes. The only personal cost is a one-time tuition fee of EUR 1,100. All five positions sit within active EU and industrial research projects. Deadline: 31 October 2026.

The five projects are:

1. Composite Propellers for Underwater Drones - design, manufacture, and testing of propellers for mine-countermeasure vehicles.
2. Experimental Testing of Composite Hydrogen Tanks - physical and mechanical characterisation of pressurised hydrogen storage tanks.
3. Numerical Simulation of Composite Hydrogen Tanks - finite element modelling and design optimisation under thermomechanical loads.
4. Finite Element Simulation of Snap Fit Joints - advanced solver strategies for complex snap-fit engagement and long-term performance.
5. Experimental Characterisation of Snap Fit Joints - Digital Image Correlation, high-speed imaging, and creep testing.

Responsibilities

• Design, manufacture, or simulate composite structures depending on project assignment.
• Collaborate with Belgian and international industrial and academic partners.
• Publish in leading composites journals (Composites Part A, Composite Structures).
• Travel for experimental campaigns at partner test facilities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in either experimental mechanics (projects 1, 2, 5) or computational mechanics (projects 3, 4).
• Collaborative mindset for industry-academia partnerships.
• Fluent English, written and spoken.

Nice to have

• Prior experience with ABAQUS, ANSYS, or other FEA software (projects 3, 4).
• Experience with Digital Image Correlation or high-speed cameras (projects 1, 2, 5).
• Background in hydrogen storage or underwater systems.

How to apply

Send a CV, motivation letter specifying which project(s) you are applying for, and transcripts to Wim.VanPaepegem@UGent.be or apply through the Ghent University composites group website at the link above. All five projects share the same closing date of 31 October 2026.