2x PhD position on the design and fabrication of MEMS flow sensors and microphones
We are looking for two highly motivated PhD candidates to push the boundaries in 1) gas flow and composition sensing using integrated drag force sensors, and 2) micromachined microphones for cochlea-inspired acoustic monitoring.
In the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) group, we will start two new research projects on the design, fabrication, and characterisation of MEMS devices.
The first project will focus on a new type of gas flow sensor that is based on the deformation of integrated mechanical structures due to the forces exerted by the gas flow through the silicon chip. By combining such sensors with thermal flow sensors on a single chip, we expect that, besides mass flow, many relevant gas parameters can be measured like thermal conductivity, density, specific heat, and dynamic viscosity.
The second project will focus on a new type of MEMS microphones, specifically aiming at acoustic monitoring applications that require ultra low power operation.
In both projects we will work closely together with experts in electronic circuit design to realize the electronic interfacing for the sensors, in case of the flow sensors with the Electronic Instrumentation Lab at the TU Delft, and in case of the microphones with the IC Design group at the University of Twente.
The main tasks are:
- The design and modelling of the new sensor topologies
- Development of the MEMS fabrication processes
- Fabrication of the sensor chips in the MESA+ cleanroom
- Evaluation of the resulting performance
- Development of the required interface electronics in cooperation with our partners.
- Various teaching activities in your field of expertise may take up to 20% of your time.
The candidates should have a background in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics, or mechanical engineering, with excellent theoretical and experimental skills, and preferably with experience in mechanical design, finite element modelling, and cleanroom fabrication of MEMS devices.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 12 January 2026, and include:
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivations to apply for one of these positions. Please also indicate in which position you are interested.
For more information regarding these positions, you are welcome to contact dr. ir. R.J. Wiegerink at R.J.Wiegerink@utwente.nl.
Screening is part of the selection process.
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 record in knowledge transfer to the semiconductor and sensor 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 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.
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