The PhD researcher will be part of the Innovative Design for Energy Applications Lab (“IDEAL”) of Prof. Maarten Blommaert. The research group is embedded in the Mechanical Engineering Department of KU Leuven, Europe’s most innovative university [Reuters], a member of the EnergyVille research collaboration for sustainable energy research, and located at Geel campus. Building on Prof. Blommaert’s expertise in numerical optimization of flow and heat transfer, IDEAL focuses on the optimal design of (thermal) energy components and systems through free-shape and topology optimization techniques. As such, the group aims to increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and realize cost savings. At the energy component level, performance is maximized through the development, implementation, and validation of model-based shape and topology optimization techniques that optimally exploit the degrees of freedom offered by present-day manufacturing processes. Applications include the design of highly effective heat exchangers and heat-resistant heat sinks for nuclear fusion reactors. At the energy system level, the group aims to navigate the increasingly complex design challenges of renewable-based heating networks with nonlinear transport models and optimization techniques. Its close research collaborations with other academic research groups in heat and fluid engineering, computational techniques, material sciences, and manufacturing processes, as well as with valorization partners in EnergyVille and industry, create a unique environment where fundamental research findings pave the way for design innovation in energy applications.
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Project
This PhD offers the opportunity to take ownership of the full development cycle of next-generation heat exchangers, from generative design and numerical optimization to manufacturing, experimental validation, and performance assessment. The research directly contributes to two major energy challenges: improving industrial energy efficiency and enabling more affordable carbon capture technologies. The researcher will combine in-house simulation and generative design tools with hands-on experimental work, taking concepts from numerical models to manufactured prototypes and validated performance data.
In the first part of the project, the researcher will take the lead in developing, manufacturing, and experimentally validating generatively designed heat exchangers for energy recovery applications. Starting from in-house simulation and optimization tools, the researcher will translate numerical designs into physical prototypes using flexible production techniques such as additive manufacturing and etching. These prototypes will then be tested with advanced experimental methods, including flow visualization and thermography, to assess their thermal and hydraulic performance, validate the underlying models, and identify how generative design can push the limits of conventional heat exchanger technology.
In the second part of the PhD research, the candidate will contribute to the HEATCAP project (https://www.moonshotflanders.be/en/projects/heatcap), a Flemish university consortium that aims to develop affordable point-source carbon capture based on adsorption technology, with a target cost below €50 per ton of CO2. Within this project, the PhD researcher will take ownership of the experimental validation of adsorption heat exchanger concepts. This includes validating simulation models, benchmarking design choices, and generating performance insights that can guide the development of more effective and scalable carbon capture systems. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with researchers across the consortium and with input from industrial partners, ensuring a strong connection between fundamental research and real-world application.
The final goal of the PhD research is to deliver experimentally validated heat exchanger concepts with strong potential for industrial energy savings, lower carbon capture costs, and substantial reductions in CO2 emissions. The position is particularly suited for a candidate who enjoys combining creative design, hands-on experimentation, and research with direct relevance for the energy transition.
Profile
You are a highly motivated, enthusiastic, and communicative researcher with a strong interest in heat exchangers, thermal-fluid engineering, and experimental research. Moreover, you are a team player who enjoys collaborating with people within the research group, the project, and beyond, and have
- A Master’s degree in engineering with a background in mechanical engineering or a related field, from a reputable institute, with outstanding study results,
- A background in fluid mechanics and heat transfer,
- A background in experimental techniques for flow and heat transfer, or a strong motivation to develop these skills,
- The qualities to carry out independent research, demonstrated e.g., by the grades obtained on your MSc thesis,
- An excellent command of the English language, both in spoken and written form,
- A critical mindset.
Additional research/educational experience in any of the following topics is considered a strong advantage:
- Flexible production techniques such as additive manufacturing or etching
- Usage of commercial CFD software
- Generative design
- Adsorption processes
- Heat exchangers
- Coding in languages such as Python and C++
- Numerical optimization.
Offer
- A four-year doctoral scholarship and, if successful, a PhD in Engineering Technology.
- A competitive salary and additional benefits such as health insurance, access to sports facilities, etc.
- The opportunity to develop a strong and distinctive research profile at the interface of generative design, experimental heat-transfer research, prototype manufacturing, and carbon capture technology.
- The opportunity to be active in an exciting and international research environment, engage in research collaborations, and participate in international conferences.
- Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
- Excellent doctoral training at the Arenberg Doctoral School in an international environment at a top European university. This will allow you to gain the skills required to successfully complete your PhD and develop yourself as an independent researcher. Moreover, opportunities are provided to acquire deeper knowledge in subjects related to the topic by participating in training, summer schools, or lectures within and outside KU Leuven.
- Close supervision in a growing research group with strong expertise in numerical optimization and heat transfer.
- Opportunities to publish in high-quality journals, present at international conferences, and build a network with academic and industrial partners.
- A flexible working culture, with the possibility of up to 40% remote work where compatible with the experimental nature of the research.
A starting date can be discussed upon agreement with Prof. Blommaert, but no later than December 2026.
The HEATCAP project
Interested?
Applicants should express their interest by sending an email to Prof. Maarten Blommaert at the dedicated email address [email protected]. To help us process applications efficiently, please include the following information in bullet points in the body of your email:
• Name
• Master’s degree (Master’s specification, university + country, year obtained, supervisor)
• Master thesis title
• The vacancy you apply for
• A one paragraph (up to half an A4 page) statement explaining the motivation for applying for this vacancy at KU Leuven.
• Please also attach an academic CV to your email.
Decision: as soon as a suitable candidate applies, so do not wait until the closing date to apply. For more information, please contact Prof. Maarten Blommaert and his team at [email protected].
KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.
