2 PhD Positions in Grease Lubrication for Rolling Bearings Research
Are you passionate about rolling bearings and the grease that lubricates them? Are you motivated to optimize machinery lifetime via effective re-lubrication, thereby reducing the environmental impact of excessive grease use? Join us as a PhD researcher to investigate the mechanisms that underlie grease lubrication and degradation in bearings, and contribute to optimum re-lubrication strategies.
The SKF University Technology Centre for Grease Lubrication in the Department of Mechanics of Solids, Surfaces and Systems (MS3), part of the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), is seeking two highly motivated PhD students to investigate grease degradation and contamination mechanisms in rolling bearings, as well as grease distribution, mixing and flow in the bearing. The project is in collaboration with two major industrial partners and the outcome will facilitate the development of “smart” lubrication systems, increase the reliability of bearings, and support application engineering in lubrication strategies.
Rolling bearings are essential high-tech machine components of expensive and maintenance-sensitive equipment. Most rolling bearings are lubricated with grease, the latter often having a much shorter useful life. In industrial applications, such as large electric motors and wind turbines, bearings are re-lubricated at intervals, as a routine maintenance task. During re-lubrication, degraded and contaminated grease is partially replaced by fresh grease. While re-lubrication reduces the effects of contamination, the result is usually a mixture of fresh and contaminated/degraded grease in the bearing. To optimally re-lubricate, it is vital to understand this mixing process. Currently, the scientific knowledge of re-lubrication is non-existent.
This project will build new knowledge on several key aspects of re-lubrication, including grease flow, mixing, contamination, and degradation. Research activities will include the development of experimentally validated physics-based models. The bearing will be modeled as thermo-dynamic open system in which different processes are simultaneously active, including the flow and mixing of grease as a complex semi-fluid, and grease degradation.
The candidates will work at the SKF University Technology Centre for Grease Lubrication within the Surface Technology and Tribology group at the University of Twente, an international and collaborative environment with strong expertise in tribology and grease lubrication. The group provides a stimulating research atmosphere with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The candidates will work together, planning and performing their research towards the project goal. The candidates will provide research updates during progress meetings and in meetings with the project partners. The candidates are encouraged to present their work at scientific conferences and are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals. The industrial partners will be actively involved in the project via discussions, analyses, and experiments.
Information and application
To apply for these two PhD positions, please submit your application by July 31, 2026 by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button below.
Please include in your application:
- A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) detailing your specific research interests, motivation for applying, and why you are a strong candidate for this position.
- An updated curriculum vitae or resume, including contact details of at least two academic references.
- Applicants who have not completed both their secondary and tertiary education in English are required to provide official documentation of their language skills. The University of Twente accepts the following English language tests as proof of proficiency: an IELTS test with a minimum overall band score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 90, or a Cambridge English certificate at the CAE-C.
- Copies of your academic transcripts from both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Title and abstract of your Master’s thesis/project.
- Any additional supporting documents, such as publications or research experience.
Please ensure your application is submitted before the deadline via the online system. Applications submitted by email will not be considered.
For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. M. B. de Rooij (m.b.derooij@utwente.nl), Prof. dr. ir. P. M. Lugt (p.m.lugt@utwente.nl), Dr. J. A. Osara (j.a.osara@utwente.nl), or Dr. N. Bader (n.f.bader@utwente.nl)
The first round of interviews will take place in the week of August, 17, 2026.
A screening is part of the selection procedure.
About the organisation
At the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET), we work on engineering for impact: developing smart, sustainable, human-centred and technological solutions for societal challenges. We connect fundamental education, research and practice across five core domains: Asset & Maintenance engineering, Intelligent Manufacturing Systems, Personalised Health Technology, Resilience Engineering, and Sustainable Production, Energy and Resources.
We work on education and research in mechanical engineering, civil engineering and industrial design engineering. Together, we learn by making, creating, and innovating, addressing challenges in a solution-oriented way. Quality, connection and inclusivity are the foundation of our culture.
In our open community, students, researchers and staff collaborate with industrial and societal partners. This enables us to develop insights, applications and solutions that add value to society.
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