Doctoral Candidate Advanced Implant Process Technologies

Development of a digital twin for micro laser-welded assemblies for active (acoustic) implantable assemblies based on a deep understanding of the physical phenomena involved

Validation of digital twin by matching the prediction of functional characteristics with physical measurements

Analysis of the sensitivity to geometric tolerances of mating parts using the digital twin model.

Validated digital twin of one or more micro-precision laser weld interfaces for existing design

Methodology for sensitivity analysis of the effect of geometric tolerances using the digital twin

Design and production guidelines for micro-precision laser weld interfaces

The project is supported by Cochlear’s extensive experience in laser µ-welding, implantable device design, and multiphysics simulation, and will deliver a validated digital twin of existing welded sub-assemblies along with a methodology for tolerance-sensitivity analysis. The resulting tools are expected to enhance the development of next-generation implantable devices and transfer valuable knowledge into manufacturing workflows.

This is a unique opportunity to pursue a PhD degree in a mixed industrial and academic setting. The successful candidates will benefit from an international scientific network of high-profile industrial and academic partners, intersectoral secondments as well as individual and network-wide training modules, including transferable skills courses.

You are the right candidate for this role when:

You are eligible to the criteria of the EU Funding: You have not already received a PhD or equivalent degree by any institution; researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible. You can be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service, and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered. You must also be eligible to work in Belgium according to regulations (e.g. visa requirements), and also to travel/work in other European countries for collaborations/secondments and trainings.

You have not already received a PhD or equivalent degree by any institution; researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

You can be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service, and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered.

You must also be eligible to work in Belgium according to regulations (e.g. visa requirements), and also to travel/work in other European countries for collaborations/secondments and trainings.

You hold a Master’s degree (min. distinction) or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical, Materials Engineering, Production/Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, Data Science or a related field in Science and Engineering

You have a strong interest in research, ideally multidisciplinary

You are motivated by putting theory into practice and enjoy hands-on work

You are enthusiastic, empathic and driven: you are motivated to work on real life problems

You have proven analytical skills. You have an inquisitive and creative mind, and good problem-solving skills.

You are a strong team player with, at the same time, the ability to work independently.

You have good verbal and written English skills

Ideally you have experience with either COMSOL, ANSYS or another CAE simulation SW or with process engineering

You possess practical knowledge of design of experiments (DoE), statistical/data analysis and scientific presentation

You have knowledge of programming (e.g. Python) and machine learning / AI

You are willing to travel between the Cochlear office in Mechelen (BE), the University of Leuven (BE), and other consortium partner locations. This includes 2 secondments to Chemnitz (DE, 1 month) and Sydney (AU, 3 months).

You will receive a full-time employment contract, enrolled in a PhD program. The salary is in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers and the exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment and is dependent on local tax regulations and on the country correction factor applied by EU. The salary includes a living, mobility, and family allowance (if applicable).

The recruitment will be a transparent, open and equal process following the guidelines of the European Charter & Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers . The candidates will be selected based on scientific qualification and experience, research interest, additional knowledge/skills and their motivation to participate in an intersectoral research-training programme. The process consists of 3 steps:

Evaluation of the applications based on eligibility criteria Assessment on paper of qualifications and activities by the Selection committee Online-interview for the selected candidates

Apply now for the Doctoral Candidate position by completing your online application form below.

Your application should consist of (PDF):

CV (including publications if any),

1-page motivation letter,

Recommendation letters (min. 2, max. 3).

Copies of Diplomas and supplements: Include copies of your BSc and MSc degrees with diploma supplements.

Transcript of Records: Provide transcripts for your BSc and MSc degrees. If you have not yet completed your Master's degree, include your available credits and scores, as well as a list of courses you are taking in the upcoming semester.

Proof of English Language Proficiency: Documentation demonstrating your proficiency in English (TOEFL, IELTS, …), if available.

Cochlear’s mission is to help people hear and be heard. Around the world, more people chose a Cochlear-branded hearing implant system than any other. Our employees tell us that the number one reason they enjoy working for Cochlear is the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives. Learn and grow with us as we tackle the most complex challenges in helping people to Hear Now. And Always. Cochlear is the global market leader in implantable hearing solutions including cochlear implant systems (CI) and bone anchored hearing aids (Baha™).

Cochlear is committed to providing equal opportunities to avoid unlawful discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, religion/belief or age. In line with our corporate ethics and statutory obligations we strive to ensure that the work environment is free of harassment and bullying and that everyone is treated with dignity and respect - this is an important aspect of ensuring equal opportunities in employment.