Postdoctoral Fellow in Electromechanical Engineering

Ghent University

Belgium

Department: TW08 – Department of Electromechanical, Systems and Metal Engineering
Regime: Full-time (100%)
Location: Ghent University, Belgium
Start Date: 1 March 2026 (earliest)
Application Deadline: 15 February 2026 (23:59 CET)

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a leading European research university employing over 15,000 staff. It provides cutting-edge research, education, and technical services across 11 faculties and 85+ departments. Ghent University is known for fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and innovative research solutions.

Project Overview

The PhD position is framed within the Model-based Efficiency and Lifetime Optimization of Drivetrains project. The project aims to improve sustainability and reliability of drivetrain systems by combining advanced simulation techniques with data-driven models.

The research involves close collaboration with experimental facilities and simulation/condition-monitoring experts to:

Develop high-fidelity dynamic multi-body simulation (MBS) models with elastic bodies and elasto-hydrodynamic (EHD) couplings.
Account for wear- and fatigue-induced degradation in machine elements.
Create machine-learning-based surrogate models for rapid predictions of efficiency and lifetime.
Validate models using experimental data from drivetrain test benches equipped with load, temperature, vibration, and acoustic sensors.
Integrate models into a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) framework to ensure scalability and reusability.

The work combines simulation, machine learning, and experimental validation in a multidisciplinary research environment.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct doctoral research on advanced drivetrain simulation and modeling.
Develop MBS/EHD models and ML-based surrogate models.
Validate models against experimental data from test benches.
Collaborate with experimental teams and contribute to a multidisciplinary research network.
Disseminate results through academic publications and presentations.

Candidate Profile

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, or related fields.
Strong interest in machine design, computational modeling, tribology, and machine learning.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch is an asset.
Motivation to conduct research in an international environment and engage with experimental teams.
Affinity for simulation tools, data-driven methods, and advanced modeling.

What We Offer

Full-time doctoral fellowship, initially 12 months, extendable to up to 48 months after positive evaluation.
Fellowship amount: 100% of net salary for an AAP member (family status considered).
Training and education opportunities through Ghent University Doctoral Schools.
Benefits: 36 days of annual leave, bicycle allowance, eco vouchers, and access to various staff benefits.
Opportunity to work in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.