The manufacturing and surface integrity associated with the micro processing of polymers for medical devices is a scientific and technical challenge. The European Marie Sklodowska-Curie ITN research project SIMPPER MedDev address these challenges and involves a consortium of 5 leading European universities, 10 industry partners who manufacture medical devices, and an orthopaedics hospital. 

We are looking for two PhD-students to strengthen our research team, who will work on laser-based manufacturing for medical devices. You will be part of a cohort of 12 international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral early stage researchers and will be trained in personal, professional, academic, technical and intellectual skills. 

The PhD projects: 

1. Laser micro-printing of biomedical multi-materials

Laser-induced forward transfer (LIFT) is an innovative Additive Manufacturing process in which a small volume (e.g. 5 femtolitre) of a thin donor film is transferred to a substrate via a laser beam. In this project you will study the fundamentals of, and develop strategies to, combining metals and polymers in LIFT is crucial for medical devices, as is LIFT of pure metals directly onto curved polymers with high mutual adhesion. These challenges need to be overcome to obtain high mechanical stability, reproducibility and good adhesion for medical devices.

2. Laser induced periodic surface structures of polymers

Laser processing with ultrashort pulses (in the fs and ps regime) allows for contactless structuring of surfaces on the micrometre and nanometre scale to modify (functionalise) surfaces. While fundamentals of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on polymers is not yet fully understood. In this project you will establish the knowledge needed to process this class of materials. You will also study the laser-induced chemical and geometric modifications of the polymer and the resulting effects on bio-com­pa­tibility.

• You have a Master’s degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent) in Applied Physics, Photonics, (Mechanical or Materials or Electrical) Engineering, a closely related discipline;
• Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of fundamental aspects of laser-material processing and applied knowledge in laser micromachining are an advantage.
• Experience in using a range of technologies/techniques for surface characterisation, e.g. SEM, EDX, AFM, etc., would be an advantage
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment and undertake experimental research.
• Good knowledge/demonstrated awareness of (numerical) modelling.
• Excellent analysis skills and an analytical mind-set, as well as excellent communication skills, including written.
• English language proficiency. If you have not graduated in a country where English is the first language, then you will need to demonstrate your English proficiency by having passed IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum overall score for IELTS is at least 6.5 with no component being below 5.5.
• Applications from suitably qualified female applicants are particularly welcome.

Eligibility and Mobility

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (ITN) eligibility criteria apply, in summary:

• At the time of recruitment by the University of Twente you must be in the first 4 years of your research career and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.
• You are required to undertake transnational mobility (i.e. move from another country to, in this case, The Netherlands) when taking up your appointment. That is, at the time of recruitment by the host beneficiary, you must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to date of recruitment.
• Researchers can be of any nationality and there is no age limit.
• For details on the above criteria point your web browser to:  https://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/sites/mariecurie2/files/msca-itn-fellows-note_en_v2.pdf

• A four-year fulltime PhD position.
• We provide a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities. And we provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• A starting salary of € 2395,- gross per month in the first year and increasing to € 3061,-gross per month in the fourth year.
• An annual holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and an annual year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• A solid pension scheme.
• 41 leave days in case of full-time employment.
• The University of Twente is situated on a green and lively campus with lots of facilities for sports and other activities.