Working at KU Leuven

• KU Leuven is a research-intensive university that carries out both fundamental and applied research in all academic disciplines, with an interdisciplinary focus.  KU Leuven has been ranked for four consecutive years as the most 'innovative university' in Europe, determined based on patent filings and valorization track (2016 rankings, 2017 rankings, 2018 rankings, 2019 rankings). Leuven Research and Development drives innovation by assisting researchers in valorizing results. The university is ranked as the 5th European university in the Times Higher Education Rankings.
• As the European Capital of Innovation for 2020, Leuven has been awarded for its excellent innovation concepts, processes, and governance models. The city provides a stimulating environment for research and aims on becoming one of Europe's Labs of the Future. 
• KU Leuven is a breeding ground and attractive destination for top talent, including Starting and Consolidator ERC Grantees and hundreds of Marie Curie fellows. About 40% of our researchers come from abroad.

Living in Leuven

• Leuven is a vibrant city located in the heart of Europe. Elected as the best open-minded destination in Europe, Leuven is a tolerant and welcoming multicultural city. Brussels is only 20 minutes by train, whereas Amsterdam (2 hours), London (2 hours) and Paris (1,5 hours) are all within reach. 
• Like the rest of Belgium, Leuven is famous for its beers, fries, and chocolates.
• For more detailed information 'Living in Leuven' offers valuable guidance for international scholars.
• You may have a quick look at our campus via the KU Leuven virtual tour.
• Still not convinced? The article 'Belgium's quieter under-the-radar alternative to Bruges' might do the trick!

Positions @ Ameloot Group

Postdocs

Position: Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship

Thanks to the Bessel Research Award received from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in 2021, the Ameloot group can host researchers eligible for a Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship. Please get in touch if you are interested and meet the eligibility criteria:

• You hold German citizenship. If you are currently not in Germany, please refer to the FAQ.
• If you are a citizen of a country other than Germany, you are eligible to apply if you are working academically in Germany at the time of application. You should already be integrated into the German academic system and intend to come back into the German academic system after your planned stay abroad. For more information, please see the FAQ.
• To successfully apply, you must not have spent more than 6 months in total in the selected host country within the 18-month period prior to submitting your application. 

Even though there is no deadline for applications, you should apply well in advance. The Selection Committee responsible for reviewing applications to this programme meets every February, June, and October. Applications are usually processed within four to seven months.

Apart from the posted positions, we are always on the lookout for excellent post-docs to apply for a prestigious Marie Curie fellowship together. Only experienced researchers can apply. This means you will have your doctoral degree or at least four years of full-time research experience by the time of the call deadline. Contact us well in advance to propose a topic! More info here and on the Horizon 2020 participant portal.

PhD students

No positions currently available

Research Management

No positions currently available

Scientific staff

Position: Research associate – Prototype development for volatile acid detection in food processing plants

As part of the Acid Alert valorization project at the Ameloot group KU Leuven, we are seeking a hands-on Electronics Engineer to lead proof-of-concept device development for vapor sensing. You’ll be responsible for designing, implementing, and testing read-out electronics for our patented sensing technologies, translating lab concepts into robust, real-world prototypes. 

This is a technology development role, not a PhD or postdoc position. You will be part scientific staff, focused on building and validating devices, not publishing papers. Expect a dynamic mix of hardware development, firmware/software programming, mechanical integration, and system validation. You will also engage with tech transfer activities, including industrial contacts, business plans, patenting, and regulatory pathways.

Your Responsibilities

• Design and implement analog/digital electronic circuits for sensor read-out
• Create schematics and PCB layouts (Altium, KiCAD, etc.), solder and assemble circuits
• Test, validate, and troubleshoot electronics
• Design and assemble harnesses, wiring, and physical enclosures for the electronics
• Collaborate closely with chemists, material scientists, and technicians to integrate electronics with chemical systems
• Document work in a structured and reproducible manner
• Perform on-site testing with industrial partners

Interested?

Find more information here. Please submit your application through the KU Leuven portal. In case you have questions about this job opportunity, please get in touch with Dr. Jorid Smets ([email protected]) via email and mention "Research associate – Prototype development " in the subject line. Please do NOT send an email just to inform that you submitted your application. You can apply for this job no later than September 26, 2025. 

Master's students

Please visit the dedicated website and log in with your KU Leuven student account.