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  2. PhD position on micro Coriolis mass flow sensors for gas flow measurement

PhD position on micro Coriolis mass flow sensors for gas flow measurement

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to push the boundaries in ultra-low gas flow sensing using the Coriolis principle.

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Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,901 - € 3,707
  • Deadline
    11 Apr 2025

Coriolis mass flow sensors are based on the measurement of the Coriolis forces acting on a flowing medium inside a vibrating tube. An important advantage of Coriolis mass flow sensors over other types of flow sensors is that they provide a direct measure for the mass flow, independent of fluid parameters like density, viscosity and thermal conductivity. Miniaturization of Coriolis mass flow sensors is difficult because the measured Coriolis forces are extremely small and scale down proportionally with the amount of mass flow. Thanks to microfabrication technologies, a breakthrough was achieved with the invention of an integrated micro Coriolis mass flow sensor based on a silicon nitride tube with a diameter of 80 µm and an extremely thin wall thickness of 1.3 µm, so that the mass of the tube itself is small compared to the mass of the flowing medium. While the performance of the device has been extensively explored for flows of liquids, there are still many open research questions left to improve its performance regarding flows of gases.

In the new project “Micro Coriolis mass flow sensors for gas flows”, new sensor designs and new features of the fabrication process will be explored to improve the zero stability, lower the thermal noise level, and reduce the pressure drop over the sensor. The research concentrates on the design, fabrication and characterization of a complete sensor system that can measure gas flows down to microgram per hour levels. The main challenges are (1) the design and modelling of new sensor topologies based on technologies that have not been explored before, (2) optimization of the MEMS fabrication process, (3) fabrication of the sensor chips in the MESA+ cleanroom and (4) evaluation of the resulting performance improvement in our MEMS measurement lab.

The PhD candidate will work at the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) at the University of Twente in Enschede, the Netherlands. You will carry out the research at the University of Twente, with guidance from senior scientists and support from a senior engineer. Various teaching activities in your field of expertise may take up to 20% of your time.

Your profile

  • You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher.
  • You have a MSc degree in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, mechanical engineering or a related topic, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills
  • You have shown affinity with microfabrication, electronics, MEMS and/or sensors
  • You have good team spirit and like to work in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment.
  • You are fluent in English

Our offer

  • As a PhD candidate at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
  • The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
  • Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
  • You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.901,- (first year) to € 3.707,- (fourth year);
  • There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
  • The flexibility to work (partially) from home;
  • A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis;
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus;
  • A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
  • You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
  • We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before April 12, 2025, and include the following:

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact dr. ir. R.J. Wiegerink at R.J.Wiegerink@utwente.nl.

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About the department

The IDS group belongs to the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science. The research group studies electronic and electromechanical components and develops new concepts for nanoscale materials, devices and systems using nano- and microfabrication techniques. One ambition of the IDS group is to combine its experience in both semiconductor and MEMS technologies to design, fabricate and characterize novel smart sensing devices.

IDS contributes to the MESA+ Institute and has a strong track records in knowledge transfers to the semiconductor industry. MESA+ is the largest research institute of the University of Twente. The institute trains graduate students and PhD-students and conducts research in the fields of nanotechnology, microsystems, materials science and microelectronics. Unique of MESA+ is its multidisciplinary composition.

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco)

Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco)
Associate Professor

Wiegerink, R.J. (Remco)
Associate Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Remco for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the faculty EEMCS

Curious about what the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) stands for? Check out the EEMCS website for more information.

A job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

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