Researcher - Next-Generation Roof Decking with Perforations and Micro-Profiling

1 - Working at the VUB

For more than 50 years, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has stood for freedom, equality and solidarity, and this is very much alive on our campuses among students and staff alike. 

At the VUB, you will find a diverse collection of personalities: innovators pur sang, but above all people who are 100% their authentic selves. With some 4,000 employees, we are the largest Dutch-speaking employer, in the private sector, in Brussels; an international city with which we are only too happy to connect and where (around) our 4 campuses are located. 

Add to this our principle of free research - in which self-reflection, a critical attitude and an open, creative mind around scientific and social issues are central - and you have a university that is fundamentally groundbreaking and pioneering in education and research. In short: the VUB all over again. 

Moreover, the VUB is a member of EUTOPIA, an alliance of like-minded European universities, all ready to reinvent themselves.

2 - Position description

The Faculty of Engineering, Department Mechanica van materialen en constructies, is looking for a PhD-student with a doctoral grant. 

More concretely your work package, for the preparation of a doctorate, contains: 

As a predoctoral researcher you will conduct experimental and numerical research on the structural behaviour and design of light- and micro-profiled steel roof sheeting, with the primary objective of improving the understanding of the mechanical behaviour and stability of these innovative roofing systems. The research will include the design and execution of laboratory experiments, the development and validation of finite element models, and the formulation of analytical and design-oriented models. Building on this work, you will contribute to complementary investigations on the combined effects of micro-profiling and patterned perforations on the structural performance of roof sheeting. In addition, the position involves experimental studies on the interaction between roof sheeting and the supporting steel structure, with particular emphasis on the rotational restraint and diaphragm action provided by the sheeting and their contribution to the stability and load-bearing behaviour of steel members. You will work in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners to support the development of reliable, efficient and sustainable design solutions for next-generation steel roof decking systems.

This doctoral project will take place in the frame of project PERFORM, funded by the European Union (Research Fund for Coal and Steel, RFCS).

The position might also include, to a limited extent, coordinating and supervising tutorials, laboratory sessions, and exercises (WPO) for courses taught by the MeMC department. The specific teaching assignment will be determined each year in consultation with you and your colleagues. 

For this function, our Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus (Elsene) will serve as your home base. 

3 - Profile

What do we expect from you?

• You hold a Master degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.

• You should have knowledge of the design and structural analysis of steel structures. Familiarity with the Eurocodes, especially those covering cold-formed thin-walled steel sections, is considered an asset;
• You have a solid background in mechanics of materials, computational mechanics and experience with finite element simulations and optimization. You have expertise in the use of finite element software (preferably ABAQUS) and you have programming skills (preferably in Matlab, Python or C++);
• You are a person showing the necessary reliability, autonomy and initiative;
• Your former experience with (non-destructive) experimental characterization is an advantage;
• You are interested to perform experimental and analytical/numerical research;
• You are interested to interact and collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners during the PhD study;
• You are a team-player and can work in an international environment using English as a scientific communication tool. Proficiency in both spoken and written English (typically CEFR level C1 or equivalent) is required;
• You have an affinity for writing as you will be strongly encouraged to publish your work in peer-reviewed international journal articles;
• You are open-minded, communicative, and maintain a collaborative attitude toward your colleagues;
• You actively contribute to the department's day-to-day operations and practical organization;
• You will join a team that places a strong emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and providing a supportive onboarding experience.

• You have not performed any works in the execution of a mandate as an assistant, paid from operating resources, over a total (cumulated) period of more than 12 months.

• As a (non-)EEA national, meet the conditions for obtaining a valid permit for VUB and comply with the VUB residence requirements. More info here.

The VUB wants to be a reflection of the society where everyone's talent is valued, regardless of gender, age, religion, skin color, migration background, disability and neurodiversity.

4 - Offer

Are you going to be our new colleague?

You’ll be offered a full-time PhD-scholarship, for 12 months (extendable up to max. 48 months, on condition of the positive evaluation of the PhD activities), with planned starting date 01/11/2026. 

You will have access to experimental facilities and a large computing infrastructure is available. M²S has established intensive collaboration at the national level with industry and universities performing research in related fields. You will get the opportunity to present your work in international conferences.

You’ll receive a grant linked to one of the scales set by the government.

IMPORTANT: The effective result of the doctorate scholarship is subject to the condition precedent of your enrolment as a doctorate student at the university.

At the VUB, you’re guaranteed an open, involved and diverse workplace where you are offered opportunities to (further) build on your career.

As well as this, you will also enjoy various other benefits:

• Extensive homeworking options, a telework allowance of 50 euros per month OR an internet fee of 20 euros per month;
• An open and informal working environment where attention is paid to work-life balance, and exceptional holiday arrangements with 35 days of leave (based on a fulltime contract), closure between Christmas and New Year and 3 extra leave days;
• Cost-free hospitalisation insurance;
• Full reimbursement of your home-to-work commute with public transport according to VUB-policy, and/or compensation if you come by bike; 
• A wide selection of meals in our campus restaurants at attractive prices;
• Excellent and affordable facilities for sport and exercise, a range of discounts via Benefits@Work (in  all kinds of shops, on flights, in petrol stations, amusement parks...) and Ecocheques; 
• Nursery near campus, discount on holiday camps; 
• The space to form your job content and to continuously learn through our VUB learning platforms and training courses;
• And finally: great colleagues with a healthy drive.

5 - Interested?

Is this the job you’ve been dreaming of?

Then apply, at the latest on 24/08/2026, via jobs.vub.be, and upload the following documents:

• your motivation letter including a link to a short video (approximately two minutes long) in which you present and explain your motivation to seek for a doctoral degree and for applying;
• your CV with:
  • your personal details;
  • your education and the subject of your master thesis;
  • transcripts of records of your Bachelor and Master degree;
  • your work experience if applicable;
• your diploma (not applicable for VUB alumni).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Our application process is as follows (subject to change):

• step 1: an initial selection based on your application file; 
• step 2: a job interview.

Do you have questions about the job content? Contact Lincy Pyl at lincy.pyl@vub.be or on 0032 2 6292920.

Would you like to know what it’s like to work at the VUB? Go to jobs.vub.be, and find all there is to know about our campuses, benefits, strategic goals and your future colleagues.

Would you like more information about EUTOPIA? Go to eutopia-university.eu, and read more about the role of the VUB in the development of the EUTOPIA alliance.