Researcher in Structural Engineering M/W/X

MAIN TASKS

• Design and Development of the Experimental Test Rig:
• Develop a novel blast-testing setup capable of applying combined axial load and lateral blast loading on vertically oriented RC columns.
• Ensure realistic boundary conditions (fixed, pinned) and controllability of axial load levels.
• Integrate safety systems and repeatable blast generation mechanisms.
• Material Characterization and Specimen Preparation:
• Design and fabricate representative RC column specimens with varying: Reinforcement ratios, Concrete strengths, Confinement details
• Instrumentation and Advanced Measurement Integration
• Implement Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for full-field deformation tracking.
• Install high-speed sensors, including: Pressure gauges, Accelerometers, Strain gauges
• Synchronize data acquisition systems for capturing transient blast effects.
• Parametric Experimental Campaign
• Perform a systematic testing program varying: Axial load ratios (e.g., 0-60% of capacity), Blast intensity (scaled charge distance), Column geometry and reinforcement schemes
• Evaluate failure modes, residual capacity, and damage evolution.
• Numerical Modeling and Validation
• Develop high-fidelity finite element models (e.g., LS-DYNA, ABAQUS) capturing: Material strain-rate effects, Blast wave interaction,...
• Validate models against experimental results to enable predictive simulations beyond tested scenarios.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required: Master's degree or PhD in Engineering (Applied Sciences, Engineering Sciences) in the field of Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering.

¿Must have¿ skills

• Knowledge and training in structural design
• Training or experience in Finite Element Modeling •

Training or experience in the use of CAD software

¿Nice to have¿ skills

•

Basic knowledge in machine learning and neural networks

Personal skills

• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You think in an innovative and creative way.
• You communicate your results in a clear, concise and precise manner.
• You are involved and result oriented.
• You solve problems autonomously and find alternatives or solutions.
• You behave in a respectful way toward others, their ideas and opinions as well as toward procedures and instructions.
• You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed.

Other skills

• The applicant shall have good knowledge of English (oral / written).
• Minimum knowledge of French or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.
• Experience in scientific literature review and scientific writing is an added value

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is both part of NATO and the EU will be eligible .
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From 1st September 2026 , in consultation with the applicant. •

Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).

Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed for 4 years. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.

• Wage scale: NA11 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent), or NA21 (holder of an Ir degree or equivalent Master's in Engineering Sciences, doctor's degree in the same area of expertise), with valuable / relevant seniority. A salary simulation can be done here: Simulateur de salaire . RMA applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
• Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Digital allowance: 15€ / month;
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays:
• 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years)
• 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

WORKPLACE

Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels . Ococcasional travels abroad for scientific conferences, etc.