PhD position in circular silicon and silicon carbide for additive manufacturing
Are you passionate about circular materials, advanced manufacturing, and ceramics? We are looking for an ambitious PhD candidate to transform silicon-rich industrial waste into high-quality powders for 3D printing. You will develop the full chain — from waste conversion and powder engineering to additive manufacturing and machine-learning-driven optimisation — enabling sustainable production of high-performance ceramic components.
We offer a fully funded, four-year PhD position at the University of Twente focused on developing circular production routes for silicon and silicon carbide, key materials for high-temperature and high-performance applications. The project brings together materials science, powder technology, additive manufacturing, and data science.
Silicon carbide is widely used in demanding thermal, structural, and electronic applications, yet its production is energy-intensive and relies on global supply chains. At the same time, the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries generate large volumes of silicon-rich waste: up to 75% of silicon can be lost across the value chain, while recycling rates remain around 5%. Existing recycling routes largely downcycle this material into lower-value compounds and do not produce powders with the quality required for advanced manufacturing.
This PhD project aims to address that gap. You will develop and optimise routes for converting silicon-rich waste streams into high-purity powders. Using mechanochemical processing, you will investigate and control phase formation, particle size distribution, morphology, and flowability. You will then establish additive manufacturing process windows for these circular powders using both binder-free and binder-based additive manufacturing approaches, investigating melt behaviour, densification, defect formation, and microstructure in materials.
A distinctive element of the project is its data-driven approach. Together with colleagues at Saxion University of Applied Sciences, you will contribute to the development of machine-learning models that connect powder characteristics and process parameters with the properties of the final components. These models will support faster feedstock qualification and enable predictive quality control.
You will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment alongside academic researchers and industrial partners spanning the full value chain—from waste recovery and silicon processing to powder qualification, additive manufacturing, and advanced ceramics. The project offers strong opportunities to publish high-impact research while developing technologies with immediate industrial relevance and clear potential for sustainability impact.
Information and application
Are you interested in being part of our team? Please send your application by October 22, 2026, via the "Apply Now" button and include the following documents:
• A cover letter (maximum one A4 page) outlining your motivation, relevant expertise, and interest in the project.
• A detailed CV, including academic achievements, research experience, publications (if applicable), and the contact details of at least three references.
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor's and Master's studies.
• An abstract of your Master's thesis, briefly describing the research objectives, methodology, main findings, and key conclusions.
For more information about this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Davoud Jafari at davoud.jafari@utwente.nl.
screening is part of the procedure
About the department
The project at the University of Twente brings together scientists from the Faculties of Engineering Technology (ET).
ET: The Faculty of Engineering Technology engages in the 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 programs are closely connected with UT research institutes Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Center and Digital Society Institute.
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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