Job Description
The successful candidate will be responsible for the technical leadership and 
project management of complex experimental research projects in the field of 
turbine aerodynamics and heat transfer. Additionally, the candidate will work 
closely with the Head of the Turbine Research Expertise Group in the supervision 
of PhD and Master students, in identifying and pursuing opportunities for future 
research projects, and in advancing the research capabilities of the group.
Specific Responsibilities
•Technical leadership throughout the lifecycle of the project.  
•Project management of experimental research projects.
•Design, supervision, and execution of aerothermal test campaigns.
•Development of advanced post-processing routines, data analysis and 
presentation of results 
•Technical report writing.
•Dissemination of results through conference/journal publications and conference 
participation.
•Active contribution to the continuous advancement of the research capabilities 
of the group.
•Active contribution to the maintenance and expansion of the project pipeline.
•Grant proposal writing and preparation.
•Supervision of PhD and Master Students.

Qualifications/Requirements
•PhD in Mechanical, Aeronautical/Aerospace, or related engineering field. 
•Proven track record of technical leadership and management of experimental 
projects in the field of turbomachinery.
•Expertise in turbine aerodynamics, heat transfer, testing procedures and 
measurement techniques 
•Experience with experimental techniques and data analysis for testing of 
turbomachinery.
•Strong teamwork and communication skills, and ability to work with 
multidisciplinary/multi-cultural teams.
•Self-motivated and ability to work and perform under pressure.
•Fluency in English.

Desired Characteristics
•International network of contacts in academia and industry.
•Experience with grant proposal writing and submission to public funding calls 
(e.g. EU calls).
•Hands-on experience in experimental facility design and development for 
rotating-stage testing of turbomachines.
•Multidisciplinary engineering skills (design, materials, stress analysis, 
aerodynamics, heat transfer, instrumentation, CFD).
•Working knowledge of French.

We offer:
• A Permanent full-time contract
• An attractive salary package, including group and hospitalisation insurance 
and other fringe benefits
• A stimulating and challenging job
• Work with enthusiastic people driven by passion for research and innovation
• An international environment with students and young researchers, as a 
research and educational institution

Application Process
Interested candidates are required to upload a covering letter, CV, publication 
list and the contact of two referees as part of their application. 
https://jobs.vki.ac.be/offer-detail/research-engineer-turbine-experimental-
aerotherm/
A series of interviews are to follow for short-listed candidates.

The von Karman Institute reserves the right not to appoint a candidate if no 
suitable candidate is found. VKI does strictly adhere to the ethical standards 
of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment 
of Researchers. 

Further information on the position and informal enquiries may be addressed to 
Professor Sergio Lavagnoli at sergio.lavagnoli@vki.ac.be