The group of Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) (a merger of the former Semiconductor Components and Micro Sensors and Systems groups) studies the heart of electronics: electronic and electromechanical components. Think of transistors, diodes, solar cells, and sensors. Our investigations range from materials science via microfabrication to device characterization, modeling, and long-term reliability. Our research can be roughly divided into making devices, characterizing devices and modeling devices.

The project has a purpose to develop a demonstrator of a gas monitoring module for respiratory devices, which will be used for personalized breath therapy for patients with respiratory and lung diseases. With the gas monitor system different gas mixtures can be explored in order to assess their potential as therapeutic solutions. The gas monitor must tackle challenging requirements as it has to be capable of real-time measuring concentrations of multiple gases, including noble gases, while remaining cost effective and within an acceptable volume.

MEMS thermal flow sensors have the potential to provide a solution for the respiratory application, as they can be small, fast responding and cost-effective. However, several fundamental issues still have to be solved, like the chemical compatibility to the gases used and exhaled breath, the output signal of the flow sensor on the type of gas, and the combination of sensor structure, operating principle and electronic circuitry to obtain the ultrafast response necessary to follow real-time inhaled and exhaled breath and extracting both the flow rate and gas composition instantaneously. By modifying our surface channel technology we can achieve a fast and accurate gas monitor module as required for the respiratory application.

Your challenges include:

• Combining methods like using thermopiles, electronic feedback, and active thermal shielding.
• Investigating new fabrication technology like using silicon layers for heating and heat distribution.
• Developing adequate theoretical and simulation models to find the optimum sensor topology (distances between heaters and temperature sensors, length and diameter of channel, etc.) and heating powers.
• Developing theoretical and simulation models to detect gas composition.
• Realization of a demonstrator of a gas monitoring module for respiratory devices, which will be used for preliminary clinical tests in hospitals.

• You are highly motivated and an enthusiastic researcher (F/M).
• You have a MSc degree in electrical engineering, nanotechnology, applied physics or a related topic, with excellent experimental and theoretical skills.
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented environment.
• Affinity with the application of the scientific results in an industrial environment.
• You are fluent in English.
• An assessment can be part of the selection procedure.

Include in your application:

• A motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation to apply for a PhD position in our group.
• A full Curriculum Vitae including your publications, awards, and working experience. Your CV should demonstrate the scope of your work and education and indicate a good fit with the stated requirements for the position.
• Contact details of at least two referees.
• An academic transcript of BSc and MSc education, including grades.

• As a PhD student at the UT, you will be appointed on a fulltime position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating scientific environment.
• Salary and conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO- NU).
• You will receive a salary ranging from €2.325,- gross per month at the start to €2.972,- in the fourth year.
• Excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, a year-end bonus of 8.3% and a solid pension scheme.
• A training program in which you and your supervisor will make up a plan for additional suitable education and supervision.
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers, and partners from industry.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) comprises three disciplines that shape Information and Communication Technology. ICT is more than communication. In almost every product we use mathematics, electronics and computer technology and ICT now contributes to all of societies' activities. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. The research which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centra and Digital Society Institute.