A PhD position is available at the chair of Precision Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the University of Twente.
In high-tech domains such as semicon, healthcare, and space, performance is increasingly limited by thermally induced deformations. While passive and active compensation methods exist, thermal effects must be addressed during early-stage design. This calls for advanced modeling techniques that capture thermo-elastic interactions with high fidelity. In this PhD, you will help develop these next-generation tools.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to strengthen our research. Your research will focus on the development of numerical simulation techniques based on finite element and multibody dynamics formulations. Your tasks involve developing new elements tailored to the multi-physical effects seen in high-performance mechatronics systems, focussing on the inclusion of thermal aspects. You can leverage a large body of existing research and software for the efficient simulation of complex geometrically nonlinear mechanical elastic structures. Other aspects of the research include a numerical framework for the sensitivity analysis to facilitate design optimization and experimental system identification.
Information and application
If you’re interested in this position, please send your application before September 20, 2025.
Your application should include:
- A cover letter (maximum 1 page A4) emphasizing why you are a good fit for this position. It is crucial to link your profile to the advertised position.
- A detailed curriculum vitae with publications (if available).
- An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education with a course list and grades.
- A high TOEL score (> 90 or 100) or IELTS score (> 6.5 or 7) is generally required.
For more information, you can contact dr.ir. Marijn Nijenhuis, email: m.nijenhuis@utwente.nl
First (online) interviews will be held in the first week of October 2025.
Screening will be part of the selection procedure.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) engages in education and research of Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. We enable society and industry to innovate and create value using efficient, solid and sustainable technology. We are part of a ‘people-first' university of technology, taking our place as an internationally leading center for smart production, processes and devices in five domains: Health Technology, Maintenance, Smart Regions, Smart Industry and Sustainable Resources. Our faculty is home to about 2,900 Bachelor's and Master's students, 550 employees and 150 PhD candidates. Our educational and research programmes are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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